Amare32
STAT man
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2004
- Posts
- 1,125
- Reaction score
- 0
Dallas Mavericks @ Phoenix Suns
When Tuesday 1st November
Time: 8.30 PT
Location: AWA, Phoenix
TV: TNT, UPN 45
Probable Starting Lineups:
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
PG-Jason Terry
SG-Jerry Stackhouse
SF-Josh Howard
PF-Dirk Nowitzki
C-Erick Dampier
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images
PG-Steve Nash
SG-Raja Bell
SF-James Jones
PF-Shawn Marion
C-Kurt Thomas
Starting 5 match-ups
Point guards
Jason Terry Vs Steve Nash
Jason Terry and Steve Nash face off in what is the re-match match-up of last years conference semi-finals. The one play Terry will be known for is letting Nash through and shooting a three which in the end ruined the Mava chances of forcing a game 7. Nash had an amazing series in the playoffs last year averaging over 30 points and dominating on the boards and in the assists. He also had his first ever career playoff triple double. Terry will need to hit some shots and stop Nash from dmominating him again for this one.
Shooting guards
Jerry Stackhouse Vs Raja Bell
Jerry Stackhouse is the likely starter for the season opener. Last year Michael Finley was the starting two guard. Finley however was released under the new NBA clause so he went on to sign with the San Antonio Spurs after having interest from quite a few teams such as the Suns. Raja Bell will be starting his first season for the Suns after a few very good years with the Utah Jazz. Averaging 12.3 points last year on 40% shooting. One would expect those averages to rise playing with someone like Steve Nash.
Small Forwards
Josh Howard Vs James Jones
This SF match-up is between two very talented young small forwards. Josh Howard has improved at a huge rate. Very good defender who can score, rebound and even pass the ball. He has been a big part of the Mavs success. James Jones joined the Suns from the Pacers in what was a sign and trade. He averaged 4.9 points last year but has looked very impressive in pre-season averaging 16.6 points on 45% from the floor and 41% from three. If he can have those numbers in the regular season then the Suns are going to be in good shape.
Power Forward
Dirk Nowitzki Vs Shawn Marion
Another repeat match-up of last years playoffs. With Amare Stoudemire going down with his injury. Shawn Marion is again forced to start at power forward til he at least gets back. Marion averaged 19 and 11 last year so It's not a spot he can't play. He has always played Dirk well and will need to make sure he doesn't go off for the Suns to have a better chance in this one.
centers
Erick Dampier Vs Kurt Thomas
This is going to be a good battle at the center position. Erick Dampier who can be very inconsistant offensively and on the boards while Kurt Thomas one of the Suns newest additions to the Suns roster has always been known as one of the most consistant guys around. KT averaged 11 and 10 last year with the Knicks and is going to be a key guy on offense and on the boards while Amare is out. Be interesting to see If Dampier will go out to KT as he likes to shoot those 15-17 foot jumpers.
Injury News
Mavericks
None to report
Suns
Amare Stoudemire- out 4 months
Key's to the game
Mavericks
- Try and hassle Steve Nash as much as possible. With Amare out the Suns will depend alot on Nash this season
- Feed Dirk the ball and get him going early on. When Dirk starts strong that is normally a good sign for the rest of the game for him
- Get good production out of their new rotation of shooting guards along with Stackhouse. The Mavs brought in Doug Christie. He will be a key player for their defense.
- Get Nash to attack the Mavs defense as much as possible. They had no answer for him in the playoffs last year and shouldn't do this year either.
- Just because guys like Joe Johnson, Quentin Richardson are gone and Amare is injured doesn't mean these group of Suns won't run just as much. Bell, Jones, Marion, Jackson will all depended on running with Nash to get easy fastbreak points.
- Must attack Eric Dampier in the middle. He is proven to get in foul trouble. However when he stays on the floor can be quite a handful. If he guards Kurt Thomas I feel It will be key for KT to drag him out of the paint also. Thomas is one of the top shooting big men in the NBA
Final thoughts and predictions
The Suns season opener starts here. Alot of changes have gone on from last season's 60 win team. Joe Johnson decided to leave and take the money and losing in Atlanta. The Suns did manage to get something back some picks, a TE and the very promising Bois Diaw who has showed this summer and in pre-season how well rounded he really is.
Quentin Richardson was traded for Kurt Thomas to give added size. Thomas averaged 11 and 10 last season. Q was a good piece of the Suns and set records for three-pointers made. He made alot but also missed alot too. His three-pointers will need to be replaced by newcomers Raja Bell and Jamea Jones. Both shoot over 40% from three
Jones has looked very impressive in pre-season averaging 16 points per game on 41% from three. If the Suns can get 15-16 a game out of Bell and Jones each then the Suns will be in good shape.
The real negative part of the off-season was the injury to Amare Stoudemire who is going to be out for 4 months. Which is a huge blow to the team and the fans in general. Amare was expected to have and MVP type season and many believed this team had a great shot at winning the title and challenging the Spurs. That now is put on hold til we know when Amare comes back or If he can play at a high level. If Amare isn't 100% this year then Is It really worth letting him play this year? when you give a guy a max contract you want him playing at a high level for every year. Would maybe be a safer bet to let him sit out until he is truely heathly.
Now onto this match-up. It is going to be a good one even without Amare. I like the changes we have made. Only downside is the Amare situation. That said the Mavs come into this game with basically the same team as last year with only Finley really missing. They added Doug Christie and a few bench players but overall they didn't really improve and without Finley who does have a habit of playing well in the AWA I'm more confident of winning this game had It been a year ago without Amare. We have added depth, defense and more shooters. So I think a win in the season home opener is very possible
enjoy the game everybody
THE NBA IS HERE!
Last edited by a moderator:
