Terry: Going against Nash beside the point

[MavsFanFinley]

Terry: Going against Nash beside the point
Guard's confidence never higher, but he downplays matchup

By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News

From the moment Jason Terry put on a uniform to become the Mavericks starting point guard, the comparisons to the man he replaced, Steve Nash, began.

Those comparisons will begin anew tonight, when Terry and the Mavericks meet Nash and the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Nash accepted the NBA's MVP award Sunday for leading the Suns' 33-game turnaround in his first season in Phoenix.

Terry finished the regular season 22nd in the NBA in assists and 10th in 3-point field goal percentage.

But in the first playoff series of his career, Terry played like anything but a postseason rookie. He averaged 18.3 points against Houston and had two 30-plus point games. That's two more than he had during the regular season. His 31 points Sunday helped the Mavericks clinch the series, 4-3.

"His confidence settled in," Mavericks coach Avery Johnson said after a brief practice Sunday. "Sometimes, it takes things a little longer to sink in, and some things have sunk in for him."

All season, Johnson has spoken with Terry about preparing for the playoffs. That meant playing at a higher level and making adjustments not only from game to game, but also play to play.

"You have to get used to how guys are playing you," Terry said. "The Houston series was such a dog fight, it really helped me grow and mature as a player."

It's taken some time. Early in the Rockets series, Terry and Dirk Nowitzki yelled at each other over a defensive assignment and lack of movement in the offense.

Terry seemed to solve his problems in Game 4 in Houston. He scored a playoff career-high 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting in helping the Mavericks to a 97-93 victory and a 2-2 series tie. In the Game 5 victory, Terry scored 13 points, but he had seven assists to only one turnover.

Terry struggled in the Game 6 loss, going 3-of-12 from the field.

He found his groove in Game 7.

Terry was aggressive in driving to the basket for layups, floaters and short jumpers. He made 8 of 14 shots from the field and played more like a shooting guard. His drives helped put him on the foul line, where he went 12-of-12.

Nash and Terry are downplaying the showdown, but Terry has put in his time preparing for Nash. Terry has reviewed videotape of Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby's moves against Nash in past playoff series. He also said he's spoken with Portland guard and friend Damon Stoudamire about playing Nash. Stoudamire said aggression is the key.

"It's not a one-on-one matchup," Terry said. "It's the Mavericks vs. Suns, and we look forward to the challenge."

[StrikerV]

I love Terry, Hes our new NVE. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

DONT TRADE HIM CUBAN, I BEG YOU, DONT!

[sike]

DONT TRADE HIM CUBAN, I BEG YOU, DONT!

he's a keeper, Cubes knows this.