1. We controlled tempo. As I hoped, we ran fastbreak whenever possible yet never rushed for quick shots in halfcourt sets.
2. Amare is the revelation. He was patient, never forced anything. Most importantly, unlike my previous impression during the regular season, he was paying much closer attention to the plays on both ends of the court even when he was not immediately involved. His offensive rebounding in addition to his domination of whoever was guarding him must be demoralizing for the Mavs. He has officially arrived! He even learned to exaggerate a bit when being fouled, that forced the refs to call them. Geez, does he mature fast!
3. Another one who officially arrived is Joe. He looked determined and not his tentative old-self anymore. As a sign, he completely abandoned his previous routine of always trying to hit a couple of midrange jumpers first with the ball in his hands, which was frustrating to me as he'd lose confidence if he missed a couple of them. In this game, he was not afraid of contact and went strong to the hoops with great outcome. If he keeps his aggressiveness up, he is better than Manu and we will have no problem to beat the Spurs.
4. We are way better of a TEAM than the Mavs. They had only one-on-one scoring most of the game. For that, I wouldn't mind if Terry or Stack or Dirk went for 30pt. Amare's 40 came so naturally and smoothly in comparison, not to mention Marion's and JJ's. Next game, they might have no other option than doubling Amare. But with the confident JJ, Q, and Marion, we will have no problem. I just don't know which team and how they could stop our smooth and balanced offense. Pistons might be the best canditate while Heats might counter us with a very good offense.
Anyway, I reiterate my prediction of Suns in 5.
