So are people taking the Mavs seriously as top title contender yet?

[QUOTE=BarberSchool]Is "liberal", the latest code word used by Conservatives, especially on talk radio and Fox News, to mean "Jewish" ?[/QUOTE]

It means self loathing white people who want to put down any successful white man and prop up any black guy they can find

[QUOTE=thomaspynchon]It means self loathing white people who want to put down any successful white man and prop up any black guy they can find[/QUOTE]

:facepalm

[QUOTE=thomaspynchon]It means self loathing white people who want to put down any successful white man and prop up any black guy they can find[/QUOTE]

Those are called spineless liberals and they are running rampant these days. Luckily, there are 10's of millions not like that. Thank God!

I think they have a real shot. I've been watching Dallas closely for a few years now, but this is the only year where i think they have a real chance. It's because of their defense. Plus the fact that they have two 7 footers in Chandler & Haywood to throw at other teams. They have size, they can score, and they can defend. They pretty much have everything you would need for a ship.

I don't buy into this notion that the Mavs always flop in the playoffs or choke. Other than 07 I don't recall the Mavs choking in the playoffs and you can make an argument that losing to GSW wasn't a choke if you looked at all the factors that played into that series. Truth be told they just haven't been that talented a roster over the last few years to have had the success that some people expected from them.

[quote=All Net]Lets face it they are playing great, 24-5 record, beaten Miami twice, Spurs, great record against 500 above teams

Chandler inside has made a real difference inside for them.

You believe they have a great shot to be champs come end of the season? or still not sure?[/quote]

no, they are a regular season team... they don't have the right mix and coaching to take them to the finals and win.


:pimp:

IMO

Whoever gets that number 1 seed is going on to the Finals and if the Mavs can manage that they'll be in great shape. Unlike years past in this year's WC I think Spurs, Mavs, and Lakers (possibly Utah) or head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. So I don't see upsets like in year's past happening in the first round for the top teams.

Now the number one seed assuming it's either Spurs, Mavs, or Lakers will only have to beat the winner of the 2-3 series in order to move on to the conference finals. Which is a far easier road than having to beat a combination of Mavs/Spurs, Mavs/Lakers or Spurs/Lakers.

With all that being said I think this is best Mavs team in the Dirk era.

[QUOTE=Vince McMahon]nope, other than dirk the whole team will choke in the playoffs.[/QUOTE]

/end of thread.

Lakers vs celtics all over again.

I'd love to see the Spurs and Mavs be real challengers to the Lakers, but I still don't buy it. I could see either match up going seven games, but I can't see them actually winning.

We took them seriously in 2007 and look where that got us. Lets just wait and see.

They need to get the #1 seed in order to have the Spurs and Lakers beat up on each other. If not it will take alot of luck and Dirk playing out of his mind for them to make it to the Finals. They finally have the balance and talent to win it, and Beaubois, who is a wild card when he returns, could make them even better.

In other words, whoever gets the #1 seed will go to the Finals in the West IMO. And Dallas has a good a chance as anyone, making them a clear contender.

The Mavs might be more intriguing as a ring threat with a lock down defensive specialist that could cover the opposition's main scoring threat - like a Bowen, Artest, Pippen etc.

Another knock on Dirk N is that he is just not tough enough to secure a nba world championship ring. Garnett, for example, would throw DN halfway across the court just to intimidate him with a ring on the line.

And then you'd have Cuban post-game up in the player's family area of the arena calling the opposition's peeps a "bunch of thugs"! We remember the playoff intensity of the Nuggets/Mavericks series, dont we? Cuban did not handle it too well...

[QUOTE=Kurosawa0]I'd love to see the Spurs and Mavs be real challengers to the Lakers, but I still don't buy it. I could see either match up going seven games, but I can't see them actually winning.[/QUOTE]

If the Lakers have to go through the Mavs and Spurs they aren't coming out of the West.

[QUOTE=Mr Know It All]They need to get the #1 seed in order to have the Spurs and Lakers beat up on each other. If not it will take alot of luck and Dirk playing out of his mind for them to make it to the Finals. They finally have the balance and talent to win it, and Beaubois, who is a wild card when he returns, could make them even better.

In other words, whoever gets the #1 seed will go to the Finals in the West IMO. And Dallas has a good a chance as anyone, making them a clear contender.[/QUOTE]

Yea I made a similar point I think that 1 seed is the key to the Finals.

I thought they could have won it last year. Unfortunately they ran into a tough 1st round team in the Spurs.

[QUOTE=bettalaylow]If the Lakers have to go through the Mavs and Spurs they aren't coming out of the West.[/QUOTE]

I just don't see it with Duncan being old and the Mavs not having a big wing player.

Chokers...

