Mavericks gain edge in series; await usual Dirk

That noise you just heard was a collective sigh of relief.

The Mavericks have managed to tie up a series that was spiraling out of control after losing games one and two at home. Luckily, the Rockets returned the favor and this is now a best two out of three series that begins tonight with game five at the American Airlines Center.

At some point, the home court advantage that the Mavericks fought so hard for has to pay off, and tonight seems as good a chance as any to claim the series’ first victory by the home team.

To say this first-round series has been unusual is putting it lightly. Basically any prediction written beforehand has been ripped up and torn to shreds by the bizarre reality that is playoff basketball.

Coming in, the big match-up was between Dirk Nowitzki and Tracy McGrady. It’s safe to say that Dirk has surprised many by not bothering to show up during the first four games. Not even T-Mac backers could have expected the disappearing act the German has performed. McGrady has gotten into Dirk’s head and prevented him from being relevant in the outcome of games.

And unfortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that this is going to change. Expect Dirk to be a factor again in the second round, but he has been the largest disappointment so far.

Thankfully, the Mavericks found someone to kick-start them: Keith Van Horn.

If not for his series-ending sprained left ankle, the Mavericks would be heading back to Dallas down 3-1 or eliminated from the playoffs.

For some reason, Mavericks coach Avery Johnson threw out the regular season rotation for the playoffs during games one and two. When asked why players who were regularly seen playing time were benchwarmers during the playoffs, he said, “Not everyone gets to play in the playoffs.”

When I heard that post-game press conference statement I thought for sure this series was over. Coaches should not abandon the strategies that got them to the post season just because they feel like they have to come up with something new. Van Horn’s injury forced the Mavericks to have a full rotation of players and – surprise – they win games three and four. The Mavericks’ depth is an advantage that should be used to the fullest extent.

If there were an award for most improved during the series, then it would go to Michael Finley. After horrific performances in games one and two, he has been one of the leading point scorers in games three and four. In both games, he drained clutch shots as the fourth quarter wound down, but more importantly he is apparently becoming the vocal and emotional leader that this team needs. The Mavericks haven’t had one since Nick Van Exel left, and could have used one in last year’s disastrous series against the Kings.

Fellow teammates have told the press that it was his words in the huddle that pushed the Mavericks in the last two games. His speech in game three preceded the teams’ 20-0 run and his constant words of encouragement lifted the team during the back and forth final minutes of game four. That leadership could become a priceless intangible for the Mavericks as the playoffs continue.

As for the remaining games of this series, the Mavericks need to continue their focus on the Rockets supporting cast. It’s blatantly obvious that they can’t stop McGrady, but there’s no reason why Bob Sura and Jon Barry should be making game changing plays. The Mavericks did a good job of this in game four, as only 37 points were scored by players not named McGrady or Yao Ming.

Momentum is in the Mavericks favor. If losing the first two at home isn’t demoralizing, how about blowing a 2-0 lead and heading back to Dallas with the series tied? Something tells me McGrady is having serious flashbacks to 2003, when his Orlando Magic were up 3-1 on Detroit and somehow managed to lose three straight games and the series to the Pistons. The pressure is on Houston to perform, and the Mavericks should be able to use a frenzied home crowd to their advantage.

This series is the Mavericks to lose, but they should small-ball their way to an unexpectedly tough series win over the Rockets.