Game 3 Preview: Spurs @ Mavs
by CapHill on Apr 23, 2010 4:24 PM CDT
in Game Previews
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PrintI love TIMMEH! Preview after the jump.
I've got nothing witty or funny tonight. Just loads of anticipation and excitement.
 Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs [Game 3] Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX When: April 23, 2010; 8:30 PM Spurs time Watch: ESPN
How They Stack Up
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Matchups
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 George Hill |
Point Guard I'm predicting a break out game for Hill. He looked better on Wednesday, especially on the defensive end. Cubits came up with some big shots in the 4th, so I think his offense will improve on home court tonight. Plus, he's had a few more days for the ankle to get better. Kidd did not look near as good in Game 2. Is he capable of picking up the offensive slack if Dirk falters again? Advantage: Dallas |
 Jason Kidd |
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 Manu Ginobili |
Shooting Guard Color me shocked that Butler did not repeat his Game 1 offensive game. Manu is a basketball god. Any questions? Advantage: Spurs |
 Caron Butler |
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 Richard Jefferson |
Small Forward Marion, like the rest of the Mavs, disappeared for long stretches and did not display his usual hustle. Well, RAGE, you brought it in the first half. Let's not repeat your bad game, good game, bad game pattern tonight. Advantage: Tied |
 Shawn Marion |
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 Tim Duncan |
Power Forward Sorry, Dirk, you came down to earth and crawled back into your mentally fragile shell. I'm taking away your white box. Timmeh is the Man! The sooner the rest of the world recognizes his GOATPUFFness, the sooner they'll stop being surprised when he ratchets up the game in the Playoffs. Advantage: Spurs |
 Dirk Nowitzki |
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 Antonio McDyess |
Center Dice gets this year's Robert Horry Award for knowing how to coast in the regular season, yet flip the switch in the playoffs. "DampWood" was not good. And that's all I have to say about that. Advantage: Tied |
 Brendan Haywood |
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 Tony Parker |
Bench & Role Players Tony was brillian. The Wee Frenchman is back! Terry broke out of his funk, but still missed the shots when they mattered in the 4th quarter. And I still don't understand why Beaubois doesn't get ANY playing time. Advantage: None |
 Jason Terry |
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 Gregg Popovich |
CoachYou're in fine form, Pop. Motivating players with your barbs and providing quotes that greatly amuse us PtRockers. Carlisle got Popped. It was not pretty (for the MLPs). Advantage: Spurs |
 Rick Carlisle |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
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Other Factors
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Intangibles |
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The Spurs still have it mentally. I'm not sure about the Mavs. Advantage: Spurs |
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Mojo |
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SiMA brought back the turtle. Bella contributed Viggo (yet again). This thing may not actually be dead. Advantage: Spurs? |
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Winner: |
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It's on our home court, and we should capitalize on our big win from Wednesday. I still envision a rather close game, though. |
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Keys To The Game
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Strength of ScheduleThird game of the series after one day of rest. Again, schedule doesn't really matter in the playoffs, as there are no back-to-backs. Last Time They MetUnlike Game 1, watching the highlights and reading the Recap of our 102-88 victory Wednesday night is really, really fun! |
Some Other ReadingMavericksMavs Moneyball - The SBNation home of the Mavericks. They played nice with us last year during the playoffs, so go say hi, but please don't be trollish. Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: The best TrueHoop team blog is still going strong, "pounding" out some of the best analysis there is on our beloved Spurs. |
Where to Tune In
TVThis game will be aired nationwide on ESPN. 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 poundingtherockmail@yahoo.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
Firsties!
Coming off that fantastic victory Wednesday, I’m damn psyched for this game. So much so that I delayed my trip out of town so I won’t miss watching it.
Let’s keep the pressure on full blast, keep our turnovers low, keep RJ and the other backup guys involved, and ROCK this one!
GO SPURS!!
How is it that all of your optimism and positive thinking ends the second after tip off? See how much fun this was to be upbeat and positive? There is hope for you yet my friend.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.
Such a critical game. We never led the series last year, and only led 1-0 back in 2006. It’s time to put the Mavs where they are most familiar: staring their off-season in the face. Apply the pressure early and often with continued execution, solid defense and great shooting.
Players and fans: make them as uncomfortable as they’ve ever been playing at AT&T Center.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
yes, they will. They will begin with a fury, it’s almost guranteed. Odds are the good guys with -3.5. The three comes from playing at home, so bookies believe it will be close indeed.
"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
by Joe deLarios on Apr 23, 2010 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Gotta love those swing games between two very good teams. I recall how poorly we opened at home in game 5 last year, and game 7 in ’06. Sloppy on offense and unfocused on defense. The Mavs are going to try and come out and hit us with their one big offensive driven run to open the game so as to remove pressure from their shoulders. If we match or surpass them by being focused and efficent we can win the first quarter and extend in the second.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
The other night we finally saw the team we thought we’d have from opening day. Winning by double digits on the road is a strong statement. You pretty much know what you’ll get from the big 3, and even from McDyess; the Spurs just need someone from the group of RJ, Hill, Bonner and Blair to do something useful. I predict Blair will have a better night tonight (hopefully he won’t miss 3 layups and a dunk) now that he’s got his playoff “sea legs” under him.