[QUOTE=eppelp]Didn't he say "he was our closer today"? Or was that crappy german translation?[/QUOTE]


Dirk rarely takes credit for anything. He is constantly giving his teammates props.

Its very typical of him to give that kind of credit to a guy like Terry who, much like Manu, could have been a starter all these years but went to the bench to help the team.

In the 4th the Mavs offense is usually Terry and Dirk running a two man game but Dirk is ALWAYS option #1 and most definitely the Mavs true closer. He simply does not care who gets the love. All he wants is a win.

[QUOTE=R4E]

Another knock on Dirk N is that he is just not tough enough to secure a nba world championship ring. Garnett, for example, would throw DN halfway across the court just to intimidate him with a ring on the line.
[/QUOTE]

there is not a single player in the NBA that Dirk is intimidated by. This is especially true of KG who Dirk has consistently beasted on for the last 10 years. I have seen KG get so pissed from Dirk laughing off KG's barking (as in literally laughing in KGs face) that he got booted from a game.

You piss off Dirk, he is likely to go nuts on you.

[QUOTE=kentatm]there is not a single player in the NBA that Dirk is intimidated by. This is especially true of KG who Dirk has consistently beasted on for the last 10 years. I have seen KG get so pissed from Dirk laughing off KG's barking (as in literally laughing in KGs face) that he got booted from a game.

You piss off Dirk, he is likely to go nuts on you.[/QUOTE]

Ya I don't understand how people can knock on Dirk as not being a viable #1 option and point to KG as a guy who got it done. Fact is he never did without two HOFers on his team, and KG never had the pressure of having to make the big shots Dirk did in that Boston championship run.

Dirk has consistently outperformed KG in their battles. Hell even in 2002 when Dirk supposedly had "no defense" and was "softer than ever" he beasted on KG and averaged somewhere around 30/15 in the series.

Dirk is a true #1 option. Hell, he's one of 5 players EVER to average 25 and 10 in the playoffs. Anyone questioning his status as a superstar is either misinformed, a moron, or simply dislikes Dirk as a player for their own reasons.

[QUOTE=Mr Know It All] Hell, he's one of 5 players EVER to average 25 and 10 in the playoffs.[/QUOTE]
??
I don't believe that. Who are the other 4?

[QUOTE=kentatm]there is not a single player in the NBA that Dirk is intimidated by. This is especially true of KG who Dirk has consistently beasted on for the last 10 years. I have seen KG get so pissed from Dirk laughing off KG's barking (as in literally laughing in KGs face) that he got booted from a game.

You piss off Dirk, he is likely to go nuts on you.[/QUOTE]

I will admit it. Dirk is soft to me. I've seen him fold too many times. He doesnt play with enough anger and determination in the playoffs. Now...I admire Dirk's regular season skill...without question. The NBA playoffs are a different animal. NBA playoffs are more about wills than skills. It is all adversity and adjustments. A 7 game series, as we know, is very different than a 1 game showdown.

If Dirk in able to get to the Finals again...there is going to be a Wade capable of taking over 4 games to win the NBA title on the other side. I am going to be shocked if Dirk can get it done. Dirk is going to have to have a whole personality transplant imo. I just cant see it. In that sense I am a Dirk N detractor. Time will tell...

[QUOTE=R4E]I will admit it. Dirk is soft to me. I've seen him fold too many times. He doesnt play with enough anger and determination in the playoffs. Now...I admire Dirk's regular season skill...without question. The NBA playoffs are a different animal. NBA playoffs are more about wills than skills. It is all adversity and adjustments. A 7 game series, as we know, is very different than a 1 game showdown.

If Dirk in able to get to the Finals again...there is going to be a Wade capable of taking over 4 games to win the NBA title on the other side. I am going to be shocked if Dirk can get it done. Dirk is going to have to have a whole personality transplant imo. I just cant see it. In that sense I am a Dirk N detractor. Time will tell...[/QUOTE]

:facepalm

right. one of the few players all time to average 25/10 in the playoffs does not play with enough determination.

[QUOTE=Kurosawa0]I just don't see it with Duncan being old and the Mavs not having a big wing player.[/QUOTE]

What an insightful comment considering Duncan isn't even the goto guy anymore on the Spurs and what the hell do you mean by big wing player really that's what the Mavs need to win the West smh. Go back to basketball school.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGDNbQY_li8[/url]

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OmE3B-s8ow&feature=related[/url]

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OOAjORA15w[/url]

i could go on

[QUOTE=dutchguy]??
I don't believe that. Who are the other 4?[/QUOTE]


Elgin Baylor, Hakeem Olajuwon, Bob Pettit and Shaquille O'Neal.





