NBA Preview: Five Things to Look for in Friday's Spurs vs. Mavericks Matchup
San Antonio Spurs (12-1) @ Dallas Mavericks (9-4)
In a rematch of last year's Western Conference Quarterfinals series, the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks will resume one of the league's most heated rivalries. Rest assured, both teams have had this date circled for the last few weeks. Mavericks and Spurs match-ups always more than live up to the hype. Expect this game to be decided by a possession or two. Here are some things to pay attention to during the game.
Caron Butler
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Caron Butler is not playing well this season, but his strength and physicality give the Spurs match up issues. The Mavericks need to get him involved in the offense early to get his confidence going. If Butler is aggressive and driving to the basket, he can put the Mavericks in the bonus early. In last year's series, the Spurs liked to double team Butler in the corners, which usually led to turnovers. The Mavericks need to be mindful of this.
Tim Duncan Vs Tyson Chandler
2 of 5
Chandler did an admirable job guarding Duncan in the Western Conference Semifinals three years ago. Duncan is a player who likes to feel where his defender is, then make a move. Chandler is different; he has enough length to the point where he does not have to body up on Duncan as much as the average big man. But with the way the Spurs' perimeter players are playing of late, Duncan might not receive as many touches.
Defending The Spurs' Guards
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The Mavericks will have a tough time keeping the Spurs' guards out of the paint. Tony Parker's eyes light up every time he faces the Mavericks ever since Devin Harris was traded. Rodrigue Beaubois, the young French speedy guard will be missed in a match up like this, as he has the quickness to play against Parker and Ginobili. Rick Carlise might have to resort to playing zone defense. But it is important that the Mavericks score because when they do not, it is hard for them to get back into their zone.
Antonio McDyess Vs Dirk Nowitzki
4 of 5
McDyess did as well a job of guarding Dirk Nowitzki as anyone in last year's series. Nowitzki still averaged 26.7 on 55 percent shooting, but Nowitzki took tough shots for the majority of the time. Expect McDyess to play extended minutes in this game. The Spurs have never had an answer for Dirk Nowitzki, his unorthodox style of play has always given them issues.
Three Point Shooting
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The Spurs come into this game in the top five shooting three pointers. Most of those three pointers came in transition off of turnovers. It is important that the Mavericks protect the ball like it is gold when Parker and Ginobili are around because they will gamble defensively. For the Spurs, they need to be careful not to get caught playing at the Mavericks' slow pace. This does not mean they are incapable of playing a slower pace, but the Spurs will have to rely on Duncan more in a half-court offense. And the Spurs are making a conscious effort to preserve Duncan's body.