After your stats yesterday I agree. But I do think the comfort of home will spark either Blair or even /gulp/ Mason to make some positive contributions. I expect Hill to play a bit better just from being comfortable with his ankle. More points from him would offset any points drop from RJ.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Of the four, my money’s on Hill, Flying Spaghetti Monster willing. Hopefully the rest of them perform, especially RAGE. Georges shut down D with the occasional corner three will be huge.
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Confucius
by raynorschiene on Apr 23, 2010 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
I cannot see the picture for some reason.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
When I click on it I can see it, but as of now the front page has a blank frame for me.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
same here
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Apr 23, 2010 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Remember when I had to do an exam for a job application?
Well, I passed it, and tomorrow I need to go for a conversation.
That starts at 9:30am. This game starts at 3:30am.
Don’t think I’m going to make it. I have a good feeling about this one, so let’s get it!
"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie
Best of luck, amigo. Ace that chit.
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 23, 2010 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I see no white boxes – anyone else?
"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 spent 30 minutes last night trying to figure out why the white boxes weren’t showing. Nothing I did worked, so I just gave up. Hopefully, one of my fellow “nerds” can fix it for me. Until that time, just squint your eyes and stare at Timmeh and Manu. Eventually their haloswhite boxes will appear.
yay – white boxes. now the preview is complete
"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
by Joe deLarios on Apr 23, 2010 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Color me shocked that Butler did not repeat his Game 1 offensive game.
Manu is a basketball god. Any questions?
The links are awesome, CapHill
"We'll see how our character is," guard Tony Parker said. "We don't have time to be sad. Nobody cares. It's just us. We're the only ones who can help each other."
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Apr 23, 2010 8:54 AM CDT reply actions
They’re saving him for Game 5.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, Dartmouth really sucks and Cornell only beat us by 18. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
but of course
"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
by Joe deLarios on Apr 23, 2010 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Sunday? If I were trying to screw the Spurs, I’d guarantee game 5 for the Mavs. If we play well, using Crawford in San Antonio might be a waste of Crawford’s “talents.” He could really make a Game 5 in Dallas difficult with all his Crawfordness.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, Dartmouth really sucks and Cornell only beat us by 18. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
I think we are going to win both at home and lose game 5 anyways. We finish them in game 6.
I’m biased though since I’ll be at the home games….you too?
Role Players – All of our role players stepped up in Game 2. Let’s repeat the effort guys, mkay?
I think this is and the rebounding will be the keys tonight.
Going for "50"
rebounding, defending the three and making shots – i guess that covers everything
"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
by Joe deLarios on Apr 23, 2010 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili
Dallas is going to come out like gangbusters and the Spurs need to be ready to match intensity. I look for the Mavs to get up early and the Spurs will have to weather the storm. Rebounding and TO’s are still key as is the defense. Should be interesting.
(Stamper, in case you read this, Eagles pass on Earl Thomas, really? Stunner.)
We’re home. It’s Game 3. Playoffs. You think we are going to be on the ropes early? Dallas to come out with more engery than the home team? Man, I really hope not. Dallas will call the first time out.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, Dartmouth really sucks and Cornell only beat us by 18. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
I’m not saying we’ll be on the “ropes” early, I’m saying Dallas is coming off of a loss and they will be motivated and start well. That doesn’t mean the Spurs won’t come out amped up as well and offset anything Dallas does.
Spurs will have to be prepared and need RJ to step it up in the 1st Half
"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
by Joe deLarios on Apr 23, 2010 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
starting hasn’t been a problem in either of the first games for us. i don’t think it will be tonight either. Manu has the fire, and Hill, Dice, RJ, and Duncan combine with him as our best defensive unit.
In all seriousness, starting the game hasn’t been a problem because Manu is starting. When he came off the bench, we always would get off to slow starts and then Manu would bring us back. At least, that’s what I think I observed.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, Dartmouth really sucks and Cornell only beat us by 18. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
You got it right Fred. We used to have slow starts when Manu was coming off the bench.
In Manu, we trust.
by day_late_friend on Apr 23, 2010 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
I wonder if Manu will attempt to off-set that by lighting up the Mavs in the 1st Q. He picks the games that he expects he’ll have to carry the team and he may want to close the mental door early on Dallas. Make sure we end the quarter up 31-20 or something like that. He’s gotta be feeling very comfortable now with what to expect from Butler, Marion and Kidd so he can attack when and how he pleases.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Spurs are at home but Dallas is one of the best road teams in the league so it’s important to keep the intensity going.
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 23, 2010 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
That picture just gave me the fortitude to get through what’s going to be a demanding-ass day.
TFTW!
Thanks, Cap.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
probably should be a fanshot but im lazy…
truehoop did a nice and naughty list for the playoffs on who is good and who is bad:
on the bad:
Theo Ratliff
The Bobcats weren’t exactly expecting him to set the world on fire. But for what it’s worth, the big man has played 31 playoff minutes, and has grabbed one lonely rebound.
there aren’t any spurs or mavs in the nice list….
