Game Preview #34: Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs
by Tim C. on Jan 8, 2010 12:00 AM CST
in Game Previews
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PrintEver heard the saying: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"? Well, these two teams just loooove to flatter each other. Remember the good ol' days, when the Spurs won games by having an impenetrable defense, and the Mavs won them with an overwhelming offensive attack? To casual fans, those old stereotypes still hold true, but that just hasn't been the case this year. The Mavs currently rank 7th in the league in defensive efficiency, while the Spurs are 9th. Meanwhile, the Spurs are ripping their opponents to shreds with the 4th best offense in the league, and Dallas has fallen to 14th on that side of the floor. What a bizarro season this has been so far.
With those stats in mind, I want to just remind you of something: they're absolutely meaningless to this game.
Spurs-Mavs games are always a dogfight, and the rivalry has only become more intense after last year's Manu-less playoff matchup, and the offseason moves both teams made. It doesn't matter who the better team is on paper(hint: Spurs), this is going to be a close one. Here's to a great game tonight.
 Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX When: January 8, 2010; 7:30 PM Spurs time Watch: KENS 5(San Antonio); KTXA(Dallas)
How They Stack Up
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Matchups
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 Tony Parker Wind |
Point Guard Tony finally seems to be regaining last year's form, which has made our offensive even more explosive than it was the first 2 months of the season. The Spurs can't afford for him to take the night off on defense, though - Kidd hasn't really lost anything since last season, and we all remember what happened then. Advantage: Spurs |
 Jason Kidd Still good |
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 Manu Ginobili Fire |
Shooting Guard Don't hurt me - remember, Keith Bogans is going to get a lot of minutes here for us. Plus, Manu spends some time every game at SF these days. When Manu is in, it should definitely be to our advantage, but the Mavs might choose to play Howard, Beaubois, and Barea here at different points in the game - those guys all give us trouble. Manu needs to torch the paper airplane when he's out there, though. Advantage: Tied |
 Jason Terry Paper Airplane |
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 Richard Jefferson Stampede |
Small Forward RJ seems to be getting much more comfortable with his new teammates lately. He's shooting a high percentage, playing better defense, and committing fewer turnovers. Thanks for that, RJ. Now you just need to attack the rim more often, and you'll be maximizing your Spurs potential. On their side, Marion always sucks against us - always. Howard will spend some time here, too, but RJ and Manu are more than enough to give us the advantage here. Advantage: Spurs |
 Shawn Marion Isn't in |
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 Tim Duncan Flood |
Power Forward Yes, there's a white box around Dirk's ugly mugshot. As dominant as Timmy has been this year, Dirk's been close. And he always kills us, no matter who guards him. It's only fair to call the battle between two of the best big men in the game a tie. Even if Timmy's been a little bit better. Advantage: Tied |
 Dirk Nowitzki Has More Hair Now |
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 DeJuan Blair Earthquake |
Center Gooden seemed to have a chip on his shoulder in our last game against the Mavs. He brought a ton of energy, and that caused immense problems for the Spurs. Tonight, he'll be facing off with the textbook definition of "energy player", who can not only match him, but easily surpass him. Be afraid, Drew, be very afraid. As an added bonus, Gooden will take shots away from Dirk, and that's always a good thing. If Dampier plays, the white box goes to the other side, but Carlisle sounded pretty doubtful about that in his media comments yesterday. [Updated: Dampier says he will play] Advantage: Spurs |
 Erick Dampier Back from injury? |
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 Roger Mason Jr. Lightning |
Bench & Role Players Roger is kicking ass lately, so he deserves some face time here. The Mavs' bench guards are very good, but the BAM unit is better. It's time to bowl over yet another team with the best bench in the league. Advantage: Spurs |
 Josh Howard Likes, ummm... "recreational" activities |
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 Gregg Popovich GOML - yes, that's a force of nature too |
CoachI'll say it again: Carlisle impresses me as a coach. However, his benching of Rodrigue Beaubois is perplexing, especially to Mavs fans. Also, Pop's track record as a coach speaks for itself. Advantage: Spurs |
 Rick Carlisle Unknown Quantity |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
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Other Factors
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Intangibles |
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You can pretty much throw all stats and assumptions aside for this game. Both teams are going to be ready, and brining the intensity. Advantage: Tied |
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Mojo |
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Both teams had bounceback wins in their last outings. We have a great home record, Dallas has a great road record. Advantage: Tied |
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Winner: |
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| But it won't be easy - it never is against the Cubes brigade. |
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Keys To The Game
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Strength of ScheduleThanks to a strange quirk of the schedule, both teams are coming off home wins over Detroit. But their schedules after this are quite different. The Mavs have a SEGABABA against Utah tomorrow, but they'll be at home. Meanwhile, the Spurs have a trap game on Sunday against New Jersey before taking on the Lakers next Tuesday. Last Time They MetOh, I think you remember. Back on November 18, the Spurs played most of the game at a deficit in Dallas, then mounted a great 4th quarter comeback before ultimately losing 99-94 in overtime. |
Some Other ReadingMavericksMavs Moneyball - The SBNation home of the Mavericks. They played nice with us last year during the playoffs, so go say hi. Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: The best TrueHoop team blog is now even better, after adding two new writers. Congrats to Jesse and Andrew, who are already doing good work. Twitter Musings
As always, you can always find all the official Spurs Sports & Entertainment Twitter accounts here: http://twitter.com/spurs/official/members |
Where to Tune In
TVThis game will be aired on KENS 5 in SA, and KTXA in the metroplex. If you have cable or satellite, you'll have to look up your individual channel. And of course, there's always League Pass for the haves. For the have nots, read on. OnlineAs always, NBA League Pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Most Spurs games will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to dmenendez@gmail.com for more assistance. NBA League Pass audio is still free this year, so check it out. RadioIf you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM). |
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Comments
OK I know this is off topic Tim C. but since you did this preview I can’t help but ask you. . .how do you think your “2nd favorite team” will do Friday night up in the Rose Garden? Just curious. (Seems like a toss-up to me.)
