Click here for the live diary of UFC 98 ...
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Inside Corner Stuff
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Game 5: Nuggets 124, Mavs 110 (4-1)
Game 5 Notes ...
8 preseason games, 82 regular season games and 10 playoff games later - 100 in all - the 2008-09 Dallas Mavericks are nothing but a memory.
59 of those 100 games were wins this year, so you certainly enjoyed some reasonable quality along the way. But, it is now over.
It feels a bit different this year than the previous few. 2006 was a heartbreak that will never heal. 2007 was an ambush to the senses that resembled an assassination. No warning, just quick and lethal - the so called best team in the NBA was not. 2008 was the realization of reality. The team's window might have closed, and Avery Johnson was the one thing that dysfunctional team could agree on: He had to go.
But here in 2009, it seems different altogether. Perhaps it is because the bar was lowered down to more realistic levels, but given that many didn't expect them to make the playoffs 60 days ago, a season that contained a series win over the hated San Antonio Spurs doesn't seem that painful. Maybe it was the long death of the Nuggets series - one that you kind of knew was coming 9 days ago when Game 2's route was on - but for whatever the reasons, it is hard to imagine too many shed tears last night after Denver finished off Dallas in Game 5. Like a relative dying after a long battle with a disease, we certainly had a chance to come to terms.
Denver was better. And not by just a little bit.
You could make a reasonable case that Dallas had the best player in the series, but we all know that while basketball has some 1-on-1 tendencies, a 48 minute game and certainly a 7 game series comes down to who has the better team. Who has the better #2 scorer? Who has the better shot-blocker? Who has the better back-up Point Guard? Who has the better #3 scorer? Who has the better post defense? Who has the better 6th man? Who has the better team?
There is no question that Denver is the answer to most of those inquiries. And to the victor go the spoils.
Game 4 and Game 5 was not so much about winning the series as it was showing fight and heart. The idea that you could win 4 straight games against a team that you had lost 7 straight against this season was a long-shot that was never going to happen. But, would they earn some respect for the way they clawed and scrapped to delay the inevitable? I guess that is for the NBA to decide. But, I appreciated it. I have seen this team go down without a fight (Game 6 in Golden State '07, Pretty much the entire series of New Orleans '08), so while it doesn't really mean anything in the record books, I was happy to know that Dirk wanted a Game 6 and was ready to fight hard to get it.
But, another season ends without a parade for Dirk and his mates.
Thoughts and Observations from the last dance of 08-09:
* The best and worst of Josh Howard was there for all to see in Denver. He came out scoring and flying around and making plays early. Then he committed a dumb foul after a miss, missed an amazing 3 out of 3 free throws to help spark a Nuggets run, took a technical foul when he lost his composure, and pretty much was a 2nd half non-factor. One of these days I will actually research the shooting performances of Josh based on his first 3 point attempt. If he makes his first, it is my premise that he then feels like he is in "the zone" and will jack many more. He did. 5 more. And missed each and every one. Really the one guy who can be a slasher becomes more and more a perimeter player with each passing year. He will now get his ankles repaired and we can wonder what the mystery of J-Ho will bring us in the future. He can be the most exciting player and the most frustrating player all at the same time. He makes me crazy.
* Carmelo is surely coming into his own. His finger roll last night will be a mainstay on highlight films for years, I should think. He is a lethal scorer, and while his next series will put him to a much better test, I am quite sold. I question how much he was tested in this series because he was often allowed to be on the periphery while his mates took turns torturing the silly Mavs defense. He was not asked to score on possession after possession like Dirk was on the other end, so I am not positive he was the best player in this series. But, that might just be because he didn't have to be. He was saving his energy for the Lakers.
* About that Mavericks silly defense: So, really? You decided after 4 games to attempt to play a line-up where you just try to outscore them? 34 and 35 point quarters in the first half gives up an amazing 69 points! Easy baskets, dunks, and open 3's. I know a coach can only do so much, but please dump the zone back in the trash. I have seen enough zone defense possessions ending with Carmelo or JR Smith standing weak side with a wide open 3 to last me for a while. In the NBA, a zone can throw you off if you are not prepared for it. But, in a 7 game series, you work on beating the zone for 15 minutes in a practice, and you make it look stupid. Mission accomplished there.
* Erick Dampier's greatest moment? His free-throw line jumper where everyone in the entire arena stopped for a brief pause and wondered if he was really going to attempt a 16 footer. I stood in my living room pondering this moment in time. He then decided that he was going to shoot. His defender backed off to double-dare him. The arena was quiet. Then, he did. He knocked it down. And then, like a 2nd grader who made his first basket, he tried not to smile and wave at his family on the way back down the court. Sorry, he remains worthless to this team's future. But, he does become an attractive expiring contract!
* Sometimes, the media over-rates the hometown guy who brings a team together. Chauncey Billups is not a good example of "that guy". I don't think you can over-rate what he does. He makes the Nuggets make sense. He takes and makes the big shots. He makes key plays. And most importantly, he brings the knuckleheads together. 28 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds. I would like to apologize to him for thinking that Jason Kidd could play him to a push. Kidd was badly out-played.
