TITFD Sunday NBA
- Thread starter CryBoy
- Start date
"While the Mavericks will likely be without Dirk Nowitzki, the Spurs hope Tim Duncan brings them within one win of the title round as these teams meet in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Dallas has had no success slowing down Duncan, but Nowitzki was stopped by an injury Friday. The 96-83 home loss in Game 3 proved particularly costly for the Mavericks because their leading scorer and rebounder sprained his left knee in the fourth quarter.
It was originally believed the injury could keep Nowitzki out for the playoffs, but after an MRI taken Saturday revealed he had sprained ligaments in his left kneecap, the team listed him as doubtful for Game 4.
Team physician Dr. T.O. Souryal said it usually takes 10-to-14 days to recover from this type of injury, but did not rule out Nowitzki's return in this series.
``We are all thankful that Dirk's injury is not as serious as it could have been,'' Dallas coach Don Nelson said. ``But we will continue to abide by our decision to not play him unless he is 100 percent.''
As good as Nowitzki had been in the first two games, averaging 30.5 points and 12.5 rebounds, Duncan clearly has been the dominant force in the series as San Antonio has taken a 2-1 lead.
He will take a lot away from their game because he's also a very good rebounder.
The reigning two-time MVP had 34 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, 24 rebounds, six assists and six blocked shots in Game 3. He became the first Spurs' player since George Gervin in 1978 to score at least 30 points in four consecutive playoff games.
Duncan has averaged 35.3 points, 18 rebounds and six assists in this series.
It's a virtual certainty the Mavs will double-team Duncan nearly every time he touches the ball in Game 4. Besides Nowitzki likely being out, the Mavs learned Saturday that center Shawn Bradley will be sidelined indefinitely with a sprained MCL and third-string center Evan Eschmeyer would probably miss the rest of the postseason with a knee problem.
That leaves Dallas with nine players in uniform Sunday, with Raef LaFrentz and Eduardo Najera being the only available big men.
Nelson, however, could benefit from Nash taking more of the scoring load. The All-Star point guard has managed just 22 points in the last two games, matching his total from the Mavs' Game 1 victory.
Dallas' top-scoring reserve has had a tough time getting open looks through the first three games, being guarded by defensive specialist Bruce Bowen or Manu Ginobili -- both of whom are at least five inches taller than the 6-foot-1 Van Exel. A key to the Mavs' success in the first two rounds as he averaged more than 20 points, Van Exel is averaging 14.3 points in this series and has shot below 33 percent (14-for-43).
While Van Exel has cooled off, the Spurs' Tony Parker is on a roll.
The growing aggressiveness of Parker at the offensive end has keyed San Antonio's recent success. The second-year point guard has averaged 22.8 points in the last five games. San Antonio is 7-2 this postseason when Parker scores more than 15 points, 3-3 when he doesn't.
If the Spurs win, they'll have a chance to close out the series at home Tuesday "
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Got to think SA has a big advantage tonight. Do not see Dirk being able to play. If he does he may be largely ineffective.
SA would love to go home up 3-1. That would most likely close the deal. Fans may not be such a factor with Dirk out there won't be so much to cheer about.
Question CryBoy - Why do you think the line is only -3.5 ?
Without Dirk I would think Dallas should be getting +7 ?
If we can figure that out we can win this game.
Lets slam this one CryBoy !
KOD
Dallas has had no success slowing down Duncan, but Nowitzki was stopped by an injury Friday. The 96-83 home loss in Game 3 proved particularly costly for the Mavericks because their leading scorer and rebounder sprained his left knee in the fourth quarter.
It was originally believed the injury could keep Nowitzki out for the playoffs, but after an MRI taken Saturday revealed he had sprained ligaments in his left kneecap, the team listed him as doubtful for Game 4.
Team physician Dr. T.O. Souryal said it usually takes 10-to-14 days to recover from this type of injury, but did not rule out Nowitzki's return in this series.
``We are all thankful that Dirk's injury is not as serious as it could have been,'' Dallas coach Don Nelson said. ``But we will continue to abide by our decision to not play him unless he is 100 percent.''
