Dallas ML +155
I have to go against the popular opinion tonight that the Spurs are a lock to advance after forcing a game 7 at home. The truth is that Dallas has outplayed San Antonio at their place in all 3 games in the playoffs, despite the Spurs having won 2 of 3.
Dallas has outscored San Antonio 295-276 in the three games played at SA. They are both shooting an identical 46% from the field but Dallas has outrebounded SA in each of the three games by a 124-104 margin. Dallas has been tied or held the lead at the half of each of these three games. The achilles heel for Dallas in this series has been their inability to finish in the second halves. San Antonio at home has outscored Dallas 135-128 in the second half.
With Terry back in the lineup, I look for the Mavs to get back to their up-tempo style, with Harris not having to worry about setting up the offense, just blowing by his opponents.
The Mavericks have pulled even with San Antonio, but they haven't pulled ahead. Until they do, they will be the annoying little brother the Spurs pat on the head, praise occasionally then dismiss as they go about their business. "There is some kind of rivalry because of the Texas thing. And this year, the race was amazing to No. 1, so that created a little rivalry," Ginobili said. "Besides that, we're just two good teams playing each other." Right now, the Mavericks are nothing more than a good team that challenges the Spurs from time to time. Tonight will show if that has changed.
I have to go against the popular opinion tonight that the Spurs are a lock to advance after forcing a game 7 at home. The truth is that Dallas has outplayed San Antonio at their place in all 3 games in the playoffs, despite the Spurs having won 2 of 3.
Dallas has outscored San Antonio 295-276 in the three games played at SA. They are both shooting an identical 46% from the field but Dallas has outrebounded SA in each of the three games by a 124-104 margin. Dallas has been tied or held the lead at the half of each of these three games. The achilles heel for Dallas in this series has been their inability to finish in the second halves. San Antonio at home has outscored Dallas 135-128 in the second half.
With Terry back in the lineup, I look for the Mavs to get back to their up-tempo style, with Harris not having to worry about setting up the offense, just blowing by his opponents.
The Mavericks have pulled even with San Antonio, but they haven't pulled ahead. Until they do, they will be the annoying little brother the Spurs pat on the head, praise occasionally then dismiss as they go about their business. "There is some kind of rivalry because of the Texas thing. And this year, the race was amazing to No. 1, so that created a little rivalry," Ginobili said. "Besides that, we're just two good teams playing each other." Right now, the Mavericks are nothing more than a good team that challenges the Spurs from time to time. Tonight will show if that has changed.
