Bench Support Lifts Mavs Over Spurs in Game 1
J.J. Barea had 13 points, Brandon Bass put in 14 and Jason Terry contributed 12, all coming off the bench. Bench play was definately the key as Dirk got into early foul trouble and had to sit most of the second quarter.
The defensive play was awesome especially Dampier's on Duncan. Duncan did his usual damage with 27 points and 9 rebounds, but was stopped on key posessions.
About Tony Parker, "One guy's not going to stop him, just because of his quickness. It's a team responsibility," Coach Carlisle said in the pre-game interview. Believe it or not, although Parker had 24 points, he was held in check by the Mavs defense.
Josh Howard was amazing today with 25 points and clutch fourth quarter play.
At end, the Mavs prevailed 105 - 97 to take game 1 and most importantly stealing home-court advantage from the Spurs.
Game 2 is Monday night in San Antonio with an 8:30 p.m. tipoff.
