how far do the mavs go in the playoffs? - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

mav4ever · 04-22-2012, 10:26 PM

i know we dont know who we will play yet, but does it really matter?

CaseyJones · 04-23-2012, 12:19 AM

If they play to their full potential then we're looking at a late exit and maybe even make it to the finals. I have faith, they still have a great team it's just a matter of how hard they push it.

Underdog · 04-23-2012, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaseyJones

If they play to their full potential then we're looking at a late exit and maybe even make it to the finals. I have faith, they still have a great team it's just a matter of how hard they push it.

Wow, that quote of mine about Terry that you used in your sig sounds kinda homoerotic.

But back on topic - you say, "it's just a matter of how hard they push it," and I totally agree... I think the Mavs go balls-deep into the playoffs.

Balls-deep.

Rick41 · 04-23-2012, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

But back on topic - you say, "it's just a matter of how hard they push it," and I totally agree... I think the Mavs go balls-deep into the playoffs.

Balls-deep.

And raw.

spreedom · 04-23-2012, 01:05 AM

I'd love to know who we're playing before I try to guess.

fluid.forty.one · 04-23-2012, 01:05 AM

Championship, bitches.

Underdog · 04-23-2012, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spreedom

I'd love to know who we're playing before I try to guess.

There can be only one.

CapitanObvious · 04-23-2012, 01:14 AM

Championship baby. Coast to coast.

GhostFace · 04-23-2012, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fluid.forty.one

Championship, bitches.

This man here, do you see this man? This man speaks the truth.

Championship or nothing.

tc29 · 04-23-2012, 02:05 AM

Metta World Peace just handed us a R1 victory as OKC seems to be our first opponent at this point based on current standings (and while I wish Harden the best, this just made a R1 victory very feasible).

Mavs are most likely facing the Lakers in SF (don't see Denver taking out LAL). One can only hope a dislocated finger Roddy conjures up some JJB-like lane driving magic and Carter goes on an unconscious 3-ball trip. Personally, I think if Mavs beat the Lakers, we win the whole thing. You'd have SA, Memphis, LAC, or whatever 8th seed fodder in the conference finals. I think at that point, Mavs would be zoned in with Dirk squirrel nuts abound.

As I recall, it was the win over LAL that gave us the silent confidence necessary to win the whole thing (that and the Portland Game 4 wake up call). Count me as one of those still living mentally in June 2011 somewhat.

Rick41 · 04-23-2012, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spreedom

I'd love to know who we're playing before I try to guess.

We're currently working on that.

If you come back in a couple of days, we'll have the answer for ya.

haCORErdMav · 04-23-2012, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc29

Metta World Peace just handed us a R1 victory as OKC seems to be our first opponent at this point based on current standings (and while I wish Harden the best, this just made a R1 victory very feasible).

Mavs are most likely facing the Lakers in SF (don't see Denver taking out LAL). One can only hope a dislocated finger Roddy conjures up some JJB-like lane driving magic and Carter goes on an unconscious 3-ball trip. Personally, I think if Mavs beat the Lakers, we win the whole thing. You'd have SA, Memphis, LAC, or whatever 8th seed fodder in the conference finals. I think at that point, Mavs would be zoned in with Dirk squirrel nuts abound.

As I recall, it was the win over LAL that gave us the silent confidence necessary to win the whole thing (that and the Portland Game 4 wake up call). Count me as one of those still living mentally in June 2011 somewhat.

I like the idea of that happening!

EricaLubarsky · 04-23-2012, 08:40 AM

we better learn to play on the road. 13-19 isnt going to cut it when we won't have HCA on anyone.

MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs · 04-23-2012, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

we better learn to play on the road. 13-19 isnt going to cut it when we won't have HCA on anyone.

Sad truth

Ninkobei · 04-23-2012, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc29

Metta World Peace just handed us a R1 victory as OKC seems to be our first opponent at this point based on current standings (and while I wish Harden the best, this just made a R1 victory very feasible).

Mavs are most likely facing the Lakers in SF (don't see Denver taking out LAL).

I don't see how Dallas playing OKC is a "free victory." It's going to be a grueling challenge to win a series no matter who they face. If the mavs were underdogs last year, then they are 10-mile-deep-dogs this year.

MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs · 04-23-2012, 10:27 AM

If Harden is seriously injured and Artest is seriously suspended that could be a double K.O.

sbibi · 04-23-2012, 10:56 AM

If harden misses 2 games or so we should have no problem against OKC... Otherwise I can see it going 7 games with us being on top.

sefant77 · 04-23-2012, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

Wow, that quote of mine about Terry that you used in your sig sounds kinda homoerotic.

But back on topic - you say, "it's just a matter of how hard they push it," and I totally agree... I think the Mavs go balls-deep into the playoffs.

Balls-deep.

And no lube for the opponents. No homo...

thunderfan · 04-23-2012, 02:05 PM

I've heard no word here in OKC about any specific information indicating Harden misses any playoff games. Noone's really saying anything other than he has to go through this routine of exams, etc, etc before being cleared. A new NBA concussion policy of some sort. Too early to assume he won't be 100% for game 1.

Underdog · 04-23-2012, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunderfan

I've heard no word here in OKC about any specific information indicating Harden misses any playoff games. Noone's really saying anything other than he has to go through this routine of exams, etc, etc before being cleared. A new NBA concussion policy of some sort. Too early to assume he won't be 100% for game 1.

There aren't any set rules for a concussion, but his status is determined by the league, not the team - on average, concussed players miss about a week.

He should be fine by the time the playoffs roll around...

thunderfan · 04-23-2012, 02:30 PM

Apparently there are certain test and so on...

Under the NBA's newly instituted concussion policy, Harden can return to the court only after passing a rigorous evaluation process that could take several days.

Once he's considered free of concussion symptoms, Harden must make it through increasing stages of exertion — from riding a stationary bike, to jogging, to agility work, to individual basketball skills — while ensuring the symptoms don't return after each stage.

If Harden passes each test the team then has to consult with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the director of the NBA's concussion program, to determine when Harden can return. The NBA's concussion policy went into effect at the start of training camps this season.

sefant77 · 04-23-2012, 03:07 PM

Just imagine Presti would find his brain back and trade Westbrook for Rondo and match any RFA offer for Harden in 2013...

thunderfan · 04-23-2012, 03:14 PM

Nah..we don't want a player that passes the ball. I prefer a guy to keep launching 3 pointers even if he's 3-19 from the field. No really, I think RW is great. He's just....irritating sometimes. Then he'll do enough things to make you forget the irritation.

LonghornDub · 04-23-2012, 03:14 PM

If the Mavs rebound worth a damn, I think they could actually go pretty far. But their typical lack of athleticism and grit on the boards is pretty disturbing.

But hey, they did a nice job against Chi-town, a top rebounding team. So, who knows....

CanadianMavsFan · 04-23-2012, 03:19 PM

If the Mavericks make it past the first round, I sincerely believe they will make a run to the Finals again. I think at that point they will run into the Heat again, and the revenge factor coupled with the difference in talent between Dallas and Miami will be too much to overcome.

MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs · 04-23-2012, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianMavsFan

If the Mavericks make it past the first round, I sincerely believe they will make a run to the Finals again. I think at that point they will run into the Heat again, and the revenge factor coupled with the difference in talent between Dallas and Miami will be too much to overcome.

I wish I shared your optimism but I think 2nd round is our ceiling. Looking at it realistically we're a 6th or 7th seed team it just doesn't happen often.

On the other hand last time there was a lockout Knicks were #8 seed and went to the Finals. Maybe, just maybe.

C_Man · 04-23-2012, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs

I wish I shared your optimism but I think 2nd round is our ceiling.

To be honest, nobody gives a what you think.

MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs · 04-23-2012, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

If the Mavs rebound worth a damn, I think they could actually go pretty far. But their typical lack of athleticism and grit on the boards is pretty disturbing.

But hey, they did a nice job against Chi-town, a top rebounding team. So, who knows....

Yep our rebounding has looked more like volleyball all season, Haywood cannot catch a rebound he just bats it back in the air. To me that's the main reason losing TC is so valuable, we're fine on D without him but the rebounding has suffered.

