Mavericks defeat Suns on lack of D
NBA Obsessed takes you into the hit and run game of NBA Basketball.
In a game of two awesome point guards, it was the lack of defense that stood out.
Dallas came back in the fourth quarter with a 16 - 0 run to take the game. A game that Phoenix led from the get go and had a 13 point lead in the 3rd quarter.
Dirk scored 32 points on one ankle as the Mavs won 105 - 98.
Dirk Nowitzki signals he can score on one ankle or two
“Every team we’d played so far we were right there, on the road or at home,” Nowitzki said. “So it feels great to get finally over the hump. I think everybody in t he locker room was pretty hyped up that we had finally pulled this one out. Hopefully this could build some momentum.”
Josh Howard added 24 points and Brandon Bass 19 for the Mavericks, who used a smothering defense in a 16-0 run that put them ahead for good in a game the Suns had led nearly throughout. Phoenix went scoreless for just under 8 minutes, missing 12 shots in the process.
The disturbing part of this game was the lack of defense on the pick and roll. In the playoffs, you have to be able to defend the pick and roll.
It got so bad in the second half that my TV was switched to The Lord of the Rings II. Rohan used excellent defense to defend Helms deep from the invading Orcs. It was playoff defense at its best.
Anyway, getting back to the game, it seemed like either team could shake a man loose on the pick and roll whenever they wanted. There was no cut out or rotation or trap or any of the myriad ways to defend. Nowitzki and Shaq both looked helpless on pick and rolls.
How do these teams plan on beating San Antonio and Tim Duncan or Utah and Darren Williams without defending the pick and roll?
NBA Basketball special comment It still has to be San Antonio in the West until better defense is played by the other teams.
As always, any NBA Basketball related comments are welcome.
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POSTED IN: Dallas Mavericks, Deron Williams, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, NBA Basketball, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Shaq, Steve Nash, Tim Duncan, Utah Jazz
3 opinions for Mavericks defeat Suns on lack of D
jason
Apr 7, 2008 at 8:24 am
Mavericks are looking good for a late run! Keep it up! I’d agree though, San Antonio is the team to beat.
james
Apr 8, 2008 at 8:38 pm
One overlooked aspect of Jason Kidd, is his ability to play defense, especially on big guards.
Vic
Apr 11, 2008 at 3:29 am
The Mavs finally clinched their spot for the playoffs last night. I know they haven’t played as well as last season, in terms of wins, but I think they were worn out overall by the time the playoffs started last year. This season they should be more rested and ready to contend with any team in the West.
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