Notebook: Finley finds shots and makes some - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

LRB · 11-02-2003, 01:45 AM

Notebook: Finley finds shots and makes some

12:05 AM CST on Sunday, November 2, 2003

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

The issue of Michael Finley's shots has been an early-season topic but coach Don Nelson said that it wouldn't be for long.

"Michael always ends up figuring it out," Nelson said. "He may finally figure out that, 'Hey, I'm steering the ball; I'm not just shooting it.' He might find that out on his 19th shot in the past, but now, his 19th shot might come three games from now."

Asked if he thought Finley might get irritated at a reduced number of shots, Nelson said: "Michael's not going to get mad. He's a great guy, a team guy and he's making $12 million a year. When you're making $12 million, you ought not get mad about anything."

Finley came alive in the first half against the Utah Jazz, hitting four of five shots. He finished with 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting. It's still not the shot total he was accustomed to getting the last few seasons, but Finley showed he hasn't lost his stroke.

The team as a whole came alive from the field, too. Nelson was concerned about his team's shot selection, which was understandable after the Mavericks shot just 40.5 percent in the first two games. But it was much improved – 51.7 percent – against Utah.

"Our first half at Golden State, we could have easily been ahead 30 points," Nelson said.

Nelson doesn't want to see the shimmy

Don Nelson said before the home opener that he was hoping that new acquisition Antoine Walker doesn't break out his shoulder shimmy too often.
"God, I hope not," Nelson said. "Maybe I better have a talk with him."

Rookie swingman Howard questionable

Swingman Josh Howard sat out Saturday's game and may miss at least one more as his sprained right ankle heals.
Howard injured the ankle Wednesday against Golden State.

MavsFanatik33 · 11-02-2003, 09:48 AM

Fin found back his rythm last night, maybe his cold shooting streak is now over. I was very happy with his shooting, he was hitting from everywhere.

Fah Q · 11-02-2003, 10:19 AM

I think his shooting came back when he started moving without the ball better. He created most of his open shots without the ball and when the passer found him he would be wide open.

MavsFanFinley · 11-02-2003, 02:08 PM

I wouldn't mind seeing more of this.

Nellie needs to get Finley moving instead of parking him in that corner. Finley will be more effective moving without the ball and getting to the rim instead of having to dribble it in himself. Nash, Walker, and Dirk would all be able to pass him the ball.

Murphy3 · 11-02-2003, 02:09 PM

with walker and/or dirk in the post..it should free up alot of opportunities for an athletic SG/SF to slash through the bucket...

anyone intersted?... fin?

LRB · 11-02-2003, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Murphy3
with walker and/or dirk in the post..it should free up alot of opportunities for an athletic SG/SF to slash through the bucket...

anyone intersted?... fin?

We saw it last night. And I hope to goodness we see it a lot more during the season.

mavs413 · 11-02-2003, 02:21 PM

Im probably the only one that cares, but did anyone see what shoes Finley was wearing last night? They didn't look like Jordan's to me and they kinda looked like the C-Webb's. I was watching the Suns/Lakers game last night and there were a couple players on both teams wearing the same shoes that Fin was and I was just curious to know what they were.