Underdog · 04-23-2012, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs

I wish I shared your optimism but I think 2nd round is our ceiling. Looking at it realistically we're a 6th or 7th seed team it just doesn't happen often.

On the other hand last time there was a lockout Knicks were #8 seed and went to the Finals. Maybe, just maybe.

Nice edit - I was just about to bring up the Knicks...

Exceptions to the rules abound in a lockout-shortened season.

MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs · 04-23-2012, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

Nice edit - I was just about to bring up the Knicks...

Exceptions to the rules abound in a lockout-shortened season.

I really want to believe, but I just don't see it.

Why do you believe other than you just love your team? That's not enough. Every fan of every team loves their team but only one team is champion.

Underdog · 04-23-2012, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs

I really want to believe, but I just don't see it.

Why do you believe other than you just love your team? That's not enough. Every fan of every team loves their team but only one team is champion.

I didn't see anything special about last year's team until the playoffs rolled around...

Not much motivation for the Mavs to put forth the extra effort in this condensed regular season... Seems like they've been holding a lot back. But I've seen some very promising things from these guys in the last week or two - looks like this veteran squad is starting to hit its stride.

Dirkadirkastan · 04-23-2012, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

I didn't see anything special about last year's team until the playoffs rolled around...

Last year's team started 24-5 and had an 18-1 stretch midseason. Their record suffered in the last month of the season, but that was mainly due to 1-point losses and other heartbreakers. On top of that, they were consistently good on the road, tying their eventual Finals opponent for the best road record in the league. They did show the signs; you just apparently missed them.

This year's team has done what, won six games in a row once? They're 7 games over .500. They have more losses than last year's team, even with 16 fewer games on the schedule. On top of that, they have a terrible road record. About the only similarity you can point to is the heartbreakers near the end of each season, but are you really going to point to losses as a positive sign? At least the 2011 team showed a lot of promise before that, while this year we've just had heartbreakers throughout. You could also point to Odom's departure and hope that's a sign of good things to come, but the total impact that will truly have on the court is still up to speculation.

Due to the wonky schedule and the injuries and the depressed pariah, this team is probably better that your average #6 or #7 seed. But it hasn't shown any genuine signs of being an elite team either. While there have been slumping teams in the past that magically caught fire at the right time like the '99 Knicks and the '10 Celtics, there's no reason to believe this is one of those teams until they go out there and prove it.

Underdog · 04-23-2012, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirkadirkastan

Last year's team started 24-5 and had an 18-1 stretch midseason. Their record suffered in the last month of the season, but that was mainly due to 1-point losses and other heartbreakers. On top of that, they were consistently good on the road, tying their eventual Finals opponent for the best road record in the league. They did show the signs; you just apparently missed them.

Nothing special there - we had wonderful win streaks during the several seasons where we got bounced in the first round too... By "anything special," I meant "eventual 2011 champions" - I never saw THAT kind of swagger in the Mavs during the regular season. Nobody did. Hell, I don't even think the Mavs saw it until Zombie Roy awoke the Beast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirkadirkastan

This year's team has done what, won six games in a row once? They're 7 games over .500. They have more losses than last year's team, even with 16 fewer games on the schedule. On top of that, they have a terrible road record. About the only similarity you can point to is the heartbreakers near the end of each season, but are you really going to point to losses as a positive sign? At least the 2011 team showed a lot of promise before that, while this year we've just had heartbreakers throughout. You could also point to Odom's departure and hope that's a sign of good things to come, but the total impact that will truly have on the court is still up to speculation.

Due to the wonky schedule and the injuries and the depressed pariah, this team is probably better that your average #6 or #7 seed. But it hasn't shown any genuine signs of being an elite team either. While there have been slumping teams in the past that magically caught fire at the right time like the '99 Knicks and the '10 Celtics, there's no reason to believe this is one of those teams until they go out there and prove it.

Yep, it's lockout basketball with an old team and a coach who knows the value of playoff wins over regular season wins - none of our vets logged heavy minutes and our W-L record suffered for it...

