Mavs Hope For Win Against Interstate Rival Spurs
The Dallas Mavericks are in desperate need of some hope for this season at this point. What would the Mavs need to do for a big upset over the interstate rival San Antonio Spurs?
The Mavs are pretty far upcreek at this point and are seriously lacking the paddle needed to get back on track. Dallas is currently sitting at a record of 2-10 and is preparing for one of the most difficult weeks of matchups we have seen in a long time.
The first game of the week is this evening against the always dangerous San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are currently 10-3 holding the third best record in the Western Conference. After this we get the best team in the west followed by the best in the east.
San Antonio continues to be one of the best teams in the league, even after their legend decided to retire at the end of last season. Kawhi Leonard, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, LaMarcus Aldridge and the rest of the squad still represent what the Spurs are–a team that is built to win.
Feb 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) guards San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Spurs defeat the Mavericks 116-90. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
For years, the Mavs, Spurs matchup was one that people looked forward to with its ability to draw a crowd and guarantees of big highlights and a tight contest each time. Sadly, even with Vince Carter‘s heroics in game 6 of the 2013-14 NBA Playoffs, the Mavericks have not been able to do much against the Spurs.
Tonight, most fans are not expecting much. The Mavericks have not broken 100 points in a game since the Los Angeles Lakers game, our last victory. San Antonio is a much stronger defense than the ones we have been facing lately.
I know it seems like a lost cause in many ways, but the Mavericks have been known to surprise people in the past. There is no reason to believe that it is not at least possible for Dallas to win this game.
Here are two things to definitely keep an eye on for the game tonight.
Oct 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Nate Wolters (10) defends Dallas Mavericks guard Jonathan Gibson (3) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 101-75. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Gibson
Jonathan Gibson has been impressive in his first two games with the team. This really isn’t coming as much of a surprise for anyone who watched him over the summer, but it does make us wonder how he didn’t make the initial roster.
Regardless of what happened then, he is with the team now and is making a very strong case to stay permanently. After a pretty strong outing in his first NBA game with 11 of the Mavs 64 points in the game, Gibson exploded for 26 against the Orlando Magic.
This guy was built to score the basketball and he does not care who he needs to go through to do so. If the Spurs try to match him up with Tony Parker, expect another barrage of points from the undrafted rookie.
Nov 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives around Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Harrison Barnes vs. Kawhi Leonard
Harrison Barnes is finally earning the respect he deserves from the league and he is doing so on both ends of the floor. As one of the best defenders in the league, he is also showing that his scoring ability is formidable.
Barnes will be put to the ultimate test tonight, however, when Kawhi Leonard will be stuck to him like glue. Leonard is quite possibly the best defender in the league and is almost assuredly the best wing defender.
He is also an absolutely incredible scorer, making him one of the most rounded players in the league. It will be an interesting and very fun matchup to keep an eye on throughout the game tonight.
Don’t forget to tune in for the game this evening, which starts at 7:30 CT. As always, if you are unable to watch the game, we will be live tweeting throughout the night. Let’s Go Mavs!
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