Dallas Mavericks NBA Playoffs: Game Four Is Do Or Die

SAN ANTONIO— After taking the early series lead in game one, the Dallas Mavericks now find themselves trailing their bitter rivals, the San Antonio Spurs 2-1.

At the end of game three the scoreboard did not reflect the dismal performance of the Mavericks.

Dirk Nowitzki was 13-23 from the field but the other four starters shot only a combined 5-18.

Nowitzki expressed his feelings going into the critical game four match-up on Sunday morning.

"It's the playoffs. It's as simple as that. We are trying to win."

When asked about the distribution of playing time, Nowitzki continued saying, "I don't care if some guy might play two minutes or not at all. We find ourselves in a tough series and we've got to find a way to win it. You've got to put your feelings aside, your egos aside, and just go to war."

The Mavericks were forced to rely on bench players Jason and J.J. Barea as secondary scoring options. Mid-season acquisition Caron Butler did not play during the second half after scoring only two points in the first two quarters and turning the ball over three times.

"Coach made a call, an adjustment, and I was all for it, whatever it takes to win the game...To me it's all about winning" Butler told reporters when asked about being benched for the second half of game three.

Mavericks guard Shawn Marion was also forced to sit for the second half of game three by coach Rick Carlisle.

"Coach made a decision. You've got to stick with it,"  Marion said when addressing his playing time.

"We've got to stick with him and whenever we get out there we've got to go out there and hep the team the best way we can."

Game Four is a do or die situation for Dallas. If the Mavericks cannot get a win tonight it would be difficult for them to string together three consecutive wins against a veteran San Antonio squad.

If the Mavericks are going to win tonight, Butler and Marion will have to provide Dallas with secondary scoring options to Dirk Nowtizki.