No back-to-backs in the playoffs, no Lamar Odom and we're mostly healthy - Carter, Roddy, West and Wright seem to be building momentum lately... We have a lot of time to rest and prepare this week. As long as our championship core of Dirk/JET/Kidd/Marion can rise to the occasion, then we'll have a puncher's chance.

EDIT: Of course, if I was a betting man, I'd bet against the Mavs to repeat and almost certainly win (same with any team in the playoffs)... But in a public poll, I'd rather have bragging rights to "2012 champions" than "first round exit" because, yep, I'm a Mavs fan.

Dirkadirkastan · 04-23-2012, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

Nothing special there - we had wonderful win streaks during the several seasons where we got bounced in the first round too... By "anything special," I meant "eventual 2011 champions" - I never saw THAT kind of swagger in the Mavs during the regular season. Nobody did. Hell, I don't even think the Mavs saw it until Zombie Roy awoke the Beast.

So the team that won games didn't look special to you, but now the team that isn't winning games does. That's a strange reversal.

I don't care what happened in 2007, the outlier of all outliers. Winning isn't a weakness, losing is.

Quote:

Yep, it's lockout basketball with an old team and a coach who knows the value of playoff wins over regular season wins - none of our vets logged heavy minutes and our W-L record suffered for it...

No back-to-backs in the playoffs, no Lamar Odom and we're mostly healthy - Carter, Roddy, West and Wright seem to be building momentum lately... We have a lot of time to rest and prepare this week. As long as our championship core of Dirk/JET/Kidd/Marion can rise to the occasion, then we'll have a puncher's chance.

That's pretty much the same rosy rhetoric I just responded to. It's nothing more than optimistic speculation. (Haven't we actually been one of the worst teams to perform after both ourselves and our opponent had the previous day off?) It sounds like you believe this team can just "flip the switch". That idea is commonly talked about, but rarely does it actually manifest in sports.

Don't get me wrong, I want to believe too. It's just that I'm not going to get my hopes up until they actually demonstrate some level of elite play.

mav4ever · 04-23-2012, 06:04 PM

Quote:

So the team that won games didn't look special to you, but now the team that isn't winning games does.

one thing i seem to recall about last year, in addition to winning lots of games, was who they were beating. they had an amazing record against all the absolute power teams in the league.

it seems like last year, if you were an elite team, on a long winning streak or unbeaten, and the mavs were about to come calling, you were in big trouble that night.

right away they started knocking off all the top shelf teams with amazing consistency. spurs, lakers, thunder, celtics, heat, orlando, memphis, all did not fare well when the mavs came to town, but that was a very different team.

Underdog · 04-23-2012, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav4ever

right away they started knocking off all the top shelf teams with amazing consistency. spurs, lakers, thunder, celtics, heat, orlando, memphis, all did not fare well when the mavs came to town, but that was a very different team.

2011 Mavericks regular season head-to-head:

Spurs 1-3
Lakers 1-2
Thunder 2-1
Celtics 2-0
Heat 2-0
Magic 1-1
Grizzlies 1-3

Total: 10-10

Winning a ring changes everything, especially perception...

Dirkadirkastan · 04-23-2012, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

2011 Mavericks regular season head-to-head:

Spurs 1-3
Lakers 1-2
Thunder 2-1
Celtics 2-0
Heat 2-0
Magic 1-1
Grizzlies 1-3

Total: 10-10

Winning a ring changes everything, especially perception...

Four of those ten losses happened when Dirk was out, and the first game he came back against Memphis he was gimpy.

Total: 10-5

mav4ever · 04-23-2012, 06:53 PM

it certainly seems like we were better against really hot teams. remember the "how many games is their win streak? zero now dirk, their win streak is zero?"

maybe it was early in the year or something?

Underdog · 04-23-2012, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirkadirkastan

Four of those ten losses happened when Dirk was out, and the first game he came back against Memphis he was gimpy.

Total: 10-5

Oh, okay - I guess all of our losses this season without any number of players don't count either...

50-15, bring on the Jazz.

Dirkadirkastan · 04-23-2012, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

Oh, okay - I guess all of our losses this season without any number of players don't count either...

50-15, bring on the Jazz.

I didn't add wins and I only counted Dirk. Is he just another player?