Oh my, that was a good game.
Did you see the rotations in the second half? That’s right, you didn’t. Because there weren’t any. At this rate, Game 4 is going to be 5-on-5, call your own fouls, first to 100 wins. Pure craziness.
Carlisle seems to be taking a lot of early heat for playing only 7 players in the second half (and really, Marion only spelled Dirk for a few minutes, so it was basically 6). I’ll let the Mavs bloggers handle that one. But I will say that the line-up they played with for most of the second half is the line-up I fear the most from the Mavs. That Barea sure is a pest, a classic “love to hate” Mavs player.
Pop was just as restrained in the second half, playing 7, and only 6 in the 4th quarter (I’m pretty certain that McDyess came in for Bonner–our very last substitution [not counting in the final moments of the free throw game]–early in the 4th).
As long as our players can handle it, I like our tight rotation. Blair needs to play a few minutes in the first half (possibly each half) to spell Duncan, but probably no more than 10 total. Blair doesn’t look quite ready for the bright lights of the playoffs yet, but his activity and energy is neutralizing his inexperience while on the floor. Bonner can play 15-20 spelling McDyess and Duncan. Ginobili, Parker, Hill, and Jefferson will play all the minutes for the 1, 2, and 3 spots. Ginobili and Parker will be on the floor in crunch time. The decision between Jefferson and Hill will come down to match-ups and who is playing better on that particular night.
Tonight it was Hill, who seems to finally be healthy and finally ready for the playoffs. His value to the team is immeasurable on both ends of the floor. As good as his offense was tonight (hitting clutch baskets, breaking down the defense), his defense was even more important. He is our best perimeter defender. Ginobili causes more havoc, but Hill is better in isolation. Welcome to the playoffs, Hill. After Game 2, Duncan said that we will need at least one other player to step up each game. Between Hill and Jefferson, I’m confident we’ll get that more often than not. And don’t sleep on McDyess and Bonner; both are capable of going for 15-20 points in a game.
The best news of all is just how good the Big 3 are playing. Each had crucial stretches of the game where they put the team on their back. Duncan owned the first half. Ginobili gave us back control of the game in the beginning of the 4th quarter. Parker hit at least 3 huge baskets late to put the game out of reach. I had forgotten just how good this team is when all 3 of those players are playing well, as it has been so long since they’ve all been healthy and clicking together. Me likey.
Game 4 promises to be another instant classic. These teams just know each other so well and match up with each other so well. No lead is safe and no game is over until the buzzer. As important as this game was to win, Game 4 is just as important. We can’t have any let up. We need to go back to Dallas up 3-1, with at least one chance to put the series away at home.