Game to be on ESPN Latin America
At least in Mexico. For those of you outside de US.
Going for the first even year championship!
About 9 hours left until game time and I cannot wait! I’m fully expecting a hard fought game tonight, but would absolutely love it if the lil’ ponies get their spirits crushed early and call it a night. Whatever happens it’s going to be loud tonight at the AT&T.
Go Spurs Go!
by FANobili on Apr 23, 2010 11:54 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
It’s nice to know that Tony can come off the bench at any moment to turn the tides…He’s going to be huge.
I think the ponies get one here though, probably this game. But make no mistake, this series ends in San Antonio in game 6.
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
So you say we win game 5 in Dallas and game 6 in SA…
I’m just too much of a homer to think what’ll happen objectively. I want my Spurs to be up 3-1 heading to Dallas. But I think they can do it
"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie
I too want that. I’d like for us to have a playoff run with zero home losses after all the years of being better on the road (which I also appreciate). After the money Holt has put out, home playoff success would be nice payback for him. In this series it would also give us the opportunity clinch in Dallas.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Too bad its not an original logo pastel-out.
Imagine each section of the entire arena draped in one of these colors….
http://www.emptythebench.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Spurs-Previous.gif
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
We don’t do the white out or black out that well as a city. They should just give up on it. Watching the OKC game last night, I was like, “So that’s what it would look like if everyone participated.”
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, Dartmouth really sucks and Cornell only beat us by 18. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
Yeah that was crazy and great. From afar, it looked like there weren’t many people in the arena but when an OKC player makes a basket, the crowd goes crazy and you can see a sea of bright blue moving. Very cool.
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 23, 2010 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I was kind of hoping for a black out. I’m going with the Sean Elliott road jersey!
"If an arm was close, he would have broken a couple," Manu Ginobili on Dejuan's 19 rebounds.
by tiagocometh on Apr 23, 2010 2:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think that’s our problem. Most hardcore Spurs fans have their favorite shirt. The shirt / jersey they always wear to the game. And it’s either black or white. So when we have the white out, everyone that owns a black lucky shirt says, ‘Screw it, I’m still supporting the team wearing my black lucky jersey. In fact, I’m doing more for the team cause this jersey got us the 2003 championship." The blue out worked in OKC because they have no team history and their fans had not had the chance to develop a shirt/jersey luckier than the one they find on their seat. That’s my theory, anyways.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, Dartmouth really sucks and Cornell only beat us by 18. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
Good theory. I don’t like crowd white outs. It’s cheezy since other cities have done it. If any color it should be a black or silver-out. Those are our colors and it’s more intimidating than everyone in wedding white.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I agree. I mean white over black? So you want thousands of fans to wave the white flag? I assume white is cheaper than black or other colors, but come on. I don’t think that’s the message we should be sending.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, Dartmouth really sucks and Cornell only beat us by 18. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
My company buys a good amount of shirts. It might actually be the reason. A few nickels over that kind of volume can really add up.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
"I mean, Dartmouth really sucks and Cornell only beat us by 18. Temple will beat the hell out of Cornell. Promise." -- Me
yeah that makes sense….5 cents over 19,000 shirts is $950. But 19,000 shirts should cost you $2.00 a shirt either way, boxed and delivered. So if you’re talking about 40,000 dollars-50,000, its a fairly small increase.
Plus that’s pretty cheap to have 20,000 shirts with your logo prominent on the back go out into a city.
Black…we are the only team that has black as one of our main two colors (the Heat use it, but it’s really red and white for them). It should always be a black out.
And it sounds better. The lights go out on the Mavs. Spurs knock the Mavs lights out.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
whiteout = a monkees fortune
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. ~ CMoney
I am happy. I am proud. ~ Manu Ginobili
By 2757 in the fanshots, a link to a site with this image:
"The Most Interesting Man in the World" wishes he were Manu Ginobili. - janieannie
After being a silent reader of PtR for a while, i decided to step up, join you thru the mojo-ordeal-to-be and publicly support my Spurs. Thanks guys and gals for so many hours of humor, emotion, BB IQ, deep analysis and insights.
Go Spurs!
"Our bench gets incredibly dangerous..." -Emanuel Ginobili, benchman extraordinaire
Welcome to PtR, Hammersome. Join us in the game threads later. As LatinD says, it’s “where the magic happens.”
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 23, 2010 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I’m not surprised that the Mavs continue to follow the trend of their margin of victory differential. They won by less than 10 and lost by more than 10. Here’s to hoping tonight lands in the latter category again.
GO SPURS GO!
"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on Blair
by Manu ex Machina on Apr 23, 2010 6:07 PM CDT reply actions
Just got this via text from the Housie:
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
On the day that you were born
the angels got together and decided
to create a dream come true.
(Damn Angels should have checked if a certain someone was allergic to moon dust before they sprinkled it all over his hair). ;)
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. ~ CMoney
I am happy. I am proud. ~ Manu Ginobili
Mafioso Manu?
Just cause we're crippled, don't mean we gotta take the crumbs.
by silverandblack_davis on Apr 23, 2010 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions
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