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Quick hits 05/08/2006 — NBA Playoffs Edition

• Every time I watch a playoff game from Miami, I thank my lucky stars that the Heat PA announcer is in Miami and not Dallas.
• Referees are just now starting to call charges on Shaquille O’Neal, a good decade late.  Things in the Western Conference would have been much different during that time had they made calls the same way.
• Speaking of referees, they weren’t particularly interested in calling fouls on anyone other than Maverick centers in game 1 of the San Antonio.  Bruce Bowen was underneath Dirk Nowitzki’s feet most of the game and pinning his arms to his side, without getting called for much.  Every time Tim Duncan initiated any contact with Maverick centers, the foul was on Erick Dampier or Desagana Diop.
• That having been said, the Mavericks can only blame themselves.  Miss nine free throws in a game decided by two points and all referee excuses fly out the window.
• And THAT having been said, I think the Mavs have a spectacular chance of beating the Spurs in game 2.  Even with Dirk Nowitzki having a tough night against Bruce Bowen, the Mavericks were in position to pull out a win.  If Jerry Stackhouse and Josh Howard have solid nights again, and Jason Terry and Devin Harris can take things up a notch, and the Mavericks can hit their free throws, and they can cut down their turnovers, they will most certainly win.  If at least some of those things can happen, the chances are good.
• It’s been way too long between home games for the Mavericks.  I know I’m looking forward to Saturday…
• Steve Nash wins the MVP for the second straight year.  I would have voted for Dirk and LeBron in front of him, but I don’t think he’s a particularly bad choice.  And I still respect his hair.
• Speaking of MVP candidates, the Lakers had a pretty impressive collapse under the Phoenix run and gun attack.  Kobe Bryant proudly proclaimed when the Lakers were up 3-1 that he could score whenever he wanted.  My question is, if that were the case, why didn’t he score enough times to win?
• And back to the topic of hair — round 2 features a thrilling hair matchup.  The shaggy dark locks of Steve Nash will go head to head with the stringy blonde mop atop the crown of Chris Kaman, soon to be starring in Jack and the Beanstalk as the giant.  But don’t overlook Shaun Livingston — his current cornrow look could go at any time, in favor of the spectacular afro he sported early in his career.  If he brings the afro back out, I give the nod to the Clippers in 7.  Otherwise, I think Phoenix will use the home court momentum and noise to their advantage in a 5 game series win.
• I’m watching the Clippers/Suns as we speak, and Craig Sager’s outfit is, as usual, spectacular.  Pale blue suit with a crazy tie.  Craig Sager, I salute you.

Mon May 8th, 2006 9:05 pm

Filed under Dallas Mavericks, National, Sports