by JSM on Wed Dec 03, 2003 10:52 pm
Alright, this is a big game for us, and even though Dallas has zero D, they are going to run and are going to try to score a lot of points. We need Shaq and Malone to play well, since they will have the easiest time. This will be because Dirk is out and Dallas has no big men; unless you call the soft Walker a big man, or Bradley who seems all he ever does is gets dunked on or ends up on the wrong side of a highlight. If it win, then it could be our very own Texas massacre (no chainsaw involved though) by beating both teams at home on back-to-back nights.
player matchups:
Payton/Nash- Payton got to sit for around 14 minutes against the Spurs, so hopefully that will help, and he won't be tired against Nash. He is going to have to be ready to run, because Nash likes to run and gun. Payton should be able to keep up with him, and prevent him from being a presence on offense. Payton will play a smart game, conserving his energy at times, and looking to pass the ball down low a lot. He will be able to get to the basket and get easy shots, because Nash (like all the Mavs) can't play D. Look for Nash to struggle, and Payton to get a double double (points and assists).
Kobe/Finley- They have been playing Delk at the 2 guard, but I don't see them starting him against Kobe, so this is more likely. Finley has not been the scoring threat this year that he usually is, he has only had 3 25+ point games. So Kobe, even though he only sat 2 minutes against the Spurs, should be able to contain Finley. Don't expect Kobe to have a great game, he will probably get close to 16 points, but these points won't be all that hard to get against a team with no D.
George/Jamison- This matchup concerns me. Jamison likes to put up points when he plays the Lakers, and George isn't exactly our best defender. George is coming off a good game, but I expect to see him struggle against the Mavs. Jamison is a bit taller and longer than George, so that will mess up some of his shots. George needs to play some good defense on Jamison, because he will probably be their leading scorer. George will also need and try to box him out and beat him to the boards, because Jamison has been getting his share of rebounds, and that is where he has been getting some of his points, off of second chance opportunities.
Malone/Walker- This should be an easy matchup for Malone, something he could use after having to guard Duncan. Walker lacks toughness and won't go inside on Malone, and instead will settle for the outside jumper. Walker isn't even a solid pf, he is a big sf that likes to shoot the 3's a little too much. As long as Malone guards him and doesn't leave him open, then Walker won't be a factor in the game. Malone will be able to get all the rebounds he wants over Walker, drive in and score at will, and dominate this matchup. Look for Malone to get yet another double-double (points & boards).
Shaq/Bradley- Another fun matchup, Bradley is known for being dunked on, expect to see some new highlights added to the top 10 dunks on Bradley, most of the coming from the big fella. The only reason Bradley is in the league is because of his height, he has no basketball skill. Shaq will dominate the paint and this matchup. Shaq will have his way, and load up on points and rebounds. Shaq will be our leading scorer, and probably our leading rebounder, also expect a double-double. Shaq will be going up against a 7-6 dummy, except this one can't play D.
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