[kg_veteran]

KG's Keys To Beating the Spurs

1. Get Dampier involved early on the offensive end.

Although his stat line looked bad against the Spurs last week, I was at the game, and one thing was evident: Dampier can seal Nesterovic and get post position right in front of the rim. We've seen a concerted effort by the coaching staff to get Damp involved in the offense early in the last 2 games; we should see that again tonight. Dampier can score on Nesterovic, and it should lead to a better effort from our big man patrolling the paint on defense.

2. Attack Tim Duncan and make him play defense.

It sounds crazy to talk about attacking an excellent defender, but for large portions of the game last week, he was guarding Dirk Nowitzki. I'm sorry, but there's no way he can cover Dirk out on the elbow. Dirk should face him up and take him to the basket. Some foul trouble early for Duncan would make a big difference in the game.

3. Move the ball on offense.

We've seen flashes of it. We know the team is capable of playing well and moving the ball well on the offensive end. They just need to do it more consistently. The key to beating a very good Spurs defense is not one-on-one play for the majority of the game, like the Mavs tried last week in San Antonio. It's moving the ball and forcing the defense to work hard.

4. Don't double Duncan.

The Mavs should put Dampier, Booth, or even Henderson on Duncan and make him earn his points. Don't double him, because that's what gets the Spurs offense going. Let Duncan try and hit a career high. He's not going to beat you by himself.

5. Get contributions from Terry and Stackhouse.

When Terry was playing well the other night against the Grizzlies, the Mavericks offense looked much more fluid and competent. The Mavs need a solid (and aggressive) effort out of Terry tonight to offset the play of Tony Parker, who dominated the Mavs point guards last week.

Stackhouse can dominate any perimeter defender the Spurs have except Bowen. As long as Bowen's not guarding him, Stackhouse should stick with the mid-range and slashing game that has been effective for him recently, and put pressure on the Spurs defense.


It's not an exhaustive list, but it's a good start.

Mavs win, 98-92.