Amare32
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WESTERN CONFERENCE
SEMI-FINALS-GAME 2
Phoenix leads series 1-0
Dallas Mavericks @ Phoenix Suns
When Wednesday 11th May
Time: 7.30 PT
Location: AWA, Phoenix
TV: TNT
Probable Playoff Starting Lineups:
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PG-Jason Terry
SG-Michael Finley
SF-Josh Howard
PF-Dirk Nowitzki
C-Erick Dampier
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PG-Steve Nash
SG-Joe Johnson
SF-Quentin Richardson
PF-Shawn Marion
C-Amare Stoudemire
Game 2 prediction match-ups
Point guards
Jason Terry Vs Steve Nash
The Mavericks didn't get enough out of Jason Terry in game 1. Scoring just 13 points and had only 3 assists. He didn't really attack the Suns defense as well as I thought he would. Granted he shot the ball well but he didn't do what a point guard should be doing. Steve Nash on the otherhand did exactly what a point guard should do, he led the offense well and got 13 assists in what was a big night for him. Getting the MVP trophy from David Stern before the game in front of all his family and friends. Was a great night for him. He will again look to get everyone involved in game 2, push the tempo and get off to another strong start.
Shooting guards
Michael Finley/Joe Johnson
In my game 1 preview I said Michael Finley would be a dangerous guy to face. He always has shot well in Phoenix, mainly from three. In game 1 though he shot just 1-5 from deep and 5-13 overall for 15 points. When he scores 20 or more the Mavericks win most times out of 10. They will need more production out of him. More so with the way Joe Johnson has played. Joe Johnson had yet another fine game in game 1, pouring in 25 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists on 9/17 shooting which included 3/4 from three-point land. He did his job and attacked the Mavs early with a few fastbreak lay-ups. He will be depended on doing the same in game 2, he is stronger, bigger and quicker than Finley. He should take advantage of his match-up
Small Forwards
Josh Howard Vs Quentin Richardson
Josh Howard had a soild night offensively with 12 points on 6-13 shooting while also pulling down 8 rebounds. However he also had 5 fouls which included a few offensive fouls and he had 5 turnovers. He certainly wasn't really under control. He will need to take care of the ball and stay out of foul trouble in game 2. He is the Mavs best defender and they will need him to stay in the game. Quentin Richardson had a soild game in game 1, tallying 12 points while shooting 50% from three and did a good job on defense. Q will look to get some shots up in game 2 but I can't stress this enough, he needs to get in the post more. Thats one of the parts of his game that is underrated.
Power Forward
Dirk Nowitzki Vs Shawn Marion
Dirk Nowitzki finally found his shot back in game 1, shooting 13/24 from the field and finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds. He must continue to shoot the ball well from the field in game 2. He shot well and his team still got blownout by 25. That is the main worry for Dallas. Shawn Marion as he has been all post season was Mr consistant in game 1.Pouring in 23 points and 11 rebounds. While shooting 9-16 from the field. As always he brought alot of good energy to the game and helped get the crowd into the game even more. He should again look to take advantage of his quickness at this position and get off to another good start
centers
Erick Dampier Vs Amare Stoudemire
Erick Dampier had truely a terrible performance in game 1 and I don't see it being much better. He started the game off poorly by fumbling two easy passes while also getting into early foul trouble. He failed to score and had only 5 rebounds. It was a game to forget for Dampier. To make matters worse his own team-mate Dirk Nowitzki called him out after the game for his poor game. Amare Stoudemire simply dominated the match-up. All in all Amare outscored Dampier 40-0 in total. Amare finished with 40 points and 16 rebounds on 13-21 shooting which included 14-17 free-throws. The Mavs can't guard him, he must keep demanding the ball and dominating.Amare will get all the looks he wants in this series.
Benches
Dallas as expected took advantage of their more talented bench in game 1. Outscoring the Suns 36-17.Jerry Stackhouse leading the attack with 14 points with Marquis Daniels adding 13 points. Suns were lead by Barbosa with 7 points and Steven Hunter with 6. Jim Jackson failed to score in game 1. Something that will need to change in game 2.
Key's to the game
Mavericks
- Get Dirk going early, he looked back in form in game 1 getting 28 points but he started off poorly. That will need to change in game 2.
- Jason Terry will need to give the Mavs more from the point guard spot than he did in game 1. He must attack the basket and get others involved.
- Erick Dampier must give the Mavs something in game 2. He got abused in game 1 Vs Amare Stoudemire. Getting outscored 40-0. If that happens again then the Suns are going to Dallas up 2-0
- Don't let the Suns get easy looks from deep. The Suns shot 12-22 in game 1 from behind the arc. When you allow a team that good full of shooters it makes It impossible to clog the middle.
- Get Amare the ball and let him go to work inside by attacking Erick Dampier. Amare exploded for 40 points and 16 rebounds in game 1 against Erick Dampier. Amare can do whatever he wants downlow against Dampier. He just sin't quick enough to guard him.
- Get the break going, push the tempo and get easy looks. Which the Suns had no problem doing in game 1. Scoring 127 points in all and shoot over 50% inside and outside.
- Must guard Dirk tough and not let him have any easy looks, Dirk finally came out of his slump with 28 points on 13-24 shooting in game 1 but had a slow start. So his scoring didn't have a great effect on the game. He must be contended early again.
- Get some bench production. The Suns got outscored 36-17 in game 1 and guys like Jim Jackson didn't put up the numbers that was needed but again If the Suns have a big lead through the game, bench play won't matter.
The Suns started the 2nd round of the playoffs in the best possible way by destroying the Dallas Mavericks in game 1 127-102. The Suns got off to a fast start early and continued It on through the rest of the game and had 99 points after 3 quarters. Amare Stoudemire was simply unstoppabe pouring in 40 points and 16 rebounds on 13-21 shooting. Shawn Marion also had a strong game as he has had through the playoffs with yet another double double. 23 points and 11 rebounds on 9-16 shooting. The Suns frontcourt dominated while the Mavs got enough from their center position.
Game 2 will be a big game for Dallas, they know they can't lose but to make It worse another blowout loss will give them basically no confidence they can come back agaist this team. One blowout is one thing but two going back home can kill your team moral. The Mavs don't want to be in the same situation that the Sonics are in heading back home in their series with the Spurs. Dallas know this is a must win game and although every game is in the playoffs. Phoenix knows even if a loss tonight they can bounce back and win on the road as they have done all year.
Call me baised but I see us holding homecourt and sending this thing back to Dallas with a 2-0 advantage. The Suns have looked great so far and I can't see them losing that hunger and motivation. They still think they have plenty to prove to the rest of the league and beating down Dallas again will get people's attention.
Last edited:
:notworthy