* I am interested in the NBA bench player who has plenty of ability in his limited minutes. Most message boards and phone-ins would then take a player who is good for 18 minutes and ask why he shouldn't play 36? Brandon Bass, JJ Barea, Chris "Birdman" Anderson, etc. I think in all 3 of those cases, they are text-book examples of "less is more". When they play too much, you quickly see the issues. Bass is better with high energy - and he cannot play with that high energy if you over-expose him. And he is too small to play big minutes. Love him...as a bench guy. Birdman has an amazing foul-per-minute pace, and is way better at home. Classic bench energy guy. And sweet little JJ needs the right opponent to make an impact. I think he is a fine back-up PG, but please save your "JJ to start" emails. All 3 are useful parts, but in the NBA, you need those useful parts of your bench. You must be careful not to over-expose.
* Antoine Wright is worth keeping around. But, if that dude takes one more bad technical at just the wrong time I am going to lose patience. Playing Denver in Denver is tough enough, dude. Let's not make it tougher. Low basketball IQ's on this team are everywhere. On the other hand, if you are going to get in a fight with someone, JR Smith would be an inviting target for a punch.
* Match-ups you had to win (or at least tie) if you had any chance in this series: Kidd vs. Billups. Terry vs Smith. Nene vs. Dampier. 0-3. By the way, not that he needs the money, but how much money did Kidd make in the Spurs series? And then did he lose it all back in the Nuggets series?
* Hey TNT: When you are doing a game, please keep the following idea in mind - I care why players are getting technical fouls way more than I care which old guy has had Nuggets tickets for 40 years. How they have no footage nor comments on Howard's or Terry's technicals, and yet have 3 references to the white dude with money in Row 4, is beyond me. Heaven forbid we cover the relevant and pertinent information, but, please.
* Although I did not have a microphone between Kenyon and Dirk in the post game handshake, I swear Kenyon admitted to what we all knew already: Dirk kicked his ----ing (butt). Check the tape and tell me I am wrong. At least Dirk was ready for a street fight. Kenyon will be very happy to go mess with Pau Gasol now.
* Carmelo's 3 off the inbounds with 2 seconds on the shot clock was the dagger. Combined with Wright's technical at the same moment, it took a 6 point lead and made it 10, at 107-97. Ballgame. What a shot, and at quite a moment.
* So, at the risk of writing the exact same final paragraph that I did in the 2007 and 2008 final wraps, the ball is now passed to Donnie Nelson and Mark Cuban. I don't know if they realize it yet, but this 2006 NBA Finals group (Dirk, Jet, Josh, and Damp) is not going to ever win the title as presently constituted. They had a nice year, but are miles from the ultimate prize. You have a 1st team all-NBA player, but his clock is ticking. Dallas is built as a perimeter team that gives up too many easy baskets. They are not tough in the paint on either end of the court, and have very few young pieces that could grow into key spots in the roster. With Jason Kidd now a free agent, this team has a number of decisions to make. They apparently have an owner who is a buyer while the rest of the league is selling during this economic disaster in the NBA in most cities. Just like in 2007 and 2008, I think this team needs a massive over-haul of personnel in 2009. Of course, they ignored me in 2007 and 2008, so I am not counting on wholesale changes. But, they need them. They need to try to build a roster that can take advantage of Dirk's remaining prime. But, will they? If not, just trade Dirk already and let him get a ring by helping a team that could use his mighty skill.
Your move, Mark Cuban.
Game 4: Mavs 119, Nuggets 117 (3-1, Denver)
Game 4 notes and observations...
For the second consecutive home game, it was 48 minutes of high tension playoff basketball for the Dallas Mavericks. And, for the second consecutive home game, it came down to the final 30 seconds. And while it was not with any degree of ease, the Mavericks figured out a way to close the deal, get a win, and extend their 2008-09 season for at least another 48 hours and another flight to Denver, Colorado for game 5 on Wednesday.
It was a game that was impossible to feel good about until the very end. The Mavericks could never reel in the Nuggets for the entire game. In fact, for what must have been a dozen times, the Mavs would mount a surge only to be pounded over the head with an answer for Denver. Make no mistake, Denver was trying to drive a dagger. They were ready to relax and let Houston and the Lakers fight it out. But, in a game where it would have been easy to tap out and quit, the Mavs showed some real fight and determination not to let their season end in front of the home fans.
Is it delaying the inevitable? Almost certainly. But, is there ever a bad reason to fight and show pride? I can't think of one in the playoffs.
And then there is Dirk Nowitzki. I call him this city's most underappreciated athlete ever for a reason. Why? Because, he can play like he has played for the last 4 games: 32 points per game, 11.7 rebounds per game - and then be insulted by many in his own city for not having the guts or the grit to compete hard enough in the NBA. Honestly, if you have not seen him fight in this series, then you are too far gone off your pier for reason to help you now. He has abused Kenyon Martin so much that even Kenyon looks worried when Dirk gets the ball in the post. He has not made every shot and he has not been joined often enough by his mates, but if you question his level of compete after all of this then your opinion will never change. I hope someday he gets what he wants so badly. But, real life doesn't always end like fairy tales.
Anyway, a nice win and an exhausting night of basketball complete with all sorts of side stories. Let's run through some random observations from Game 4 in Dallas:
* Carmelo Anthony was absolutely amazing. I have been waiting for him to break out in the spring time since the spring of 2003 when I first saw him in person at the Final Four in New Orleans. That year he carried Syracuse to the NCAA Title as a freshman and sold me on his future. Since then, the reviews have been mixed, as I believe on some level he felt the need to defer during the Allen Iverson era. But now, on display in Games 3 and 4 in Dallas, he seems to be willing to take over games at will - and while he may never truly be a foil for Lebron James as was sold to the public back when they both were coming into the league, he truly belongs in the elite conversation. Anthony is surrounded by muscle, but he sure sets the tone for his team with his aggresive play on both ends of the court. He also seems to feed off physical confrontation and is a very interesting player. I think he is one of those players who follows the tone rather than sets it (Iverson, Billups), but he is special. No doubt about that at all.
* Question for Steve Javie: What part of Carmelo's forearm in Antoine Wright's neck constitutes a foul on Wright? And then, with great Javie flair, he awards Wright a technical for the debate! I love it. I love how the officials never allow the game to get in their way.
* While it is true that Dahntay Jones rarely scores (27 points in 4 games), his two dunks this weekend will be long remembered. I think I will still suggest that the dunk in Game 3 over Dampier was the best, we should give his Game 4 dunk on Josh Howard a good amount of consideration as well.
* From the post-game press notes: Dirk Nowitzki recorded his 5th career playoff game with 40 points. He finished tonight with 44 points (14-25 FGs, postseason-highs 16-17 FTs) and 13 rebounds (12 DR) in 44 minutes. The double-double is his 4th of the postseason and 2nd consecutive. Nowitzki scored 29 points in the 2nd half for his 2nd 20-point half of the postseason (also 21 in 1st half of Game 3 vs. DEN, 5/9). Nowitzki’s game is the 3rd-best individual performance by a Maverick in a playoff history. Nowitzki had previously scored 50 points (vs. PHO, 6/1/06) and 46 points (vs. POR, 4/19/03).
* Another very frustrating night from Erick Dampier. It would seem that Rick Carlisle is growing tired of the "contribution" from his center. 23 minutes. 0 points. 5 turnovers. 6 fouls. There was one moment in the game where the Mavs were making their run, down 72-67. Jason Terry dropped a pass down to Dampier for a sure dunk, and then we saw his "Lafluer Hands" fumble the ball through traffic and to Denver. David "LaFluer Hands", a term given by my boy, Benisanna, is a most fitting description of his paws that keeps him from ever being more than a big body. How Dampier fits in the Mavs future is anyone's guess. I have honestly seen enough. Thanks, Avery.
* I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome JJ Barea to the series, and also, welcome Nene back to earth.
* Which Nugget annoys me the most? Interesting question. Anthony and Billups are quality who cannot annoy me. Nene is the center I have always wanted. Anthony Carter has never done anyone harm. Jones and Linas Kleiza are insignificant to me. So, I have boiled it down to a few candidates: Kenyon. But, with him, he has such little effect on the game in 2009 as Dirk abuses him on defense and yet besides the occasional hoop he really just runs around and looks tough. 33 minutes, 2 points and 2 rebounds? Eh. So, that leaves JR Smith. I wish I had another 1,000 words to elaborate but between his over-celebrating, his banked in shots, and his hanging on the rim for no reason I just can't deal with his game. Oh, and he is really good. He is what Jason Terry would be if Terry could defend, too.
* About the fans: I am quite uncertain of what really happened. But, if people were really getting personal with wives and girlfriends and mothers of Denver players, that is pretty weak. Have fun and make fun, but let's leave the women and children alone, ok? Nothing gives people beer muscles like a combination of beer and being surrounded by 20,000 friends, but c'mon. Let's show some level of class to the people not playing in the game. I am quite interested in a transcript of what Kenyon was saying as he was leaving the court. I was guessing he was shouting at Mark Cuban, but I am not sure. Regardless, he didn't look very pleased.
* I wonder what sort of upset stomach keeps you out of a playoff game? The Birdman's absence made a pretty big impact in the paint in Game 4. I must tell you I am interested in seeing what sort of deal he might seek this summer. MLE, anyone?
* Two players who had a tremendous impact on the game but have not been talked about much would include Josh Howard and Brandon Bass. Bass' play in Games 3 and 4 have made Dampier look even worse, because Bass appears to have a fight in his belly that doesn't quit. He puts out fabulous effort and when combined with his athleticism he offers all kind of fits in the paint for the Nuggets. Meanwhile, Josh has restored much of his reputation over these playoffs as he has also showed true grit. I am not sure what to make of either player moving forward, but I like the present contributions of both in a big way. I would love to see Josh get healthy and take his game to the next level, and I hope he will. As for Bass, I do wonder if he could fit into a bigger role, or is he just perfect as a bench player who brings energy?
