2008 NBA Playoffs: Mavericks vs Hornets (Game 5 Postgame - Series Analysis - Season Analysis)

The Hornets close out the Mavericks like the experienced team Dallas is supposed to be. Chris Paul, David West, Tyson Chandler and Jannero Pargo were magnificent. And the better team won. No doubt about it.

In the fourth, Dallas made a furious push as they desperately searched for a way back into the game and series. They were absolutely magnificent as they scored on 9 straight possessions. The Hornets matched it. As Dallas could not stop New Orleans. Whether it was West, Paul or Pargo, shot after clutch shot, the Hornets would not be denied their first ever 7 game series win. Within three points, Devean George plays Paul perfectly forcing him into a tough shot and Chandler comes up with the offensive rebound to put Dallas away for good.

This series, this season ended in February. Devean George tried to save it, but Avery would not be denied.  Insisting Kidd was the missing link, he trades Dallas' fastest player and our best defensive center on the team. The problem with the trade, which I adamantly objected, is losing Devin. My thoughts at the time were that Kidd would not be able to defend the point guards in the West. Facing Tony Parker, Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Rafer Alston and obviously Chris Paul was not something I felt Kidd could handle. Also, the loss of Diop was almost as bad. He's our best shot blocker, hands down. A faster, more athletic big man to face David West, Amare Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Pau Gasol and hopefully Kevin Garnett.

But it wasn't just that move, it's been a long series of decisions by Donnie to continually gain "experience". Losing players like Marquis Daniels, Josh Powell and DJ Mbenga was a series of mistakes in my opinion. Young energetic players that help you on the board and defensively.

Instead of being our savior, acquiring Kidd might be the move to push Dallas toward the rebuilding period. 

2008 NBA Playoffs: Mavericks vs Hornets (Game 4 Postgame)

Let the rebuilding begin. The Hornets showed up and Byron Scott outcoached Avery Johnson again. The halftime adjustment, an in-game adjustment, caused havoc on the defense of the Mavericks and Avery never made a proper adjustment. Byron decided to take advantage of the West vs Dampier matchup and run his offense through West instead of Paul. It paid it's dividends immediately. 

West went on to carry the Hornets to a double digit lead going into the fourth quarter. Why, if one player is continually beating you, does Avery continue with the same defensive plan until his team is down by double digits? Why not try a 2-3 zone and force West to hit a 20 foot shot instead of a 7-12 footer? 

Another problem I have is the fact that Avery continually called Stackhouse's number at the beginning of the fourth quarter. I believe he tried Stack out three or four straight possessions. This put the Mavericks down 15-16 pts at the end of that experiment. What exactly has Stackhouse done to inspire such confidence from his coach? In the second quarter, Avery decided to try out Barea in a series defining fourth game. Barea promptly causes a shot clock violation. And the Hornets erased it's deficit in short order and takes the lead before Avery decides that strategy might not be working. 

Did you know that Josh Howard could have been traded for Pau Gasol? How is that mistake looking right now? Wasn't Kidd supposed to help close games? Diop on West? Diop on Chandler? Nope, we had to settle for Howard and Kidd in Dallas.  4-22, combined. Thanks for showing up to the game guys. 

What I don't understand at this point? How do teams lose to the Mavericks? All you have to do is make an in game adjustment and your team will take the lead before Avery even tries to adjust. And the adjustment he makes most likely isn't the right move. 

2008 NBA Playoffs: Mavericks vs Hornets (Game 3 Postgame)

32 Points, 19 Rebounds, 6 Assists and 2 Blocks. Wow. Dirk played like an MVP tonight. He played well in all facets of the game. Playing Chandler very well and ultimately allowing only one alley-oop dunk. Although some of that was due to 2 early fouls on Chandler. 

With that said, I loved what they did on defense. Putting Terry on Paul and running under screens was a very good move. Terry played his best game on defense as a Maverick. And thank you so much for not continually trapping and pressing a natural born passer. Why Avery felt trapping a passer was a good move is beyond me? They shot 37.9% from the field. And Paul was 4-18 from the field. 

I'm a little concerned with the Hornets hanging tough despite Paul, West and Stojakovic struggling. I doubt Pargo's going to score 30 every night. Although he would be the one Hornet I would leave given the choice. 

Overall, I was impressed. Everyone came out with high intensity and they actually looked like the Mavs. J. Ho is still a little off. Hopefully, he'll start rolling soon.

2008 NBA Playoffs: Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Hornets (Game 2 Postgame)

Well, there's still time on the clock, but before I completely lose my cool, I'll let you know what I thought...

63%!!!! Are you kidding me? In a playoff game. I said it earlier and I'll scream it now. DO NOT double Chris Paul!! No one on the current roster can guard him or effectively double him. It won't work, he'll get everyone and anyone an open shot if you double him. I'd rather make him shoot every shot for the rest of the series and make him beat me by shooting jump shots. Stay off of him and make him shoot. He's the worst shooter on the team. Would you rather Paul, Peterson, Peja or West shoot??

Offensively, I liked what we did. Everyone pretty much drove to the basket. We're getting free throw attempts. We're scoring enough points. The problem is on the other side of the ball.

With that said, the series is over. Thank you, good night. This team is simply not good enough. We traded away the one player that could have made a difference. Yeah, I'm going there again, Devin Harris. TNT put up some stats and against Devin, Paul averaged 7 less points, 10% drop in FG%, 3 fewer assists and 1 less steal. Just to let you know.

So, Donnie and Mark, do me a favor and trade Dirk to Phoenix. Please. I'm sick of getting my heart ripped out of my chest.

PS the game's over and they're still over 60%