The Texas Tilt begins! Use this thread for your Spurs-Mavs comments, questions and predictions.

Game 1: at San Antonio, Sun., May 7 (1 p.m. ET, ABC)
Game 2: at San Antonio, Tue., May 9 (9:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 3: at Dallas, Sat., May 13 (5 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 4: at Dallas, Mon., May 15 (9:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 5: at San Antonio, Wed., May 17 (TBD, TNT)
Game 6: at Dallas, Fri., May 19 (TBD, ESPN)
Game 7: at San Antonio, Mon., May 22 (TBD, TNT)

SERIES LINKS:
NBA.com (http://www.nba.com/playoffs2006/series_sasdal.html)
ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2006/series?series=dalsas)
Dallas News (http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/basketball/)
San Antonio Express-News (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/)

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I picked Dallas in 7.

This should be a great series. I'm hoping for 7 straight triple OT games!!!

It ain't right they have to play each other already... this is the WCF series... has Dallas finally gotten over the little Texas brother complex?
Tough to pick a winner... but something says S.A. isn't as hungry this year... Dallas can put some big bodies on T.D. now.
If S.A. puts T.D. on Dirk they no longer have an inside defender.
Mavs better get it in six or they're done.

I stand by my prediction.

Avery leads his team to a victory. Dallas is the best team out West this year. San Antonio lacks the hunger. They will need to get a strong series out of someone other than Parker and Duncan to pass the Mavs. Ginobili is the wild card.

Mavs in 7.

Every year someone counts out the Spurs and almost every year they prove people wrong. I pick the SPurs in 6.

This should be one helluva series. Opening the chat on a couple of these games might be a good idea, I`d stop in.

The "Don`t mess with Texas" series. I think it`s a good guess to say whomever wins this series will be facing Detroit in the Finals. I picked Dallas in 5 games. I know some of you are saying 5 games? WTF......That`s ok, I just have a hunch Dallas is going to kick dat a&& like they stole something.

The key in this series will be the defense of course and the backcourt play. Devin Harris, Marquis Daniels, Jason Terry and our friend
Mr. Stackhouse must be as agressive as Ginobili, Parker, and Van Excel.

Dampier and Diop have become decent defenders and rebounders, and Josh Howard is a very steady young player.

We all know what the Spurs bring and Bowen`s defense on Dirk has been successful in the past but I believe the "little general" will find a way to get Dirk good looks.

No I am not on crck, Dallas in 5, that`s my story and Im sticking with it...:nod:

Chat open for Game 1

I think we should get even with Purrs.
But freash meat would make finals juicier.
I wouldn't want the Purrs to think they got a thing goin' on with the Tons.
Then again I wouldn't want the Cuban Texans to knock us down either.
Purrs in 7 with no gas left.
F' Texas, that's what I'm trying to say.

Stupid move by Stackhouse costed them the game. I picked San Antonio in 6. I hope Dallas plays them tough like Sac did, and then the Suns run there legs out so that they'll be ready for the Pistons.

Stupid move by Stackhouse costed them the game.

I know this is just one game, however, that bonehead move by Stackhose is the equivalent to Sheed leaving Horry alone!

Dampier had position on Duncan under the hoop, Ginobili gave him the baseline, and there was nobody else within 10 feet of him, so he dribbles out to the 3 point line. Wow!

That move may have cost the Mav`s this series...........

I know this is just one game, however, that bonehead move by Stackhose is the equivalent to Sheed leaving Horry alone!

Dampier had position on Duncan under the hoop, Ginobili gave him the baseline, and there was nobody else within 10 feet of him, so he dribbles out to the 3 point line. Wow!

That move may have cost the Mav`s this series...........

Yeah, I agree. It also may cost me my PF.com T-shirt! :ohwell:

Thing is, I think the stupid Mavs should have won this game anyhow. The Spurs had minimal rest and hardly any preparation time. Even though it was an away game for the Mavs it was a prime opportunity for them to steal home court advantage and place the Spurs on their heels. If they can't beat the Spurs in San Antonio under those conditions I'm not sure how they plan to steal an away game.

Dallas had the game in San Antonio up until the last minute. That's not easy. Mavs should still win this series. San Antonio has done nothing but hold court...barely.

I'm really stunned at the utter butt-whuppin' that Dallas is laying on the Spurs right now. This game hasn't been close at all since the first half, and the most excited the Spurs' fans have been able to get in the second half was when they went on a little run to cut the lead to...15.

Actually for Stack isn't that an improvement. Before he was a deer in the highlites at crunch time. This time he went for the whole ball of wax!

I picked Dallas to win this series, in order for it to happen in my opinion; Dallas must win (games 3 & 4) both games at home.

That`s a tall order because SA can certainly win on the road. Dallas is not the LA Lakers, there will be no coming back down 3-1.

I said the Suns wouldn`t come back from 3-1 too........:doh:

Didn't think this was worth a new thread because it's just Mark Cuban, but his complaints about the refs have credence (clearwater revival).


http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=A86.M4SkqmJEWu0AMgQ5nYcB?slug=ap-mavericks-cubanfined&prov=ap&type=lgns

Bump for first post updates (head to head and regular season statistics).