* Actually, here is where Bass might make sense. With Dirk playing in the post as a "5", then Bass can be a "4". It is not exactly Gasol and Odom, but it makes quite a bit of sense against many teams. If Dampier cannot provide any reason for the opposition to guard him, and if he also brings almost no energy plays, then allowing the offense to run through Dirk on the post against guys who cannot guard him make the Mavs impossible to deal with without a double team. And, then, your shooters make them pay. Dirk as a 5 might be the future of this team. So, maybe a true defensive Power Forward is what this team really needs to allow the Mavs to "play small" even though they would have a 7-foot center. It all starts with Dirk being interested in banging around, but he banged for 44 last night and Denver had no clue what to do.
Game 5 is Wednesday. I would think Denver fans will be ready. In some ways, this reminds me of Red Wings-Stars from last spring where they won Game 4 to preserve pride and then won again in Detroit in unlikely fashion (of course, don't worry about Game 6). The smart money calls for a Nuggets blood-letting, but we might as well find out.
Basketball season lives for 48 more hours. Fight or Fold? The Mavs decided to fight.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Game 3: Nuggets 106, Mavs 105 (3-0)
My Full Game 3 Notes Column …
That's an ender.
As valiant an effort as it was, the 2008-09 Dallas Mavericks season basically came to a close on Saturday night as the Mavs were trying to take a foul they had to give, but the officials allowed the play to continue and Carmelo made them play by sticking a 3 in the face of Dallas and bringing this series to the brink.
There are a million ways to look at this game, but I suppose the easiest way is to say that when you are up 4 points at 105-101 with :31 to play, you have go to close that deal. The Mavs then went 0-2 on defensive attempts and 0-2 on offensive attempts and that is why you lost. Why the officials did not recognize Antoine Wright's clear foul on Carmelo is certainly worth discussing, but you cannot take a collective 0-4 on possessions in the final 30 seconds and then do anything but take your medicine. The call was blown, but nonetheless, you also have to help yourself.
For the Mavs, that medicine will include a summer that will begin this week.
What a shame. The arena was nuts and Dirk Nowitzki delivered with 33 points and 16 rebounds. But, he would tell you his 0-4 in the final 3 minutes are what matters most, and he would be correct.
And, while fighting off a case of the gut-aches, let's ponder some various thoughts and observations from the Game 3 to remember in Dallas:
* What is a great way to respond to Dirk getting 33? How about Chauncey Billups gets you 32 and Carmelo Anthony gets you 31? We worried about the fact that neither of those two had really taken over the games in Denver like we know they are capable. Well, they took turns on Saturday, and that obviously was a pretty good shot in the mid-section of Dallas. They were both awesome.
* Game 3 was the game where Rick Carlisle pretty much figured out that Erick Dampier could not help him. He played 5 minutes in the 2nd half, and the most relevant thing he did was get poster-ized by Dahntay Jones on a play that would make Shawn Bradley proud. A true facial was delivered there.
* You have to feel badly for the Mavericks because they accomplished many of their smaller missions. They took the ball hard to the rim on a pretty regular basis. They responded with grit and toughness. They did not get abused by Nene and Birdman. But, in the end, they lost. NBA Life isn't fair, boys.
* Since my "easy points" counter was so shocking in Game 2 (67-39, Nuggets), it should be noted that those numbers were far more manageable in Game 3. Getting 40 points at the free throw line was huge for the Mavs, as every time Brandon Bass was close to the rim, the Nuggets decided to give him a bruise. The margin was 70-62 in favor of Denver if you add up all of the dunks, lay-ups, tip-ins, and free throws or what I have come to define as "easy points". 70-62 is manageable, and if the series wasn't 3-0, you might actually look at that statistic and wonder if the Mavs have changed their mentality a bit (or grown bigger muscles in front of the home fans) and perhaps are up for a street fight. But, at 3-0, we can only surmise that the lesson was learned too late.
* Chauncey versus Kidd was fascinating tonight. I thought both played their best games of the series, and both went after eachother with great abandon. Near the end of the 3rd Quarter, Kidd was determined to take whoever guarded him down into the paint. He scored the final 6 points of the quarter for the Mavs, capped off with his buzzer-beater at the end. But, Chauncey was there the whole game, hitting shots that make you understand how he has won an NBA Finals MVP before. He has been money in the playoffs for years, and his latest performance reminded you of his original breakout game In this same arena 7 years ago in the first playoff game he ever started.
* I can't stand Denver. I know it is being a sore loser, but I am willing to argue that there are years when you lose that you don't grow a major level of disdain for your conqueror. For instance, I can recall an honest and healthy respect for the Spurs in 2003 or the Suns in 2005. But, this year is different. I will fully back the Lakers against Denver and eagerly root for their demise. Their cockiness is amazing for a team that has never done a thing prior to about a week ago. I look forward to their eventual humbling. There. How is that for bitter?
* All things considered, I thought Josh Howard can hold his chin up for his day's work. He played hard and did what he could given his injury. I have no idea what caused him to lose his mind at the end of the game when Darrell Armstrong was trying to keep him from killing someone, but I sort of expected Josh in street clothes today. I was pleased that he made a go of it, and did what he could.
