Game Preview: Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs
by Big50 on Jan 5, 2012 11:01 AM CST
in Game Previews
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San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks
AT&T1/5/11, 7:30 p.m. Spurs Time
TV: FSSW - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI
So, the Spurs are to face the champions tonight. The Mavericks. The Spurs will be without cult hero Manu "Batman" Ginobili. It’s clear that San Antonio misses it’s beloved star. Losing to the T-Wolves is bad enough, but then to drop a second straight game against the hapless Warriors would be darn near unbearable. Fortunately, Tony Parker, the Big Fundamental and RJ 3.0 saved the Spurs from being .500 six games into the season. Pop’s crew now sits at 4-2 heading into the back end of a back to back against their North Texas Rivals. The good news? Mavs are on a SEGABABA as well.
So what about those defending champs? The team that thought it could…and I guess they finally did. I suppose in the grand scheme of things I’m happy for the Mavs, mostly because they’re from Texas, my friends that are fans were happy and for Dirk Nowitzki, a deserving champ to be sure. That said, nothing feels better than popping the champs in the teeth, unless they happen to be a hated in-state rival (even better when they have Jason Terry on their team...or the fact that Cuban is rooting for them).
This Mavs team isn’t what it was when they hoisted the trophy back in June. When you lose your best interior defender and rebounder as well as your best bench guard (as much as it pains me to say that) then you add a very over priced (at any price) old player to an already very old team you can’t say that you’re the same team. They did make a nice move by picking up Lamar Odom after the failed trade between NOLA, Houston and the Lakers.
One has to believe, as it’s being thrown about quite a bit in the media, that Mark Cuban is playing for next year’s FA market. I’m sure Cuban would love to lure Dwight Howard and/or Deron Williams to Big D. It would be quite the coup if he could pull it off.
The Mavs aren’t exactly playing like the defending champs so far this season. Sitting at 3-4 after beating the Suns last night at home. Dallas is trying to recover from an ugly season opening loss to the Heat. From my limited knowledge the Mavs main problem is the main problem they’ve always had. Defense. The Mavericks currently rank 27th in scoring defense as well as 27th in rebounding. The loss of Tyson Chandler is clearly hurting this team. That said, they did just beat up Western Conference favorites, the Thunder, holding them to 87 points and keeping the Suns under 90 as well.
The Spurs on the other are right in the middle of the pack as far as scoring defense at 12th in the NBA giving up just over 94 points a game. Their offense, much like last season has been clicking nicely. San Antonio is 7th in scoring and 5th in assists per game. Of course James Anderson, Danny Green and Gary Neal among others will need to step it up in the absences of Manu. The offense will clearly miss Manu, but the defense will also miss his spark and play making ability. I expect to see a lot more of Rookie Kawhi Leonard this game with the heavy minutes the Spurs starters logged last night.
Despite the hard fought victory over Golden State last night, I like the Spurs to come out and take it to the Mavs. I predict an early lead for the Spurs and some sort of Mavs comeback to make it close late. The advantage then lies with the Spurs be being at home and having the better defense. Should be a good one.
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NBA Stats Cube Lineup Comparison Here. Here is some Mavs perspective: Mavs Moneyball
As always Tony must dominate Fisher, and NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game 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.
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Nice write-up, Big 50. I do feel optimistic about the defense, although right now it is just middling. We did get lit up by the Timberwolves, and for three quarters by the Warriors. Still, the Spurs are showing spurts of really good defense, where they are stopping penetration into the lane, blocking and deflecting the ball, and contesting shots. It’s not consistent yet, but there have been minutes of intense defense that I don’t ever remember seeing last season. Blair, Splitter, and yes, Bonner, are helping protect the paint much better. I’m especially proud of the progress Blair has made, staying on the floor and not committing the silly fouls that many of us have remarked on. Duncan showed last night that he can still be a great defender. (Maybe Pop should coax an official to make a horrible call or two each game?) And I think Green, Anderson, and Leonard are all three going to be above average defenders, or maybe much better than that. Maybe the numbers don’t show it yet, but I am very encouraged.
I want to see if the Spurs have any legs tonight, especially Duncan. It’s good that the Mavs are also on their second game in two nights, and I’m glad we are at home!
