The Postseason Notebook: Mavs-Spurs, 4/20/09

by Graydon Gordian

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.