* Once again, we seem to see a fundamental issue with the Dallas Mavericks as a whole. In my opinion, because they so seldom attempt to play lock-down defense in the first 7 months of the season, when they do they are not able to defend without fouling. I know that they talk a good game about defense during the year, but when they get to the playoffs and really have to buckle down - there is Erick Dampier, Josh Howard, and Antoine Wright all in foul trouble. As a team, they were actually on the right end of the foul totals, but when it is time to defend Nene or Carmelo in this series, they don't seem to be able to do it very often without a whistle. Dampier has spent the whole series in foul trouble. This should encourage them to consider more depth at the 5 (or, of course a new center altoghther). Because Ryan Hollins is foul trouble off the bench, too.
* Humble Billy was just a hair below bonkers tonight. My ears are still ringing.
* I am as guilty as anybody for trying to rationalize the 4-0 regular season sweep of the Nuggets , but I believe at 0-7, I am ready to admit it. They are better. Much better. And futhermore, I would say they are better because of massive mismatch issues they present. Guess what, New Orleans had massive matchup advantages, too. And, Golden State? In an odd way, they did, too. So, if you need Michael Finley to hit a miracle to insure that you get a good playoff dance partner; otherwise you face massive matchup issues in a series - three years in a row - you might take that as a hint that while you are a good team, you don't have a team worthy of playoff long hauls. The teams that are worthy are not foiled by opponents who give them looks "they have no answer for". The structure of this team is flawed, and until it changes...well, you know. In fact, Dave in Tulsa says it well: Donnie and Cuban have shown remarkable stubborness in sticking to the old game plan even in the face of insurmountable evidence that the plan has failed. That's why Dallas is on the verge of yet another ignomious playoff exit, with an aging, unathletic team that has no first round picks for a while. But Cuban will no doubt tell us it's the referees' fault. Dave, they do have a first rounder this year, by the way. Hello, Ty Lawson!
* I thought the Birdman was going to try to assault Bennett Salvatore in the 3rd Quarter. I am sure Dallas fans would have come to the rescue, right?
* One thing that made me smile on Saturday was seeing a person I never get enough of at the game. He is The amazing Jimmy Goldstein . I have been following his appearances for years since running into him in Arco Arena back in 2002 and wondering why Tom Petty is at the Mavs-Kings game. Since then, I have seen him on tv and in person at dozens and dozens of playoff games in his trademark snake skin and wonder what makes him tick. Basically, he attends games every night during the playoffs all over the league and never seems to run out of steam or money. He claims to not have a favorite team but rather he just enjoys the sport. So, he finds his way to the front row of games in every city and into press conferences, too. And everyone in the NBA loves him and gives him full access. Crazy.
* This is where I am supposed to point out that no team in the history of the National Basketball Association has ever come back to win a series when falling behind 3 games to 0. So, the odds are not really good that it starts here. On the other hand, you can likely get a prop bet in Vegas that could make you pretty rich if it hits. Just don't quit that day job, yet.
* The NBA has admitted it made a mistake on the foul that wasn't called when Antoine Wright slashed Carmelo Anthony on purpose. So, I am not sure what that means, but you got your apology, Mavs. Perhaps the coffee will be cheaper in the morning?
* Fight or Fold? As Wayne in Cedar Hill writes: So now do the Mavs come out in Game 4 the same way with the same energy and try to fight back and make it a series again. After all, the Mavs know first hand that it can be done, courtesy of the Blazers in 2003. Or do the Mavs simply fold up shop and go away quietly, and what will that indicate about the heart and passion of this team? Which of these two scenarios is preferred by the fans and media, fight to the end, or just end the misery and get it over with, since we know they're merely pretenders and not contenders this year anyway? Most importantly, what happens in the offseason? I say we fight. I don't want those knuckleheads celebrating on the Dallas court. And don't you think the guys want to go to Denver again?
This one is another in the long list of numbing, painful playoff losses. Will the basketball gods ever forgive the Laura Miller curse?
I am starting to wonder.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Game 2: Nuggets 117, Mavericks 105 (2-0)
The Notes for Game 2 ...
Same song, different verse.
Was the big winner of the first round series really the Spurs? If by losing that series you could avoid suffering the public humiliation of being routed in consecutive 4th quarters, you have to wonder.
I am speaking with tongue in cheek, but with regards to Games 1 and 2, I am hearing so many people rationalize these throttlings as "hey we were right there at 82-80 (Game 1) and 86-83 (Game 2)". Andwhile that is true, from where I sat it seemed a lot more like watching an animal play with its food for a while to battle the boredom of the day, and then when the mood struck, it was time to turn up the seriousness of the situation and go in for the kill.
Denver is better. And not just by a little bit like we thought before the series began. And while we can all wonder what difference Josh Howard would have made on 2 ankles, I think it would be terribly optimistic to assume that he could have changed the final outcome of these two games in Denver. Loss, Loss.
A quick browsing of the game's play by play sheet will reveal the truth: The Denver Nuggets had 9 dunks, 7 layups, and 2 tip in baskets for a total of 18 "bunnies". Add to that 31 made free throws and they can account for 67 of their points as "easy points". The Mavs had 3 dunks, 5 layups, and 23 free throws to run their "easy points" total to 39. Very simply, they are getting 28 more "easy points" than you. Does any other stat matter?
That is the equivalent of standing 15 feet from the dart board, while your opponent can stand 2 feet away. Do you think your odds are good to win that game of darts?