Dirk in the playoffs

09-10: 27/8/3 PER: 28
08-09: 27/10/3 PER: 28
07-09: 27/12/4 PER: 26
06-07: 20/11/2 PER: 21
05-06: 27/12/3 PER: 27
04-05: 24/10/3 PER: 20
03-04: 27/12/1 PER: 28
02-03: 25/12/2 PER: 23
01-02: 28/13/2 PER: 25
00-01: 23/8/2 PER: 22

[QUOTE=kentatm]:facepalm

right. one of the few players all time to average 25/10 in the playoffs does not play with enough determination.[/QUOTE]

There is a big difference between a league statistical wonder and a NBA world championship sacred moments baller.

Even the other night when the Mavs closed out the Heat in Miami - it was Terry and Marion closing the Heat out...Dirk was a witness, if that - and the best closers get much respect - it is a very difficult thing to do.

It's funny how short people's memories are. Kobe wasn't getting it done until he was teamed up with Shaq and now Gasol, Gasol wasn't getting it done in Memphis, KG and Ray Allen weren't getting it done in Minny/Seattle.

Sure Dirk played with Steve Nash but on a team that put absolutely no emphasis on defense or really rebounding for the matter. Who was Dirk's most recent side-kick oh that's right the great Josh Howard.

[QUOTE=R4E]There is a big difference between a league statistical wonder and a NBA world championship sacred moments baller.[/QUOTE]
You should watch some of the posted videos.

[QUOTE=R4E]There is a big difference between a league statistical wonder and a NBA world championship sacred moments baller.

Even the other night when the Mavs closed out the Heat in Miami - it was Terry and Marion closing the Heat out...Dirk was a witness, if that - and the best closers get much respect - it is a very difficult thing to do.[/QUOTE]

So what are you trying to argue here? That it's Terry and Marion taking over games for the Mavs you don't have to become a complete fool in an attempt to discredit Dirk and the Mavs. Dirk has been the leader of this franchise when the game is on the line Dirk isn't the one with the problem it's his supporting cast that stinks up the joint. Last year's playoffs Terry and Butler never got settled offensively so many nights it was Dirk putting up the big numbers and minimal contribution from the rest of the squad.

This year with more time to mesh, the addition of Chandler, and hopefully the recovery and development of Roddy Dallas will have a more balanced offensive attack.

Why do we have to ask this question again?
Morons would mention GSW
Bigger morons : Miami
The biggest morons: Mavs chock [B]always[/B] in the playoffs.

U can write 10000 posts about Chandler/their defense this year, the morons would only see Mavs/Dirk and automatically write the same answer.

Lets w8t and see. And maybe they'll make a good trade in the winter.


BTW i don't believe they would win it all. Imo they need another piece.

Have to see it to believe it. If there is an opportunity to choke/flame out in embarrassing fashion, I expect the Mavs to take it more often than not.

[QUOTE=moaz]Why do we have to ask this question again?
Morons would mention GSW
Bigger morons : Miami
The biggest morons: Mavs chock [B]always[/B] in the playoffs.

U can write 10000 posts about Chandler/their defense this year, the morons would only see Mavs/Dirk and automatically write the same answer.

Lets w8t and see. And maybe they'll make a good trade in the winter.


BTW i don't believe they would win it all. Imo they need another piece.[/QUOTE]

I do think another scoring piece is needed for the Mavs though I think they have pretty solid chemistry. But still a look at Rip Hamilton might be a good move. Even though he's old he's in great shape and I think he could contribute a lot.

[QUOTE=Ken_Masters]I think they have a real shot. I've been watching Dallas closely for a few years now, but this is the only year where i think they have a real chance. It's because of their defense. Plus the fact that they have two 7 footers in Chandler & Haywood to throw at other teams. They have size, they can score, and they can defend. They pretty much have everything you would need for a ship.[/QUOTE]Exactly. But I'm still unsure if they're better than the Spurs, Celtics, and Lakers....I know they're better than any other team in the NBA besides those 3. I guess they don't have to be [I]BETTER[/I] to beat those 3 teams, they just have to [i]AS GOOD[/i], and have one or two good shooting games in the series from players other than Dirk to win a series against any of those 3 teams.

[QUOTE=bettalaylow]I do think another scoring piece is needed for the Mavs though I think they have pretty solid chemistry. But still a look at Rip Hamilton might be a good move. Even though he's old he's in great shape and I think he could contribute a lot.[/QUOTE]

Wasn't thinking about a scoring piece. A good defending wingman would be great. An upgraded version of s. Marion :D :D :D .