PS. Condolences to Longhorn fans. It was brutal to lose McCoy so early in the game. Great effort after that trying for a comeback though.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
I don’t know what to expect from them anymore. It should be obvious what I’m hoping for, but I think it depends more on which Lakers team shows up than anything else.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
Yeah, “depends more on which Lakers team shows up” is a better way to put it than my “Seems like a toss-up to me.”
I was up at BlazersEdge and apparently McMillan and Andre Miller got into it at practice today. So much turmoil up there. I would almost feel sorry for them if it weren’t for all the Blazermanic’s hate.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Jan 8, 2010 1:25 AM CST up reply actions
Condolences to Longhorn fans. It was brutal to lose McCoy so early in the game. Great effort after that trying for a comeback though.
Thanks. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of my team. When they got to within three in the fourth quarter, I was incapable of doing anything but saying “Oh my God, oh my God” over and over, my hands clapped over my mouth, my eyes a mile wide. They managed to turn an exercise in misery into something very close to the greatest comeback I’ve ever seen. They fell short, but somehow it was bearable because it was so evident that they left it ALL on the field. Every ounce.
Colt McCoy’s post-game interview was remarkable. Resignation, pain, joy, restraint, grief, love, all over his face.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Too bad the ‘Horns weren’t at full strength, as I think they were the better team. There should be no long faces, though, because they played so well in the 2nd half.
Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. - Jane Austen
Too bad the ‘Horns weren’t at full strength, as I think they were the better team.
Got to remember to use that line of thinking in case we don’t do too well in Texas next week. :)
Not sure why I’m worrying about it now though. We play up in Portland tonight. I know they’re really banged up but we haven’t won up there in like this century.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Missed the post-game. During that comeback I just kept wondering what would have happened if they hadn’t made the end-of-1st-half interception/touchdown. Brutal.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
or gone for the touchdown instead of the field goal on the first drive.
Alabama was able to hold off Texas mainly because they didn’t have to throw the ball. If the game was closer going into the half they would have had to throw it more in the 2nd…
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 8, 2010 1:00 PM CST up reply actions
I’ll include the interview in tonight’s game thread, so you’ll get your chance to see it. Have your hanky close by.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Yeah sorry, I got sympathy because of the injury and all but only to a point. This memory will keep my eyes dry.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Jan 8, 2010 1:37 PM CST up reply actions
Well, I’m speaking more about the Colt-specific situation.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
OK, didn’t mean to bring that up really but people where I live were having flashbacks all during the game.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Jan 8, 2010 1:54 PM CST up reply actions
Oh, what a glorious day that was. It was during my first month in California, which made it extra sweet.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
Man, if you do move up to Portland, you’ll fit right in with those Blazermaniacs at BlazersEdge (not to mention the Ducks & Beavers fans too).
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Jan 8, 2010 4:03 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, that end of game speed was great. I couldn’t be more proud or excited about Gilbert either. To get all that experience and tough it out was just epic-ly impressive. I mean he has no reps in practice with those lineman or receivers and he makes it work even after Buckner and Williams drop those passes which would have sky-rocketed his confidence. At the start of the season, every pass he threw was a bullet that was near uncatchable to anyone but Goodwin (his practice reciever) and he really showed a top notch touch on some of those passes last night. And Shipley…what can’t you say about him???