I wish I had some brave way to look at this series, and for now I will close my eyes real tight and believe in a different result when the games are played in Dallas, but as we said in Game 1: Styles make fights. Are the Nuggets world beaters? I kinda doubt it. But, are they tailor made to give a team like the Mavericks all sorts of problems? You better believe it. That is why you cannot look at Nene and say that he doesn't score 25 every game so he will come back to earth after Game 1. Has it occurred to anyone that he might score 25 a game if he played against Erick Dampier every night? Apparently, it has occurred to Nene.
The following are various things to rant about from another buzzkill night in Denver:
* It seems to me that there are times when you play a team that is led by a great player and there are other times, deeper into the playoffs, that you a play a team that has an ensemble cast of players. The beauty of Denver right now is that unless you were told before the series, you would not know that Carmelo Anthony is their "superstar". They have a cast of characters who take turns taking the lead. This allows Carmelo to float for long stretches andthen dominate for 5 minutes to remindyou he can. Sort of like Boston has done with their "Big 3" and even the Lakerscan when the mood strikes. But, Dallas? In Dallas, it seems we ask Dirk to go get 30. If he does, then we blame him for not making those around him better. If he doesn't, we blame him for not scoring 30. Basically, we are asking him to do what Lebron does. Meanwhile, the management of this team assure us he has plenty of help.
* Could we just go ahead and legally change Jason Kidd's name to "Future Hall of famer Jason Kidd"? I swear in these two games the announcers have called him that 10 times. And while we are filling out those forms, let's make sure that the "Birdman" really is named Chris Anderson because I am not sure I have ever heard a player's nickname replace his real name like this current phenomenom. Although if they ever go an entire game without calling Kobe anything but the Black Mamba, I would enjoy and support it.
* Nene's domination of Dampier was just as bad in Game 2 as it was in Game 1. Of course, foul trouble was back in play for Dampier which is like suggesting the sun comes out in the morning. As I said after Game 1, the real issue is when Dampier and Howard get their 2 fouls in the first 5 minutes trying to play tight defense because then what? Who comes to the rescue? Ryan Hollins. Who I know gets us all excited with his energy, but let's not forget the incredible pace at which he accrues fouls (5 in just 14 minutes last night) keep him from staying on the floor for long. Back to Dampier, things were going pretty well until his weak perimeter pass was picked off by Carmelo and ended in a dunk sparking another Denver surge. He must be better, but that faraway look in his eyes tell the story: he knows he is outclassed by the flying postmen of the opponent. Where are the Spurs when you need them?
* With 6:07 left in the 1st Quarter, the Nuggets had 6 points and were down 12-6. Over the next 12 minutes, they scored 41 points, and with 5:45 left in the 2nd Quarter, they held a 47-38 advantage. Let's understand a reality here: This series is not an absurd mismatch because of the Mavericks offense. They can occasionally hang in there when they knock down their shots. The series is an absurd mismatch because the Mavericks cannot get stops at all. Their defense consists of hoping the Nuggets miss. They are giving up 30 points a Quarter with great routine and have no real plan on how to change it. The 2-3 zone was pretty much a white flag of surrender. The absurd foul trouble only complicated things. Denver appears to vary their attack only to keep their many eager scorers satisfied.
* What is more unintentionally comedic than the end of Quarter interview with Rick Carlisle? The talking head asks Rick what he has to do differently to change things around in the 2nd Quarter andyou can just tell from his expression that he wants to say something like "make a trade during this timeout with Orlando to get Dwight Howard in here", but instead he just says whatever cliche is on his tongue and goes back to his defeated huddle. If I were to guess, Carlisle would vote down the league rule on in-game coach interviews.
* So how many times did you say to yourself or those around you that you cannot believe the Mavs are this close? Down 3 at the half? Actually taking the lead in the 3rd? How was that possible? A pretty cool offensive display from Dirk and Jet is what did it in the 3rd Quarter. Problem with that? In the 3rd Quarter, Terry, Kidd, and Wright played all 12 minutes. Dirk played 11:58. But once the 4th Quarter began, Carlisle could see the legs of those players begin to look weaker. He had to get them some rest. He tried. And the bench promptly gave up a quick, but lethal 9-0 run to start the 4th with Jet, Dirk, and Kidd trying to get a quick rest. Not enough horses. Game over.
* Recipe for a rough 4th Quarter is as follows: Tired players. No help from the supporting cast. Low on timeouts. High on foul trouble. Altitude. Athletic opponents who appear very fresh. Anything else? Good luck, coach. Basically, hanging on for dear life with 12 minutes to play.
