PLAYOFF ROUND 2 GAME 7: DAL (4-3) vs. PHX (3-4) | 123-90 win

[SleepingHero]

[ThisIStheYear]

92.5 by Phoenix on the road is way, way better than a good defensive game. If the Mavs can hold Phoenix to about 105 tonight, they’ve got a great chance.

[OBX Maverick]

This series reminds me in a lot of ways of the 88 WCF against the Lakers. Mavs were 3 seed, Lakers 1 seed. Lakers heavily favored. Each team held home court by healthy margins except for game 6. Dallas was an up and coming team as well. 

Let’s just hope game 7 ends up different. We were in that game until a second half run by LA. 

I have a good feeling about tonight, though. This team definitely has a lunch pail type of attitude.  I don’t think anything really intimidates them either.

[Kammrath]

DEFENSE.

This is everything for the Mavs tonight. 

In the 7 playoff wins they have allowed only 105.0 pts/100 possessions. In the 5 losses they have allowed 120.7 pts/100 possessions. 

If the Mavs bring the defensive energy, hustle, effort, and fight tonight then they can win. If they do not then it will be over. 


The problem? They have brought the D they have needed only once on the road in the playoffs. In Utah in game 6, they held UTA to 104.6 pts/100 possessions. 

The hope? They did it in a closeout game on the road in UTA and got the win.

[Kammrath]

FN is my "key to the game." If he gets minutes and plays great D without fouling, then I think the team D will have a chance over 48 mins to stay in this one.

[VintagePejav2]

The season ends tonight for our beloved Mavericks. Suns in 7. Home court wins all the way through in this series.

#MFFL

[VintagePejav2]

Tony Brothers is the referee tonight. CP3 will revert to his usual antics. Remember game 2?

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Dallas's other shooters play way better at home than on the road. Can someone else join Luka and Brunson at the party?  Can DFS, Dinwiddie, Bullock, and Kleber make shots when needed?  That will be the key to winning as will holding Phoenix from making big runs at home  Turnovers hampered the Suns in Dallas. I don't expect the same at home.

[DrMav]

Mavs have shown a lot of growth and hit a lot of milestones this season. Tonight is an opportunity to do something they weren’t able to last year by winning a Game 7 on the road. Must win game.

[burekemde]

Mavs are winning this one is my prediction. Mavs have the upper hand mentally and physically over this opponent. Teams that are mentally and physically stronger win 95% of the time. Since game 1 and 2 that Suns won, it is the Mavs that adjusted and won 3 out of the last 4 games. It is the Mavs adjustments that Suns are not able to deal with. This speaks volumes who is the favourite tonight to win it all tonight. I believe Mavs are winning this one, and that our team will silence that crowd.

People tend to use phrase "must win game", in situations where it's really not a must win game at all. But this one, is really a must win game. Everyone needs to play their their best and elevate their game, as we did at home, and not only Luka and Brunson. The entire team needs to bring their best every play. There is no doubt in that case we are the better team. Mavs have essentially been wearing them down, mentally and physically, and that needs to continue tonight.

From the x's and o's it is clear Kleber is the guy that destroys Suns scheme and not much Powell, although Powell is important as well. Luka has figured out their defense on pick and roll and I have hard time imagining Suns countering that in any way. Brunson has figured out last game how he can essentially get a clean shot from mid range almost every play over Paul, and I dont see that changing as well. If Paul attacks him, Brunson will get a clean path at the rim. Brunson has also essentially figured out many things as well in game 6, and coupled with Lukas adjustments that started 4 games ago and have progressed to game 6, this really looks bad for the outlook for the Suns.

Mavs need to make the game physical. Getting more into the lane, making Suns foul more, because in these situations we are just the better team. More talking and getting into their minds, but considering the limit and not getting technical fouls, but letting them get exposed and commiting the mistakes. This is a IQ game and if you get into the mind of opponents, its all over for them. Mavs just need to keep finding ways to exploit that we are physically and mentally stronger and a more cohesive team. We really need to get physical with them and build the momentum as a team, and silence that crowd.

[ballsrchr]

I actually voted for over, but for some reason it gave me under.  Not sure what happened.  So...I guess I'm the lone under guy...

[Hypermav]

I actually voted for over, but for some reason it gave me under.  Not sure what happened.  So...I guess I'm the lone under guy...

I hope you are correct.

[Jommybone]

No clue what to expect. Will we get a fair shake from the whistles because the NBA is tired of last year’s teams? Will we get home cookin’ like we’ve never seen it before? Will Luka overcome all obstacles? Will the 3-point well go dry? Or replay Mothers’ Day? 

On pins and needles here. Great joy and despair are both plainly within reach.

[DrMav]

People tend to use phrase "must win game", in situations where it's really not a must win game at all.

I’m not sure that I understand what you’re saying here.

[Hypermav]

Great joy and despair are both plainly within reach.

[Fuerza1]

DO OR DIE

GO MAVS !!!!

[Kammrath]

https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/statu...7145632769

[VintagePejav2]

Have to be feeling pretty loose to do a pregame interview like that. Lol Luka.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Have to be feeling pretty loose to do a pregame interview like that. Lol Luka.

Chuck just said he would never do a interview before game 7. We'll see if he's prophetic.

[cow]

Good job being aggressive Dorian.