Monday, April 20th, 2009...11:02 pm
The Postseason Notebook: Mavs-Spurs, 4/20/09
During the regular season, The Notebook is meant to serve as a complete recap. Sometimes it is more literary; sometimes it is more tactically-minded. But from whatever ever angle I choose to address the game, I always hope to shed light on the game in its totality. But in the playoffs that seems less necessary.
There is no need to cater to fans who missed the game entirely as, in all likelihood, there are far fewer. There is no need to quickly wrap up a discussion of the night’s opponent so we can focus on the next; we are facing the same foe repeatedly. We’ve got until Thursday to pick apart every detail of tonight’s win. So rather than waste your time and mine by spending half of my piece mulling over the obvious aspects of tonight’s game, let’s jump straight into the subtler elements that dictate a series.
I wasn’t sure I wanted Popovich to switch Bowen onto J.J. Barea. Yes, Barea played well in the first game. But Bowen did a good job ensuring Terry’s presence wasn’t felt. I was concerned the moment we moved Bowen onto Barea, Terry would make us pay. Pop did not share my hesitancy and confidently sicked Bowen on Barea.
Popovich’s quick reaction time paid dividends: Barea scored 5 points on 2-8 shooting while Terry (16 points, 6-15 shooting) had a decent but by no means spectacular night. No longer scrutinized by Bowen’s relentless gaze, Terry was able to take almost twice as many shot attempts as game one. But the Spur’s defense had JET under control at all times. I wonder whether Pop plans on continuing to use Bowen against Barea or whether he was just using Bruce to cool the dimunitive Maverick’s hot little hand before he gained too much confidence.
The most frustrating period of the game was the final 5 minutes of the second quarter. After having displayed focus and intensity for the first quarter and a half, the Spurs suffered a series of mental lapses as the quarter drew to a close. We committed 3 turnovers. We made poor shot selections (Parker shot 2 three-pointers; Bonner passed up a wide open only to miss a layup after he penetrated). Roger Mason fouled Jason Terry taking a desperation 3-pointer just as the half was ending. We let a 21 point lead slip to 11. We played with intensity for a full 48 minutes. But intensity only equals production when it is coupled with good-decision making.
Despite the problems he has given us historically, Nowitzki has yet to find his rhythm this series. He shot 3-14 this evening and missed all 4 of this 3-pointers. The Spurs have thrown a number of different looks at Dirk: We’ve switched on him. We’ve doubled him. At different points, Bowen, Duncan, Gooden, and Bonner have all had to guard the former MVP.
The defensive fluidity we employ when facing Dirk allows us to do two things: Keep Nowitzki from getting comfortable and ensure our defenders feel confident being physical with Dirk without having to worry about foul trouble.
Alright, ladies and gentlemen. It’s late and I’m tired. Feel free to discuss these topics and more in the comments section. And remember to stop by 48 Minutes of Hell for a live post-game chat with Rob Mahoney of The Two Man Game on Tuesday (today) at 1 p.m. The chat should be accessible on either blog but if we experience technical difficulties, make sure to swing by The Two Man Game and see if we’ve got it working there.
Enjoy tonight’s victory. Tim and I will be back over the next couple days to break down the game in greater detail. Go Spurs.
9 Comments
April 20th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Nothing gets me more hyped than the Spurs vs. Mavs, quite possibly the greatest Texas pro sport rivalry ever.
I absolutely hate the Mavericks with a passion few can understand, and it is because of jerks like Howard and Terry. Aside from those guys and Mickey Mouse (aka JJ) I have total respect for the Mavs. I still have that sour taste in my mouth from that time Terry punched Finley etc…
I’m not going to lie, I did not think we would rebound this well from the last game. My only concern now is… can we sustain this level of play for the rest of the series without wear?
Got to love how many minutes Duncan logged though, that sure is a good sign!
April 21st, 2009 at 12:14 am
While Tony played spectacularly, I have to say Bruce Bowen played equally as well. He pretty much locked down whomever he was assigned. Just amazing to solo on his defense and see the futility of the Jason
Terry’s and even Barea. He even started the 2nd half.
It appears Pop’s been saving Bower for the playoffs- and it’s paying off. Bowen will be a key for the rest of this series for us.
April 21st, 2009 at 4:09 am
great point chipp, Bowen sure did lock down whoever he defended and got into their head. I thought that when he was on Barea he’d blow by him repeatedly, but he showed that he’s still able to play.
I still don’t want to see Bonner out on the court for 30 minutes, that is too long for a defensive liability. Thankfully he actually shot the ball this time and had a great rebounding game (7). I’d rather see Gooden or Thomas most of the time with Bonner playing 15-20 minutes.
April 21st, 2009 at 5:50 am
Unfortunately couldn’t see the game last night. But I still want to see the Spurs win a game when Parker has a so-so game (like in Game 1). Otherwise we better hope that Parker can be “on” at least 4 games out of 7…
April 21st, 2009 at 6:17 am
I didn’t think the 3 pointers by Parker were all that bad. They were wide open shots. Looking at the way those couple of minutes went, there could have been a 6 point swing if Parker could have knocked 1 of those down and Kidd would have missed 1 of his (like he usually does).
April 21st, 2009 at 6:35 am
I assume that chat is at 1 pm central time? (I live in LA)
April 21st, 2009 at 7:11 am
That’s right.
April 21st, 2009 at 8:58 am
[...] Graydon Gordian of 48 Minutes of Hell: “I wasn’t sure I wanted Popovich to switch Bowen onto J.J. Barea. Yes, Barea played well in the first game. But Bowen did a good job ensuring Terry’s presence wasn’t felt. I was concerned the moment we moved Bowen onto Barea, Terry would make us pay. Pop did not share my hesitancy and confidently sicked Bowen on Barea. Popovich’s quick reaction time paid dividends: Barea scored 5 points on 2-8 shooting while Terry (16 points, 6-15 shooting) had a decent but by no means spectacular night. No longer scrutinized by Bowen’s relentless gaze, Terry was able to take almost twice as many shot attempts as game one. But the Spur’s defense had JET under control at all times. I wonder whether Pop plans on continuing to use Bowen against Barea or whether he was just using Bruce to cool the dimunitive Maverick’s hot little hand before he gained too much confidence.” [...]
April 22nd, 2009 at 12:59 am
[...] 48 Minutes of Hell: "The most frustrating period of the game was the final 5 minutes of the second quarter. After having displayed focus and intensity for the first quarter and a half, the Spurs suffered a series of mental lapses as the quarter drew to a close. We committed 3 turnovers. We made poor shot selections (Parker shot 2 three-pointers; Bonner passed up a wide open only to miss a layup after he penetrated). Roger Mason fouled Jason Terry taking a desperation 3-pointer just as the half was ending. We let a 21 point lead slip to 11. We played with intensity for a full 48 minutes. But intensity only equals production when it is coupled with good-decision making." [...]
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