* Which brings us to the absurd TNT performance last night from the normally flawless studio show. They had a marginally interesting conversation at halftime of Cleveland-Atlanta about Dirk discussing those who guard him. The panel of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Chris Webber decided that this broke the code of basketball where you never let those who guard you know that they are good at guarding you. OK. Point made. Then, they thought it was so riveting that they needed to go back to it between games. Then, the announcers in Denver had to discuss the discussion back at the studio. Then, at halftime, the studio guys had to discuss the announcers in Denver discussing the discussion that had now been held 4 times! And honestly, was it that big a deal? Dirk was asked to compare and contrast the 3 bigs that Denver throws at him - even though he is averaging 30 a game against them. So he elaborates, and those guys want him to just thrust out his chest and say "nobody guards me". Fine. We get it. And who is the cockiest in that studio? Here is Chris Webber nailing Dirk harder than anyone. I can't help but recall the number of times Dirk had his way against Webber on the court, but now that underachiever is going to hold a clinic on what the great players do? How would he know? What big games did he win? Sorry. If anyone has a lesser resume of team achievements, it is C-Webb, without the personal longevity of excellence either. I'll take it from Barkley and Smith who have built cred in the studio as analysts, but Webber sees the over-the-top delivery of Barkley andthinks that all you have to do is say things with great expression andmaybe people will agree with you. Webber is incredibly annoying on television, andthe way he told Ernie Johnson that any defense of Dirk is ridiculous pulled me offsides with great ease last night. Ok. I feel better now. But, to TNT, less is more. Webber does not add anything.
* Most frustrating moment of the night? Jason Kidd is driving the lane and appears to have a wide-open layup. Instead, because his contract stipulates he is not to consider layups, he fires the ball back out high to nobody in particular that launches another Denver fast break. JJB must foul Carmelo, 100-85, and the route is on.
I honestly don't know what to say at this point. It does appear that Rangers season will have the whole stage in about a week if the Mavericks don't figure something out quick. I would like to think a change of scenery will bring about a giant change in the series, but for that to happen, the Nuggets plane better forget how to find Dallas on the map.
Backs are now squarely against the wall. Doubt has joined the series. Your move, Mavericks, or it is your tee-time.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Game 1: Nuggets 109, Mavs 95 (1-0)
Notes and Reviews of Game 1 in Denver ...
Welcome to Denver.
You are not playing the Spurs anymore, now are you? The Mavericks are playing a team in the Denver Nuggets that seem to have about as much in common with the Spurs as JJ Barea has in common with Dwight Howard. Not much.
These Nuggets are quite formidable. I do like how they compete. I really like how they defend. And I did not care much for how the Mavericks responded to that "in your jock" defense that Denver rolled out there. In case you are looking for elaboration, here is how Dallas responded to the Nuggets defense: They settled. They shot from further and further out. They passed with hope, but not conviction. They drove looking for fouls, not dunks. And, then they changed their shots because they were concerned about getting their shots blocked.
It is just one game, but we surely saw many of the signs that this is a match-up that will make the Mavericks uncomfortable. And if they respond like they did in previous series over the years where their comfort was in doubt, well, this season will be over in a real hurry.
The NBA is such a league of match-ups. It is not how good you are sometimes, but for many, it is more of a question of who do you get to play. Styles make fights. Well, after playing a series where they seemed to find many match-ups that worked; Erick Dampier looked like he could cause Tim Duncan '09 some issues, Michael Finley was trying to guard Josh Howard, etc - the Nuggets seem to have fewer difficult questions to answer. For instance, despite not having a real great plan for stopping Dirk (although if the Birdman is going to play like that...), the Mavericks are having far greater headaches wondering what they can possibly do to slow down Nene with Dampier and with Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith performing as wings who look to score, the Mavs seem short at least 1 and probably 2 players who can both defend and at least make you consider guarding them on the other end.
And what gives you most pause? Being blown out in the 4th Quarter, and Carmelo and Chauncey were not terribly huge factors. Oh dear.
Thoughts and Observations from a Game 1 that will require a regrouping effort for Tuesday:
* If you are getting 6-10 shooting and 15 points from Jason Kidd, you should be happy, right? But, you have to remember that it isn't about points with him. I have congratulated him for having a fine game when he ends up with 3 points, but now, I must say that he was lousy for big stretches yesterday. 8 turnovers from Kidd? Almost no transition hoops for the entire team? And the offense looked off kilter. It is a bit of a subjective art, rating Kidd's performance, but if we are going to credit the orchestration of this offense to his experience, poise, and wisdom after wins...well, you know that yesterday's complete and absolute meltdown in the final stanza has to fall at his feet. I know this goes without saying, but 8 turnovers from Jason Kidd (and 4 more from Jason Terry - your other veteran guard) will get you beat.
* Meanwhile, the match-up that is causing the most off-day angst among Mavericks coaches is that idea that Dampier can do anything against the long-haired Brazilian, Nene. I must tell you that my back-log of Brazilian post players is completely blank, but if there are any more 6'11, 250 pound monsters-in-the-paint available, I would like to acquire one (which is almost as dumb as typing "if there are more 7'0 Germans available"...). What a player, and what a clinic he put on Dampier. As Hubie Brown was properly pointing out that Damp has been a positive in this playoff, Nene and the Nuggets were going through their entire playbook on the pick and roll with all of the different variations to get Nene the ball. And, yes, Damp fell for every single one. I wrote in the preview for this series that Damp will not be able to cancel him out, but, gee whiz, dude, just try not to get embarrassed. That aspiration feel way short on Sunday, as Nene was awesome with 24 points and 5 assists! Did you see him run the court? What an athlete at center. The good news is that he doesn't look that great every night. The bad news is that he might not do that every night because he doesn't play Dampier every night. In this series, he does. For the Mavs coaches, they know they are screwed, because behind Dampier, the options are even worse.