One thing that really makes it somewhat easier on me is that we got beat by Alabama. Sure, I think we would have won or had a much better dogfight had McCoy played, but Alabama was undefeated and stomped the hell out of Florida to get there. They were the number one team in the country, with the Heisman winner, and coming out of arguably the best conference in college football. Sure I think they should have eaten clock and kneeled the ball on their final scoring drive, but you can’t argue with definitively putting the game away either. I also have a soft spot for Saban as he helped get Ricky Williams back in the NFL.
Colt McCoy’s injury was the exclamation point on the least interesting bowl season I can ever remember though.
Condolences to Texas fans
To my Spurs brethren that are Texas fans you have my condolences. But seriously. You didn’t really think you were going to beat the SEC’s best did you? I am a SEC guy so I can’t say I was with you on this one.
But I am sure you saw how mediocre Bama’s Defense made Tebow look. It shouldn’t have been a surprise how they did Texas.
What was the surprise was how they took their foot off the pedal on defense and let Texas have a glimmer of hope in a championship game.
I really wish McCoy hadn’t got hurt, because it completely ruined Bama’s chance to shine.
I know Texas fans will never admit it, but Bama’s defense went into a prevent and totally let Texas off the hook. And on offense, Bama should have never let McElroy throw a single pass. That guy sucked. How bad do you have to be to not be able to connect with J. Jones? If they had run instead of pass on every down. This game would have been over in the 2nd qtr. Everytime Bama called a pass play, consider it a gift to Texas.
Basically Texas didn’t have the horses to run with Bama last nite.
And Mack Brown did a great job of trying to keep the ball out of Arenas’ hands. Very smart move. Unlike Saban, who should have deferred the kick off. And had his team ready for on side and pooch kicks.
Mack Brown is a hell of a coach and Texas is good but they would probably be the 3rd best team in the SEC.
Let there be no doubt. Put an SEC school in the Championship against any conference and it will not be close. Unless it’s a Saban coached Bama team representing. :)
I’m not sure “condolences” means what you think it means.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
’Bama was not very impressive. They were very fortunate that McCoy got injured – they didn’t have enough offensively and it would have been a completely different game. (Even as it was, UT had more total yards than ’Bama.) But congratulations to the Crimson Tide – they did what they had to do to win.
Some West Conf notes
LAL: 28-7
DAL: 24-11 (4gb)
PHO: 23-13 (5.5 gb)
SAS: 21-12 (6 gb)
Minus the last week(DAL, UT, HOU), Phoenix has a pretty relaxed schedule through January. Their next ten opponents have a combined record of 123-180 and only feature three teams at or above .500; Miami, Atlanta, and Memphis. Phoenix actually has a really good shot at getting right behind, possibly pulling even with, LA by month’s end.
The Lakers schedule is a bit more difficult. They see POR, SAS, DAL, CLE, and BOS all on the road. The CLE game is the start of a big eight-game road trip with BOS (SEGABABA) near the end of it. Injuries to Gasol and Odom don’t help much either.
Dallas might be going through a blender (hopefully starting tonight) for the next two weeks. Next six games: @SAS, LAL, HOU, OKC, @TOR, and @BOS. The first and last two of those six are back-to-backs. They get a four game break against some bad teams but finish against PHO and POR.
The next few weeks are a good opportunity for the Spurs to move up to 3rd in the west and inch closer LA.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 8, 2010 8:23 AM CST reply actions
correction on the Lakers: Boston is the first game of a back-to-back.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 8, 2010 9:56 AM CST up reply actions
Btw, Odom is OK (he just had a stomach virus) but Luke Walton is still out (many Laker fans think this is a good thing) and Artest still plays “dizzy” since his concussion and Kobe’s broken finger is still bothering him. He shot only 30-something% last game.
The Lakers schedule is a bit more difficult.
I know, I better hurry and do that FanPost gloating about the Lakers being so far out in front of everybody A-GAIN.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Record wise, I think they’ll be fine… but if they keep having problems like this I doubt they will be able to win more than one series in the playoffs.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 8, 2010 10:17 AM CST up reply actions
You worry too much. I think they will be fine even if Kobe is playing with one hand and Artest’s head explodes.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
I wouldn’t use “worry” when it comes to me and the Lakers (I know what you mean though).
And I agree, I think they’ll still post a great record and win plenty of games but a playoff series is a completely different animal.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 8, 2010 10:26 AM CST up reply actions
even if … Artest’s head explodes.
Don’t you mean “when”.