Refs keep bailing Dirk out for him to get to the line.

Refs keep bailing Dirk out for him to get to the line.
Dirk is the next Darko.

I have no clue what you mean by that.

Dallas seems to be the it team from the West and if we get into the finals then I don't want to play a team that gets away with murder in the name of defense.

I would be very afraid. Duncan fouled out on some pretty cheap calls and Dirk is getting to the line by breathing. If they want the Spurs out we are next.

before the game i said dallas would win, then san antonio would win on the road and game 5 at home to go up 3-2, dallas wins to force game 7, and from there it's a toss-up.

I have no clue what you mean by that. Humor. I would advise starting with basic knock knock jokes, and then move up to light tickling. :P ;)

I would be very afraid. Duncan fouled out on some pretty cheap calls and Dirk is getting to the line by breathing. If they want the Spurs out we are next. If the Pistons want to be great, they should go through adversity and the best team from the West. Shouldn't matter whether it is LA, PHX, SA or DAL.

Nice link gazoo. The refs operate with Carte Blanche, I don't care how they try to spin it. Some of them are out and out mavericks, and it's been documented that they study and scheme their work based upon who is playing. That, is BS. A foul is a foul. Don't wait to see the shot made, if it's a foul, blow the whistle. I counted at least 3 terrible calls in the Nets game (ironically against the home team Nets) which may have cost them the game.

Dirk's injury is BS. The same way Jeffersons from NJ was.

I don't think the Spurs are dumb enough to fall for that.

Told you Dirk wasn't hurt. This seems to be a trend. First Jefferson and his fake injury and now Dirk.

Another game of BS calls for Dirk.

Man this is a great series... They're both playing at a high level...
As it is right now the Pistons wouldn't beat either team, let alone the Heat.
Jason Terry is finally showing that he can be a winner...
Devin Harris is so dangerous...
Josh Howard vs Ginobili... must see TV

This series is not over yet, however, I think the Mav`s have proved they are for real. No championship for them yet, and honestly, I don`t think they will get one this year. If the Pistons face these Mav`s in the Finals, Flip better be ready becasue Avery is coaching his ass off.

Inserting Devin Harris into the starting lineup has/ have the Spurs reeling. He and Parker are going at it. with a slight edge to Parker right now.

The quickness of the Mav`s concerns me if we face them in the Finals. Quick guards always give us fits.

Anyway we have the Heat and the annoying Cav`s to take care of 1st. I toook the Mav`s over the Spurs and the Mav`s over the Suns.

Wow I can't believe it. It's not over yet, but the Pistons vs Spurs rematch is in jeopardy.

The Pistons Spurs rematch is in jeopardy unless Mr. Big Head gets his crap together. Cavs are very capable of an upset in a best 2 out of 3 now that all of the momentum is with Cleveland.

Spurs? They've never been to the Finals in back to back years.

I think it was Game 3 that I saw Fabricio Oberto out there in the first half and I thought to myself, "Gee, so that's what Delfino/Darko would look like if thrust into a crucial point during a playoff game".

The Pistons Spurs rematch is in jeopardy unless Mr. Big Head gets his crap together. Cavs are very capable of an upset in a best 2 out of 3 now that all of the momentum is with Cleveland.

Spurs? They've never been to the Finals in back to back years.

I think it was Game 3 that I saw Fabricio Oberto out there in the first half and I thought to myself, "Gee, so that's what Delfino/Darko would look like if thrust into a crucial point during a playoff game".

Yeah Oberto was really being hyped as the next gr8 Euro... that guy can't play defense... it's gotta get on Pops last nerve.

This should be one helluva series. Opening the chat on a couple of these games might be a good idea, I`d stop in.

The "Don`t mess with Texas" series. I think it`s a good guess to say whomever wins this series will be facing Detroit in the Finals. I picked Dallas in 5 games. I know some of you are saying 5 games? WTF......That`s ok, I just have a hunch Dallas is going to kick dat a&& like they stole something.

The key in this series will be the defense of course and the backcourt play. Devin Harris, Marquis Daniels, Jason Terry and our friend
Mr. Stackhouse must be as agressive as Ginobili, Parker, and Van Excel.

Dampier and Diop have become decent defenders and rebounders, and Josh Howard is a very steady young player.

We all know what the Spurs bring and Bowen`s defense on Dirk has been successful in the past but I believe the "little general" will find a way to get Dirk good looks.

No I am not on crck, Dallas in 5, that`s my story and Im sticking with it...:nod:

Good Post!!!!!!!:thumb:

Geez, Dlev, are you pimping your own post? That's classic. :laugh: I think the Spurs will get another one, maybe two.

Spurs have that same look in their eyes taht we had tonite...66-66 with 7:00 left. I feel for the Spurs now.

Spurs just one Dirk tip from being eliminated.
Pop sucks... lol

Just seen on SportsCenter.

San Antonio's chances for winning game six just got a little better. Jason Terry has been suspended one game for punching Michael Finley in the final seconds of last night's game.

