UPDATE: ESPN.com readers were asked this same question, and with 34,031 responses so far, they favor the Spurs, 51-49. However, six out of 10 ESPN experts pick the Mavs to win, and nine out of 10 experts think the series will go to at least six games. We’ll see who is smarter, the fans or the “experts.”
Wow! If last night’s game is any indication of what the playoffs will be like for the Spurs this year, saying that I’m excited is an understatement.
The Spurs tip-off against the Mavericks this Saturday. Given the playoff history between these two teams, their best of seven series promises to be exciting.
These teams split their regular season series, 2-2:
- In November, Dallas won in San Antonio, 98-81, against a Spurs team that hadn’t yet adjusted to playing without Manu, that had Bruce Bowen starting and Desmon Farmer playing 12 minutes off the bench. Seems like ages ago, huh?
- The Spurs prevailed in December’s double-OT barnburner in Dallas, 133-126, thanks to 79 points, 25 boards and 22 assists from a relatively healthy Big Three.
- In February, the Spurs won easily at home, 93-76, despite the fact that neither Duncan nor Ginobili played. Parker was unstoppable, with 37-5-12.
- Dallas won the last contest, 107-102, thanks to big games by Nowitzki, Howard, Kidd and Terry. Roger Mason had 23 for the Spurs, who played without Manu.
Which brings us to today’s poll question….