Also, there’s this.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
yeah.. it would be nice to win a game vs one of the better teams in the league
by FreshmakerDTM on Jan 8, 2010 11:12 AM CST up reply actions
yes,
so Spurs can improve record and confidence
and
so i can gloat to all the Maverick fans that surround me at work
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
I suddenly find myself surrounded by Laker fans at work. Tuesday night better go well.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
yeah, i have a few of those……..it is easy to shut down the Mavs fans, just ask how many championships they have – as for the Lakers, not much ammunition to use against them
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
Yeah, we just hired two Lakers fans…and I helped interview/pick them…..They aren’t bad though. They were actually room mates at Baylor, and one of them turned the other one, Nigerian born, and came to the US to go Baylor into a basketball and Lakers fans by making him watch Lakers championship dvd’s.
I’m bummed this is not televised in the Austin market—it’s like we’re the little step-brother of the two cities and can’t go and hang out with them.
I really could use a Spurs win to drown out my Longhorn sadness. Pox to you, Colt’s shoulder—you’re no longer worthy to sit on the torso.
I’ll try to catch the game with the far-reaching 1200 airwaves over the A.M.
Neither he nor Gob were prepared for the challenges of using cats to catch a seal.
Check out NBA Audio League Pass. Much better reception and it is still Bill’s voice.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Jan 8, 2010 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
D
I know ofense is always good by I’m particularly looking for a good defense tonight. Spurs know that’s what they need to beat a team like the Mavs (and to win a championship eventually). I do have to recognize I get excited by alley hops and crazy fast-break plays, and is addictive!…but that’s over, I’m ready for offense rehab, I am ready for some ugly basketball, ugly as some call it, but beautifull in escence…let’s hope the boring Spurs can be that once again tonight, and get ready for some quality wins comming down the road…Go Spurs!
by spursfan_needs_counseling on Jan 8, 2010 2:41 PM CST reply actions
Well well well, guess who’s making an appearance at the AT&T Center tonight?
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
Sigh...
Damn. It.
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 8, 2010 2:50 PM CST up reply actions
Damn! Maybe he will try to fight Timmy again
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
I think he’s been more quiet lately….hope he doesn’t snap today though, please not today.
by spursfan_needs_counseling on Jan 8, 2010 3:18 PM CST up reply actions
In the last like 10 games or more against Dallas, we have seen a good amount of Bonner v Dirk. That isn’t an option tonight so it will be interesting to see how Dice, Jefferson, Duncan and Blair do collectively with being mismatched to guard him. Am I forgetting anyone else who we might see guard him? Can Bogans attempt it? Has Hill?
Key stat to watch might be Dirk’s FTA’s….especially with Joey Crawford reffing.
Dirk is a tough match up for us no matter what. So what we need to do is turn Dirk into a passer. Run a double at him and don’t let him get hot. But don’t double off of Terry.
I think the best person to guard him is RJ. And keep help ready to come. I’ll have to catch the game after the 3rd qtr, going to the Celtics Vs Hawks
I’ll catch the end on league pass. I hope I am not disappointed when I turn on the game.
Go Spurs!
Maybe Blair should rip Dirks arm off on a rebound… that would probably work better than any other defense we’ve used on him. I hope we CRUSH (read in Russian accent) them.
On a side note, how awesome will it be when they invent typing that will read like the crazy accent you want? Those will be the days….
In the past 10 games, the Spurs are ranked 1st in point diff.
They’re winning by just under 11 pts, with Cleveland in 2nd….I think we’re coming along
Hey, how come no Mavs fans have showed up yet to talk crap to the Spurs fans? Man Lakers are playing Portland 2nite and Blazer fans are already invading bringing their Laker hate. (Not really worth posting a link – just a curiosity.)
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Ha ha. Excellent point!
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Jan 8, 2010 4:49 PM CST up reply actions
Actually you are asking the right fans. We put up a firewall with site access blocking capabilities that can actually identify your intentions and determine which team you root for. Chalk one up to technology.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
Hmm. “Todo Spurs”. What do you think of that one, for a blog name?
Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
like in: The Spurs have todo better defense, they have todo more rebounding and they todo more attacking the basket?
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
by LasEspuelas on Jan 8, 2010 10:00 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Hey, Tim, you’ve been to the Grand Canyon, right? Do you know of a good hotel?
Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
We stayed in the park this summer at the Yavapai Lodge West. It was nice and not overly expensive—don’t eat in the cafeteria though—overpriced and less than tasty food. The park service website has a great guide that gives suggestions on what to do depending on your time available. We did a day hike into the canyon and it totally changes your persective—do one if you have time. If you want more info, let me know and I’ll send it directly.
LD, I would not recommend hiking into the canyon in February – the trail is steep and icy, and sometimes impossible to follow due to snowcover. But, let me know hwat day you plan to go – maybe I can be your tour guide.
The Spurs - now playing like sh*t again!
Thanks, guys, that’s okay. I’ll find something, I’m sure. :)
Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
I think I read Matthew’s old Manu piece at least once every month. It’s just so beautiful to be reminded :D
Wherez our game thread? Heading home. Game on!!
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