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MavsFanFinley · 04-28-2004, 11:51 PM

Nash says 'must win' overstated

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

Steve Nash has a worldly way of putting things in perspective, and he did so again Wednesday in advance of Game 5.

He was asked just how bleak the Mavericks' situation is as they face a 3-1 deficit going into tonight's win-or-you're-done contest.

"There are a lot of kids younger than us who are fighting for their lives on the other side of the world," Nash said. "This isn't such a big deal. I feel pretty blessed being on this side of the world."

Keeping the playoffs in perspective is important, but Nash and Dirk Nowitzki also are aware that this is their livelihood and that they want to go out shooting. So far, the fact that the Big Three of Nash, Nowitzki and Michael Finley have struggled for much of the series doesn't sit well with them.

"It's hard to win when two of the Big Three aren't playing well," Nowitzki said. "But it's not too late to change that."

The Kings have put a dent in the Big Three's effectiveness partly because of the way they have played the pick and roll, Nash said.

"They've done a really good job of limiting us," Nash said. "They're sending an extra guy over [defensively], so that's made it tough on us."

That also means other players are having to step up, which likely will have to happen tonight to force a Game 6.

Ailing Jamison sits out part of Mavs practice

As a precaution, Antawn Jamison was kept out of full-court workouts Wednesday to rest his tight upper thigh and hip muscles.

The injury limited Jamison in Game 4 on Monday at American Airlines Center, but he has been cleared to play tonight in Game 5 and said he expects to be close to full strength.

Nelson: Mavs embrace must-win road game

The Mavericks didn't treat Wednesday like it was some pitty-pat practice. They ran full-court drills and worked out for about 90 minutes, almost a third of which was spent shooting free throws.

"We have confidence we can win in this building," coach Don Nelson said. "Nothing is impossible. Our only goal is to get it back to Dallas. If you want your must-win game, this is it."

The Mavericks were upbeat and full of life, a drastic change from Tuesday, when they felt like the life had been sucked out of their season.

"I don't think anybody on our team is ready to go home yet," said Antoine Walker. "Our competitive drive is back."

04-28-2004, 11:51 PM	#1
MavsFanFinley Guru Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: California Posts: 16,670	Nash says 'must win' overstated Nash says 'must win' overstated By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News Steve Nash has a worldly way of putting things in perspective, and he did so again Wednesday in advance of Game 5. He was asked just how bleak the Mavericks' situation is as they face a 3-1 deficit going into tonight's win-or-you're-done contest. "There are a lot of kids younger than us who are fighting for their lives on the other side of the world," Nash said. "This isn't such a big deal. I feel pretty blessed being on this side of the world." Keeping the playoffs in perspective is important, but Nash and Dirk Nowitzki also are aware that this is their livelihood and that they want to go out shooting. So far, the fact that the Big Three of Nash, Nowitzki and Michael Finley have struggled for much of the series doesn't sit well with them. "It's hard to win when two of the Big Three aren't playing well," Nowitzki said. "But it's not too late to change that." The Kings have put a dent in the Big Three's effectiveness partly because of the way they have played the pick and roll, Nash said. "They've done a really good job of limiting us," Nash said. "They're sending an extra guy over [defensively], so that's made it tough on us." That also means other players are having to step up, which likely will have to happen tonight to force a Game 6. Ailing Jamison sits out part of Mavs practice As a precaution, Antawn Jamison was kept out of full-court workouts Wednesday to rest his tight upper thigh and hip muscles. The injury limited Jamison in Game 4 on Monday at American Airlines Center, but he has been cleared to play tonight in Game 5 and said he expects to be close to full strength. Nelson: Mavs embrace must-win road game The Mavericks didn't treat Wednesday like it was some pitty-pat practice. They ran full-court drills and worked out for about 90 minutes, almost a third of which was spent shooting free throws. "We have confidence we can win in this building," coach Don Nelson said. "Nothing is impossible. Our only goal is to get it back to Dallas. If you want your must-win game, this is it." The Mavericks were upbeat and full of life, a drastic change from Tuesday, when they felt like the life had been sucked out of their season. "I don't think anybody on our team is ready to go home yet," said Antoine Walker. "Our competitive drive is back." __________________