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
I’m especially proud of the progress Blair has made, staying on the floor and not committing the silly fouls that
He had 5 PF the game before 2 last nught a little better but still a PF magnet.
by Titletown99030507d on Jan 5, 2012 1:06 PM CST up reply actions
In the 6 games so far this season, Blair is averaging 24 minutes, 14 points, hitting 50% from the field, 7 rebounds, with 3.5 fouls and 1.3 turnovers. That is a damn good six game stretch, with career high stats across the board. If he plays like this all season, he will be our most improved player.
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
I lied: career personal foul average is 2.7. Still, don’t think I would consider him a foul magnet.
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
more relevant stat would probably be PF average per minute
"I don’t think anything I just wrote makes any sense." - by quincyscott on Apr 1
Pop doesn’t look at this stat before finishing his first bottle of the day.
"I don’t think anything I just wrote makes any sense." - by quincyscott on Apr 1
His foul rate is at 5.1 per 36 minutes. That’s terrible. It’s also gotten worse from his 4.4 per 36 minutes a season ago.
by silverandblack_davis on Jan 5, 2012 6:44 PM CST up reply actions
I agree. I was not really high on Green, offensively, but I thought he was an okay player last year. This season, however, I’ve been impressed on how he made the most in his limutes of action. I just read his page in Wikipedia, and I must say that he had a great run with UNC.
(",)
by day_late_friend on Jan 5, 2012 5:23 PM CST up reply actions
I agree Big50 – Leonard saw very little playing time last night. i expect him to play a lot tonight and maybe even on Dirk. Neal needs to come along and all though &erson is a baller, he needs to play more efficiently to be effective.
"got him at 42……Chad Ford can’t keep up with RC ‘Bargin Basement’ Buford."
Spurs Yoda on Draft Night 2011
I am excited to see how Popovich guards Dirk. Maybe a combo of Jefferson, Green, and Leonard.
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
BELIEVE!
small ball will at least be bigger overall. - grego21
Pounding the Rock
by J.R. Wilco on Jan 5, 2012 3:05 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Surely Pop will mix it up and we’ll see some Blair, Bonner and Splitter on him as well. You never want a guy like Dirk to get used to one type of defender.
by Big50 on Jan 5, 2012 1:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
So, the Spurs are to face the champions tonight. The Mavericks.
::shudder::
Never again. Never again.
Free Cory Joseph!
by Tim C. on Jan 5, 2012 12:24 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Wow, that was fast. I think it was the right move, but I did not think they would pull the trigger.
When I first read about the Cousins incident, my inclination was to blame the player. But after reading some more details, I really think Westphal was the culprit there. He basically made up stories and aired dirty laundry in the media rather than handling it like a professional. He has a history of public confrontation with players, so I guess it shouldn’t be that surprising. I wonder who will coach them now.
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
It was the right move. After two years, the team STILL doesn’t have an identity and that’s on the coach. The Kings will only get better as their young talent gets better.
without Chandler and to a lesser extent, Stevenson, this is what the Mavericks are reduced to
"got him at 42……Chad Ford can’t keep up with RC ‘Bargin Basement’ Buford."
Spurs Yoda on Draft Night 2011
Well, I hope you are right about that.
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
by quincyscott on Jan 5, 2012 2:04 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
We’ll see if the Silver and Black can take advantage of the weaker interior defense
Dallas is ranked 10th in league for allowing points at the Rim
Spurs are ranked 7th in preventing points at the Rim
Let’s keep it in the Paint!
"got him at 42……Chad Ford can’t keep up with RC ‘Bargin Basement’ Buford."
Spurs Yoda on Draft Night 2011
Manu is one of our main threats to get to the rim, so I’m concerned about being able to exploit this. Obviously Duncan and Parker have to attack there, but we are also going to need Anderson, or Jefferson, etc., to do some slashing.
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
I was thinking Tiago and Blair as well
"got him at 42……Chad Ford can’t keep up with RC ‘Bargin Basement’ Buford."
Spurs Yoda on Draft Night 2011
Just got some floor seats for tonight. Long trip from Degobah, but ready for tonight! GSG!
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Jan 5, 2012 2:10 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Can’t you just send your hologram?
Just drive safe, and make sure Chewie fixed the hyperdrive.
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
Lol, thanks. One of my favorite lines in all of starwars is.
