Play like an MVP
During the season Dirk Nowitzki played like the league’s MVP. He needs to show up now. Dirk is averaging 20 points a game and 11.5 rebounds. In the first round last season, Nowitzki averaged 31.3 points a game and dominated the Memphis Grizzlies. Dirk will need a big performance in every game if Dallas hopes to pull off the comeback.
Stop the turnovers
The Mavericks turned the ball over 19 times in Game 4, compared to 10 for the Warriors. Dallas has to be careful with the ball, especially with the strong transition offense of Golden State. When the Mavericks give the ball away, the Warriors have been able to make the most of it. That is something Dallas can’t afford to do with every game being a must win.
AAC = pandemonium
Golden State doesn’t win Game 4 without its raucous crowd behind them. Mavericks fans can’t sit on their hands tonight or for a possible Game 7. They booed the Mavericks during Game 1 because they expected more from the team. Now they have to be every bit as crazy and supportive as the Warriors fans. The team can use the moral boost.
Avery needs to man up
Avery Johnson looked defeated when the Mavericks lost control of Game 4. He must respond for Game 5. Don Nelson has out coached Johnson at every point of this series. Johnson needs to remember what made the Mavericks successful this year – defense and ball control – and make sure the players carry out his plan.
Downtown demolition
The Warriors were 12 of 31 from three-point land in Game 4. Several three’s killed the Mavericks, including Baron Davis’ half-court shot before halftime and Matt Barnes’ shot to extend the lead to six with less than a minute in the game. Golden State will not make every three, but Dallas has to force the ball inside to reduce the shot opportunities.
Diop it like it’s hot
DeSagana Diop must continue to be the answer on the defensive end of the court. He is the only player who can bang and hassle the small Golden State lineup. When he is not on the floor the Mavericks struggle to slow down the Warriors.
Hold on to those leads
Perhaps the most frustrating thing about the Game 4 loss was that the Mavericks had distinct leads during almost every point of the game. The Mavericks led in the first quarter, had the lead until the final seconds of the half, led in the third and had most importantly a seven-point lead at the halfway point of the fourth quarter. If the Mavericks expect to win each of the next three games, they are going to have to get the lead and hang on to it.
