Big Fundamental Goes Nuts, And Spurs Escape Mavericks
Austinist knows many of you prefer football or baseball. Some of you like basketball, but think college ball is better than pro. We implore you to start watching the Spurs/Mavericks series, because if you can't get excited about this, you don't like sports at all. With former Spur Avery Johnson coaching the Mavericks, former Mavericks Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel playing for the Spurs, and the in-state rivalry factor all in full effect, the drama is awfully intense.
The best-of-seven matchup now stands at 3-2 Dallas after another amazing, "last shot wins it" game that San Antonio (just barely) won 98-97 after a Mavs' missed shot. This means that four of five games in this series have been decided at the buzzer. It is simply the best NBA playoff series in years, and nobody knows what will happen next. After an injury-filled regular season, Tim Duncan is playing ridiculous ball, averaging 32 points, 12 boards, and 3 blocks for the series. He didn't even miss a shot in the first half. The Mavs are responding with a balanced attack of speed and sharpshooting (with incredible play from both Josh Howard and Jerry Stackhouse) that is proving tough for the older Spurs to match. Both teams are bringing their "A+" games, and Game 6 on Friday night in Dallas looks to be every bit as dramatic.
While Austinist is an unabashed Spurs homer, it is hard to find any fault in the amazing Mavericks playoff run. They are sitting on a 7-2 record in the postseason right now, and their only losses have been by two points or less. Long-suffering Dallas fans have plenty to be excited about, as Mavs owner Mark Cuban has the money and the desire to keep this great team together for years to come.
In sum: we can't tell you how Friday night will turn out, but if you miss it, you are truly missing out.
