7 Keys to Spurs-Mavs

by BlackSilver on Apr 16, 2009 7:34 PM CDT

1. Cancel out Josh Howard. Howard will get his 25. Mace has to put up close to 20. Plus, Bowen and Udoka need to guard JH most of the game. Neither Finley nor Mace can defend him.

2. Don't underestimate Kidd's shooting in the fourth quarter. His shooting has improved this year and he is comfortable taking that shot when he's left wide open. Don't leave him wide open to double anyone else late in the 4th.

3. True, these aren't the same Spurs without Manu. But, the Mavs don't have Stack. That to me is their biggest loss, because now they miss a clutch bench scorer. I don't see how they can put up enough points to win the series.

4. Keep going to Timmeh, especially late in the game. No Mav can guard him, least of all Damps. They're talking up Brandon Bass and how he shut down Yao. Yeah, that's because Houston usually forgets about feeding Yao late in the game, not because Bass is such a great defender.

5. Tony is unguardable, especially this year. I think Manu's absence helps him remain aggressive.

6. Make Nowitzki work for his shots. I'm talking to you, Gooden.

7. Mace needs to continue taking his leaning in shots from a million feet away. Yeah, even that one where he steps on the 3 point line. Just, for the love of God, don't drive to the basket. Just don't do it. You're no bloody good at layups.

Spurs in 5. Because Howard's bum ankle will limit how much he can play and Pop will coach circles around Carlisle.

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I think there are some good ideas.

Let’s start Bruce? Shut Howard down from the start. We know he’s Mr. First Quarter.

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by Ed (dfjmed) on Apr 16, 2009 8:25 PM CDT reply actions

try to picture coaching circles around someone

It gave me a good laugh when I pictured it.

V- "I'm not questioning your powers of observation. I'm merely remarking on the paradox of asking a masked man who he is."

by KA1Z3R on Apr 16, 2009 8:30 PM CDT reply actions

good point — I got three different laughs at that, just picturing it in different ways

You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea.
- LatinD

by J.R. Wilco on Apr 17, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions

No Devin Harris should mean buckets galore for Tony. I doubt Pop will start Bowen or Udoka but I agree that each of them need to see major minutes to defend Howard. Also we need to play Duncan and Gooden at the same time. Who ever Dirk is checking needs to post up and abuse him down low.

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by Manuwar on Apr 17, 2009 1:59 AM CDT reply actions

Wait I’m confused. You said that Howard will put up 25 pts a night and then at the bottom you said Spurs in 5 because Howard will be hobbled with that bad ankle.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.

by CMoney on Apr 17, 2009 10:46 AM CDT reply actions