Chubacka “Rooooooooaararararararara”
Solo “yeah, i dont think the empire had wookies in mind when they build these(empire shuttle)”
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Jan 5, 2012 2:32 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Here is one of mine:
Luke: (whiny voice) “But I was going over to Tosche Station to pick up some power converters!”
Yeah, that George Lucas sure knows how to write dialogue.
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
One day i need to have a ptr contest to come with spurs yoda for a floor seat with me. The gf has to give up her seat though.
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Jan 5, 2012 2:41 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Spurs favored by 2, so this is a, “Teams are essentially even, Spurs are at home and get the 2 point bump” spread.
"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles
Here is some good news:
The Spurs announced that Ginobili underwent successful surgery to repair a fractured fifth metacarpal in his left hand this morning in San Antonio. He is expected to miss about six weeks.
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
Thats really good news. I predicted his return for march 7th, but maybe we could see him back before March.
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Jan 5, 2012 2:43 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I’d like him to be back by February 23rd for the Nuggets game, but that’s strictly for selfish reasons.
Oh, hey, I’m previewing the Nugs this weekend. Any insights from where you sit?
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
I haven’t seen a lot of them, but they are crazy deep. Their 11th player is Kosta Koufas. They picked up Rudy Fernandez and Corey Brewer for a song prior to the season. With Ty Lawson and Andre Miller, they are just running – I’m not sure that Karl is even calling plays. Even Al Harrington is ballin’.
That run they went on after the Melo trade? It’s bled into this year.
Thanks. I have respect for what they are doing. A lot of teams would have caved after the ordeal Anthony put them through, but they have shown a lot of resourcefulness.
(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW
like them much better w/o melo and jr smith. they finally seem to be an unselfish team and its paying off for them
Interesting
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Jan 5, 2012 3:16 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I thought it was hiliarious that one guy lastnight in the quick cap was callinG For Parkers head. I hope he saw the express news article today titled, “Parker lifts Spurs over Warriors”.
He wanted Parker for Nash. Lol. Lets trade our best asset at 29, to get a point guard that matches Tims age. LMAO
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Jan 5, 2012 2:48 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Jan 5, 2012 4:11 PM CST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
While that Stats Cube Lineup comparison looks like a nice feature, the link brought up the Spurs vs the Twolves. It was easy enough to switch the team to the Mavericks, but I haven’t really figured out the right way to adjust the lineup to replace Manu with Anderson. I did mangage to arrive at it (though I’m not sure how I did it). Funny to see that with tonight’s starting lineup for the Spurs, the fg% is only 14% (1-7). That doesn’t seem like enough shots, so is this not adding up the shots taken by each player but using only numbers from when the five are on the floor together.
I hate the Warriors front office
So Curry gets injured yesterday, and today there are rumors they are trying to trade him for a one-year rental of Dwight Howard. Of course, the Magic will also want us to take Hedo in the deal, except that we fucking used our amnesty on an expiring contract and will be fucking capped out for the forseeable future if we do this trade. The Warriors better NOT make this trade.
If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross
Carter, Jefferson, Kidd all on the floor tonight. must be a Nets reunion going on. lol.
"You know the difference between you and me? I make this look GOOD." - Agent Jay, Men In Black
years back the Marion STAT Nash suns went up against that line up and it was an epic 3OT… and no one a god damn lick of D, and it was awesome.
Enough Bitchin' lets do this
When you look at the lineups, the thing that stands out for me is how much more experience they have. Of course, everyone knows that the Spurs are long in the teeth, but just look at those Ponies.
"I don’t think anything I just wrote makes any sense." - by quincyscott on Apr 1
But experience together is not as strong. Without long camp/preseason it still takes time. This is the best time to hit them, before they have time.
Winter is coming
Dirk, Terry and Kidd have just as much combined experience playing together as do Tony and Tim. We have a bunch of noobs too.
Oh, of course. I just meant to say that their “experience” isn’t as vast, just yet. In the post season, it’ll be useful, but their team is pretty new. Spurs are a little bit better in terms of experience, even with the newbees.
Winter is coming
With Manu I’d say yes we have more experience but with him out we are forced to rely on a lot of newbies. I think RJ is the most experienced in the Spurs system after Tony and Tim. That’s weird.
SA bench players < Dallas bench players
They should play excellent basketball to outplay dallas bench players. :)
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