* Can someone prove to me that shooting sleeves have any effect on the shot? Or is this the newest fashion fad that since Iverson did it, the rest of the league is following? By the way, if they do work, the Mavericks better get some, because they appear to have the lowest number of shooting sleeve wearers in the NBA.
* Dirk started out with great results. In fact, he looked flat-out unstoppable in the 1st Quarter, and as we thought, Kenyon had no real answer for Dirk other than the forearm shot out of bounds. But, when they put that crazy Birdman on him, all heck broke loose for Denver. I am quite interested in how this continues to develop, but in one instance George Karl had no plan for Dirk, and in the next he seemed to have Dirk's run contained. I thought Dirk played pretty well, but he has to be careful to not start looking for fouls when he is getting pushed around. Refs must be refs, players must be players. If you start to try to officiate, they will actually give you fewer calls.
* But, speaking of the refs, I would like to remind them that the Nuggets are pulling one of those cyclical NBA tricks that were pulled by the 1992 New York Knicks and other tough teams through the years. It is actually genius, but it eventually grows to hurt basketball before the NBA decides to make it another point of emphasis to get it back in line. It is the idea that if you foul every time, then the refs adjust and only call the most egregious fouls. The Nuggets play so over-the-top physical, that you could call fouls all game on them, but in the NBA, they never do. To make it even more comical, they then complain for even the most obvious call. Before long, the crowd is in a frenzy, and the refs back way off and let them do whatever they want on defense. Somehow, the Mavs were called for 29 fouls, and Denver 19! You watch that game again, and tell me which team was pushing the envelope of physicality. It isn't even close. I know that only the loser complains about refs, but the NBA would not let them take that defensive approach against the Lakers.
* Credit ABC with a shocking graphic: Only 5 players in NBA History average 25 points and 10 rebounds in at least 50 playoff games: Elgin Baylor, Hakeem Olajuwon, Bob Pettit, Shaquille O'Neal, and Dirk Nowitzki. I doubt that graphic requires further elaboration.
* Josh Howard was launching. He took 16 shots, and 11 of them were from outside of 15 feet. I realize he rolled his ankle, but please reference all of my playoff recaps to see my complete thoughts on Josh's importance to this offense. I don't care if he makes his launches. Actually, I do. Because if he makes his launches, he shoots even more. He must be determined to drive the lane or this team is doomed. And the more physical this series gets, the more he must set the tone for the offense by driving.
* Denver is very athletic. And very cocky. In order to get these guys to respect you, you must occasionally back them off. And with the blocked shots and the dunks, and then the Mavericks looking for fouls and are jacking up 3's - this thing just got out of hand. The pessimistic view? The Nuggets were playing Nuggets basketball and the Mavericks were playing Mavericks basketball.
* Can we stop saying Antoine Wright is a great defender? To be a great defender, you must occasionally get a stop. And to see JR Smith blow by him time after time, indicates that you might not be able to put him on the court. Because he doesn't make you guard him on offense. Is he the best defender the Mavs have? Maybe. Is he a great defender? Sorry. I don't see it.
* When a team gets blown out late in a game in Denver, aren't the announcers required to blame the altitude adjustment? Surely, ABC failed there.
* Keep an eye on the FG% differential. Like we wrote before Game 1, the Nuggets consistently shoot 6-7% better than the Mavs in the season series. Yesterday, the Mavs shot a fine 49%, but the Nuggets shot 55%. The bottom line, they are taking easier shots (dunks) and you are taking harder shots (22 footers). Also, they seem to be challenging your shots (11 blocks and 15 steals) and you are not (2 blocks and 10 steals). This is a trend that is most troubling.
* I need to know more about the Nuggets tattoos. Who has the most? What is the team total? I am fascinated. And to think they let Iverson and his ink get away for Billups. Here is one link I have found on the topic.
* Jason Terry's points in the last 6 games of the regular season: 18-21-18-13-22-23. And now, the first 6 games of the playoffs: 12-16-10-10-19-15. Totals? 115 to 82. A very noticeable difference.
* Various bottom lines: It is just 1 game. Let's all relax, and understand that a win on Tuesday changes the view about 1,000% But, this is not some wounded animal. This is a Denver team that is playing with great confidence and swagger and are going to attempt to bully the Mavs right to the golf course. When the Knicks and Pat Riley attempted to do this to the Bulls in 1992, Jordan and Pippen had to take their medicine and accept the bruises to get the points. But, I don't see Jordan and Pippen on this roster. Can this team, and its personality that shows they can be rattled with physical play, stand up to the bully? If so, you cannot leave that all to Dirk. In this city, people like to make it all about Dirk not being William Wallace and never hold his mates responsible. I am telling you that Dirk is Dirk and he fights his tail off most nights. But, if Damp is going to get rattled, and Kidd is going to look lost, and Josh and Jet are going to play passive basketball, then this series is over already. I know it is fun to blame your best player for everything, but the Nuggets are bullying Dallas "as a team". Therefore, the response must also be "as a team".
Game 2 is fast approaching.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