The Jason Terry one game suspension. What a blow to Dallas. I'm not too much of a conspiracy theorist although I listen to those who are and have to admit the first thought I had when ESPN reported this suspension was that there must have been some NBA political machinations in this decision. Why can't they just let these guys play, punch each other, throw things at the ref, whatever and then suspend them from regular games next season and charge them money? Thow them out of the game they're in if its warranted, but WTF with the suspensions?

Basically, the NBA just decided that Dallas would lose tomorrow night. There is something about that I just don't like, and I don't care how big the punch was. The NFL isn't always suspending these guys for stuff like this are they? Most of these outbursts have to do with retaliating for physical play. Is it fair to just penalize one of the two? I'm sure Michael Finley did something to elicit such a response.

Sigh. I'm reallly getting disillusioned with being a basketball fan and this being a Pistons fan this year is turning into a trial by fire.

Mark Cuban might get fined a cool million for this one.

Basically, the NBA just decided that Dallas would lose tomorrow night.
I don't think you are giving Devin Harris or Darrell Armstrong much credit.

I don't think you are giving Devin Harris or Darrell Armstrong much credit.

I don't know Roscoe. As close as these games have been, I don't think it's too likely you can take one of SA's biggest obstacles out of the game. One the other hand, Phoenix made it through the Raja Bell suspension, so ...I hope you are right. But Jason Terry has been the other bookend for Devin Harris. But on the other hand, Avery Johnson is way capable of the adjustment thing. So, we'll see.

The point is I don't like anyone but the players play deciding the games.
That's all.

Dallas has been getting every call in this series. If there is a conspiracy it is against the Spurs. Champs or not the rating for the NBA finals with them playing us were horrible. I don't think the NBA wants another blow and money loss which is why I think we better be prepared tomorrow night.

Champs or not the rating for the NBA finals with them playing us were horrible. I don't think the NBA wants another blow and money loss which is why I think we better be prepared tomorrow night.
This is false. The per game ratings were down, but the length of the series (first seven gamer in a decade) sold more advertising than any previous recent series. The overall viewership of the series was a new record.

Advertisers weren't making money. They might have paid to be apart of the series but they didn't make any money from it.

The ratings were the lowest in years the year we won because no one was watching.

Advertisers weren't making money. They might have paid to be apart of the series but they didn't make any money from it.
The folks selling advertising. The NBA and the networks.

Ratings are based on how many people watch the games. The ratings were the lowest in years.

Gee, what a surprise. Dallas loses at home.

I was rooting for the Spurs. Almost every Spur fan wanted the Pistons to win, and almost all Piston fans wanted Spurs to win.

GameChat will be open from 8:00 PM until 2:00 AM tonight for anyone following the Western semi-final games.

Spurs are getting their arse handed to them so far in Game 7 on their own court. Their defense has been non-existent. Poor coaching or execution?

Spurs are getting their arse handed to them so far in Game 7 on their own court. Their defense has been non-existent. Poor coaching or execution?

Both. Dallas is on a mission..............

Big ups to the Mavs! Blew a big lead, but they showed a lot of heart in getting it to OT and then taking over in the extra period.

Congrats to the mavs for taking out the champions in game 7. They came with a great start hitting something like 12/15 in the first. A tight game there after but regained full control in OT. I love their energy so will have to keep an eye on proceedings out west to see how our opponents have been playing. 1 game left - im gunning for the clippers. :)

With Dampier on the bench for the OT period, I thought SA had the edge. Diop came in and played well. A nice contribution.

What an incredible play by Dirk to tie the game in regulation. I would have bet a lot of money that they were goners at that point.

Who woulda thought Diop would be a big FA pickup for the Mavs.... Diop has good footwork for 280+ lbs... he played more soccer than bball in HS.
The 7' trio finally wore down TD and his plantfoot.
Parker choked big time ... Eva's gonna dump him for Terry.

If Phoenix comes out of the West we may have to rethink our concept of traditional post games.

Oh the irony. If Manu doesn't make that AND1 foul on Nowitski, this is a different game.

I imagine the Ginobili haters in Spurs World are probably making him a Rasheed Wallace sized escapegoat.

Mavs are a scary looking team. Nobody in the league is going to out talent them.

Wow, would never have thought it.

Ginobili wins the game for them with a three and then gives it back with perhaps the world's most stupid foul. He has looked way more human this series than I have ever seen.

Zero minutes for Mohammed, zero minutes for Nesterovic, only nine for Horry.

And Finley running away from the ball during the entire overtime - just standing beside his defender and not making any cuts at all.

No dynasty here.

Manu did go from hero to escape goat all in the last minute of regulation, hitting a huge 3 to put them ahead before the ill-advised challenge on Dirk to give him the game-tying FT. And then Manu took a pretty weak shot in the last seconds while drawing to draw a foul that most certainly was not going to be called.

Here is the scary thing about Dirk. When you take his eFG% and combine it with all of the free throws he gets, he has shot an adjusted eFG% of 76% in this year's playoffs... and that includes the Spur's defense. That means that he has scored 1.52 points per shot attempt.

That is the equivalent of fouling an 87% free throw shooter every time (.87 x .87 = .76).