NBA Playoffs: Five Keys to the Trail Blazers-Mavericks Series from Game 1

The 2011 NBA Playoffs have begun with a bang, with several close games and good finishes that have left everyone more than excited for what the rest of the games have in store.  Several lower seeds have already managed to score surprising road upsets.

The Blazers came close in Dallas but were thwarted by what almost seems to be a perfect storm of events in favor of the Mavericks; here we'll briefly look at five take away points that may indicate the direction the series is headed. 

1. The Officiating

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

SAN ANTONIO - APRIL 29: Forward Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks falls on the floor after being fouled during a 97-87 loss against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Cen

Sometimes it's best to let the numbers speak for themselves:

Free Throws: 29-13, advantage home team (despite a massive Blazers advantage for points in the paint) 

Free Throws in 4th Quarter: 19-2, advantage home team

Free Throws for Dirk Nowitzki in 4th Quarter: 13 (again, to 2 for the Blazers)

Personal Fouls: 26 for the Blazers, 16 for Dallas

2. A Resurgent Jason Kidd

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 16: Guard Jason Kidd #2 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after a three point shot against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2011 at American Airlines

Apparently he discovered some sort of fountain of youth just prior to Saturday's game; I'm not sure how else we explain his 6 for 10 performance from 3 (9 of 14 overall shooting) when he had been averaging just over 1.5 made threes per game, at 34% for the season.  While his timely shooting performance was key to keeping the Mavericks ahead for much of the game, it's safe to assume that this isn't going to happen on a regular basis.

3. Three Point Shooting

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 08: Wesley Matthews #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after hitting a late 3 pointer during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 8, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

For the game, the Mavericks were at just over 50% from the 3 point line, while the Trail Blazers only managed a paltry two 3 point field goals (2 for 16 overall).  The disparity is not likely to be that great in future games, while in this one it proved to be one of the Mavericks' main advantages. 

4. Uneven Contributions from Important Players

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 16: (L-R) Jason Terry #31 and Tyson Chandler #6 of the Dallas Mavericks react during play against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2011 at American

Both teams struggled with this problem.  For the Trail Blazers, only LaMarcus Aldridge and Andre Miller played well overall, while on the Mavericks, Jason Kidd was the only one who had a good overall game. The Trail Blazers would have been lauded for their stifling defense on Nowitzki had it not been for the ridiculous 13 free throw attempts he received in the 4th quarter.  His overall shooting performance (7 for 20) is something the Blazers would be able to live with comfortably on most nights. 

5. Points in the Paint

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 16: Forward LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the Portland Trail Blazers gets a slam dunk against the Dallas Mavericks in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2011 at American Airlines Cente

This is an interesting one.  The Blazers outscored the Mavericks 46-18 on points in the paint, despite the previously mentioned disparity in free throw attempts favoring the Mavericks.  I would imagine that if the Blazers continued to be aggressive and attack the rim, they will be rewarded for it more consistently the rest of the series.