Sorry, but I didn't see it that way. Bradley did contribute in his usual way of altering a few shots. I was surprised when I saw that Duncan only took 20 shots during the entire game, and I think he was 9-12 in the first half.
If true, then Duncan only shot 8 times in the second half? I know he went to the line quite a few times, but I think the Mavs got the Spurs out of their rhythm, by fouling Bowen and continuing to push the ball up the court.
Popovich was right...it was the free throws. 49 of 50...wow!! And Eddie Najera's miss wasn't a bad shot, it was off the back of the rim.
Ths Spurs need to keep pounding the ball into Duncan. Over a 7 game series, the Mavs really don't have an answer for that, just as the Lakers (even with Shaq) didn't have an adequate answer.
For all you Laker fans out there, next year will be a very important year for you. Let's see how dedicated Shaq will be to getting back in shape, and if management can rebuild your team. Make no mistake about it, the Spurs and Kings will even better next year. As for the Mavericks, this is a far different team than it was at the start of these playoffs, not to mention the meltdown at the Forum in December.
Unlike many experts, I will admit that I underestimated this team. The Mavericks have matured significantly over the past 15 games, and I'm no longer surprised at their success. From the middle of the second quarter last night, they exerted their will on the tempo of the game, and Nellie pulled a few tricks out of his bag.
It's going to be a great series, because the Spurs will really bring it tomorrow night. If the Mavericks can keep Duncan to 20 shots or less, I like their chances.
In the post game, Kenny Smith was bemoaning the fact that the Spurs quit pounding the ball in to Duncan in the second half.
Unlike many experts, I will admit that I underestimated this team. The Mavericks have matured significantly over the past 15 games, and I'm no longer surprised at their success.
They are playing "playoff" (ie. tough) basketball. Most people didn't think they could. Not that they are as tough as the Spurs, and I still think the Spurs have at least an even chance of winning the series.
I thought the series would go much like the first half did with no answer to Duncan. Maybe not. Dallas is an entertaining team to watch with so much firepower. They might just be able to hang around long enough to win a couple more. Or....it may have been a fluke, like when the Sixers beat the Lakers in the first game of the championship series two years ago. Same scenario. A team that took seven games to advance going to a well-rested, overconfident team's court. Anyway. Last night's game was FANtastic. ( OK...one complaint....too many ticky tack and phantom fouls.)