Before this series even started, it was easy to determine this was going to be one tough series for the Mavs and Spurs. Bitter division rivals who’ve met many times in the past knew what was in store like the rest of us, a war. They have not disappointed anyone watching this series in terms of intensity, passion, toughness, hard fouls, flagrant fouls, and anything else you can come up with. Four games in with the Spurs surprisingly leading 3-1, we’ve seen both teams deal out plenty of spit and grit so far. However, only one of the two squads has shown the wit. Care to take a guess who only a few hours before game 5 tips off in Dallas?
Can you say Alamo? Can you say San Antonio? How about four time NBA champion Spurs? Maybe if I throw the names Duncan, Parker, Ginobli, Jefferson, McDyess and maybe the wisest head coach around, Greg Popovich out there, you might have your answer. This has been and always will be a very, very smart, wise, and intelligent team. Can’t you just tell by watching them during each game? Yes, every game you’ll see Duncan whine a little, Popovich bark at the refs, and Parker along with Ginobli sneak in a bitch or two. That’s common among NBA playoff teams and contenders.
The San Antonio Spurs have always been known for being a smart, veteran club that makes the right plays at the right times. They’ll get physical, tough and impose their will on you constantly. They’ll frustrate you by taking away what you do best. No matter how bad things are going for them, no matter how physical the game gets, no matter how bad the calls are, the Spurs never seem to loose their temper or composure. If they do, it’s very seldom. Hence, four NBA championship trophies.
For the Dallas Mavericks, it seems to be just the opposite. They’ve always been known as a soft team and not a physical bunch of guys. You can push them around, get in their heads, rattle them at times and completely throw them off their game. Don’t get me wrong, the Mavericks will fight with you and battle you tooth and nail. We’ve seen it at times, ever so briefly, but the Mavs toughness will make an occassional appearance in the playoffs. That’s a good thing and needed badly by a team that lacks the reputation of being tough. What kills this Mavericks team is the mental part of the game.
Turnovers, shots not falling, and a few bad calls by refs and these Mavericks turn into romper room. Too much whining, crying, pouting, complaining, bitching and moaning begins when the pressure is on. Hey Mavericks, if you can’t stand the heat, get the HELL out of the kitchen. Watching this Maverick squad all year, there was never a question of talent & ability. Add to the fact the big trade supposedly brought in three tough guys to take away some of the soft reputation this team has had for years. Brendan Haywood, DeShawn Stevenson and Caron Butler have all given the Mavericks an edge. What type of an edge? I’m not quite sure a few hours before game five tips off. Where have they been?
When the tough gets going, when the game gets physical, when the shots aren’t falling, when the refs are oblivious to any fouls, this team melts down. Big time! Somehow, someway the Mavericks have to grow up in about five hours. Play playoff basketball like you’ve been there before. Show the kind of resolve that experienced playoff teams do when things go sour. This team can’t let the refs dictate the game, can’t let physical play dictate the game, and can’t let the San Antonio Spurs dictate the game. If the Dallas Mavericks want to show the basketball world something tonight, how about some maturity, composure and the will to win at all costs. I know it’s a novel approach and something we don’t see too often from this Maverick bunch. But I don’t think I have to tell them or anyone else for that matter… if you can’t find the heart and soul to play like gang busters tonight, then it’s just not there. Then, for the first time in a long time, Mark Cuban might have to think about starting this puppy over.
Guess we’ll be talking to you in about five hours on the Dallas Mavericks Playoff Postgame show on Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket. Please feel free to join myself and Mark Followill for the good times. At least we hope for another night.