As good as Nowitzki had been in the first two games, averaging 30.5 points and 12.5 rebounds, Duncan clearly has been the dominant force in the series as San Antonio has taken a 2-1 lead.
He will take a lot away from their game because he's also a very good rebounder.
The reigning two-time MVP had 34 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, 24 rebounds, six assists and six blocked shots in Game 3. He became the first Spurs' player since George Gervin in 1978 to score at least 30 points in four consecutive playoff games.
Duncan has averaged 35.3 points, 18 rebounds and six assists in this series.
It's a virtual certainty the Mavs will double-team Duncan nearly every time he touches the ball in Game 4. Besides Nowitzki likely being out, the Mavs learned Saturday that center Shawn Bradley will be sidelined indefinitely with a sprained MCL and third-string center Evan Eschmeyer would probably miss the rest of the postseason with a knee problem.
That leaves Dallas with nine players in uniform Sunday, with Raef LaFrentz and Eduardo Najera being the only available big men.
Nelson, however, could benefit from Nash taking more of the scoring load. The All-Star point guard has managed just 22 points in the last two games, matching his total from the Mavs' Game 1 victory.
Dallas' top-scoring reserve has had a tough time getting open looks through the first three games, being guarded by defensive specialist Bruce Bowen or Manu Ginobili -- both of whom are at least five inches taller than the 6-foot-1 Van Exel. A key to the Mavs' success in the first two rounds as he averaged more than 20 points, Van Exel is averaging 14.3 points in this series and has shot below 33 percent (14-for-43).
While Van Exel has cooled off, the Spurs' Tony Parker is on a roll.
The growing aggressiveness of Parker at the offensive end has keyed San Antonio's recent success. The second-year point guard has averaged 22.8 points in the last five games. San Antonio is 7-2 this postseason when Parker scores more than 15 points, 3-3 when he doesn't.
If the Spurs win, they'll have a chance to close out the series at home Tuesday "
..................................................
Got to think SA has a big advantage tonight. Do not see Dirk being able to play. If he does he may be largely ineffective.
SA would love to go home up 3-1. That would most likely close the deal. Fans may not be such a factor with Dirk out there won't be so much to cheer about.
Question CryBoy - Why do you think the line is only -3.5 ?
Without Dirk I would think Dallas should be getting +7 ?
If we can figure that out we can win this game.
Lets slam this one CryBoy !
KOD
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Scott-Atlanta said:
Not sure what the oddsmakers were thinking last night when the line came out at -3.5 knowing that D. Nowitzki will not be a factor. Line is now Spurs -5. Even at 5, I still think San Antonio is very playable. Folks on the Mavs are thinking trap. Look what happened in the Spurs/Lakers Game 6. How about last night's Pistons/Nets Game 4? I am going for the kill here. How big is Nowitzki to the Mavericks? I think bigger than 7 points. The guy is the leading scorer and rebounder for his team. He runs the court like Nash and Finley. His defense is suspect, but it sure the hell is better than LaFrentz, who by the way will have double duty tonight (S. Bradley is also out). Nellie has been great, but the buck stops here. Who can step up for Dallas? Nash, Finley, van Exel? Haha! All are under 6'6", which means they have to do it from outside. There is absolutely no post-up game for Dallas. We saw how San Antonio has adjusted to Dallas' perimeter game. I can go on and on...I don't see any other way to play this game, except to pound San Antonio.
The new NBA motto: Kick the man when he's down.
Best of luck out there tonight...
Oh by the way, I am 0-3 on my last 3 posted plays and have been horrible in these playoffs
You might consider fading my sorry-ass!
Hey, Scott.
Hey, Scott.
Gonna ask you and your dog pack to change your avatar to the good ol' red, white, and blue today.
Have a great Memorial Day everyone and thanks for the kudos!
Hey, Scott.
Gonna ask you and your dog pack to change your avatar to the good ol' red, white, and blue today.
Have a great Memorial Day everyone and thanks for the kudos!