[QUOTE=thomaspynchon]It's very different this season. Their record is commanding against all the top teams, most of whom they have already beat on the road. if you looked at their stats last season, they were

2-2 vs LAL
2-2 vs OKC
[b]3-1 vs SAS[/b]
2-1 vs DEN
2-1 vs PHX
1-3 vs PORT
1-2 vs UTA

Which is decent but what it really means is they sort of took care of business AND they had a record for most wins by 1 point during a season which means they weren't really winning convincingly. This season it's quite different.[/QUOTE]
Their record against the Spurs last year in the regular season tells it all. They got their ass handed to them in the playoffs didnt they?

[QUOTE=R4E]There is a big difference between a league statistical wonder and a NBA world championship sacred moments baller.

Even the other night when the Mavs closed out the Heat in Miami - it was Terry and Marion closing the Heat out...Dirk was a witness, if that - and the best closers get much respect - it is a very difficult thing to do.[/QUOTE]


:facepalm

that is just flat out pathetic analysis

you took ONE game (that he still put up 26/9 in) to disregard his entire career. Never mind Dirk has been one of the biggest 4th quarter scorers in the NBA for 10 years now. You just flat out don't know what the hell you are talking about.

[QUOTE=R4E]Another knock on Dirk N is that he is just not tough enough to secure a nba world championship ring. [B]Garnett, for example, would throw DN halfway across the court just to intimidate him with a ring on the line[/B].[/QUOTE]You know nothing, and seemingly just make up statements out of thin air based on your own imagination.
Dirk has SLAUGHTERED Garnett throughout the two men's careers.
KG can't do a thing with him without a double team.
For example, since you seem to want to put a post-season twist on the @ss end of your statement:

[B]Nowitzki averaged 36 and 16, with KG guarding him the entire series[/B], when his Mavericks SWEPT Garnett's Wolves out of the first round of the playoffs, KG disappeared that series...and KG lost in the first round almost every single year in Minny....is he a choker in the playoffs losing that many times in the first round? All these f#@king idiots like you that seem motivated by racism really deserve to watch the 2006 finals on sodium pentethol. Dirk and the mavericks were 2006 NBA finals champions that were robbed. Mark Cuban spent millions of dollars investigating that only to get countersued by Stern, and Stern now will void Cuban's contract of ownership iuf he publishes the findings of that very investigation.

Learn a thing or two, and take your f#@king blinders off, THEN TALK.
Good day.:cheers:

[SIZE="7"][B][U]TIME WILL TELL[/U][/B][/SIZE]
[COLOR="White"]But I sure as hell hope so[/COLOR]

[QUOTE=BarberSchool]You know nothing, and seemingly just make up statements out of thin air based on your own imagination.
Dirk has SLAUGHTERED Garnett throughout the two men's careers.
KG can't do a thing with him without a double team.
For example, since you seem to want to put a post-season twist on the @ss end of your statement:

[B]Nowitzki averaged 36 and 16, with KG guarding him the entire series[/B], when his Mavericks SWEPT Garnett's Wolves out of the first round of the playoffs, KG disappeared that series...and KG lost in the first round almost every single year in Minny....is he a choker in the playoffs losing that many times in the first round? All these f#@king idiots like you that seem motivated by racism really deserve to watch the 2006 finals on sodium pentethol. Dirk and the mavericks were 2006 NBA finals champions that were robbed. Mark Cuban spent millions of dollars investigating that only to get countersued by Stern, and Stern now will void Cuban's contract of ownership iuf he publishes the findings of that very investigation.

Learn a thing or two, and take your f#@king blinders off, THEN TALK.
Good day.:cheers:[/QUOTE]

I see you all are holdin it down for Dirk up in this forum! Too funny.

Truth be told Dirk N is a regular season marvel and a playoff fraud...just put in the DVD. Dirk is 90% finesse. Yoa Ming was all finesse too. Regretably Ming's body could not hold up to the rigors of an NBA season. I suppose, as a foreign born player of the greatest heights, I should be grateful to witness Dirk N amass upper echelon statistics. After all, that is the goal, isnt it? I mean at least Dirk is athletic and his body can hold up...lol. Once the Rockets realized Ming's reluctance to mix it up in the playoffs with some of the West's more aggressive 5s and front court players? Their strategy was to surround Ming with some hyperaggressive supporting players. Similarly once Cuban and co. realized that Dirk was not the one to grit his teeth and growl in the post season? The Mavericks had to bring in Chandler and Butler who were not necessarily going to cower to teams like the Nuggets(who according to Cuban himself were "a bunch of thugs"). Anthony, Billups, Martin, Birdman and Ne Ne were not going to just fall in line with Cuban's notions of gentlemanly sportsmanship in pursuit of the western conference, apparently. The book is written - get very physical with Dirk N in a post season series...and let the chips fall.

The Mavs are playing very well right now. Let us see how the Mavs are playing in May...