Suns/Mavericks Series analysis
Game 1 Recap
The Phoenix Suns started out in Game 1 by thoroughly running the Mavericks right off the floor. Had they wanted to, they could've easily won the game by 40 points. Dallas came out flat and never really got close enough to contend. Amare Stoudemire for the Suns was virtually unstoppable in the game, notching 40 points and about 15 boards. Eric Dampier couldn't stop him, Nowitzki couldn't, etc...
Dirk's Comments after Game 1
A lot of people are criticizing Dirk for calling out his teammates, particularly Eric Dampier, for their lack of effort in Game 1. I say it was the right thing to do and the results from Game 2 speak for themselves. Dampier stepped up in the first half scoring 13 points, which helped Dallas jump out to an early lead. Dirk got the other players to take accountability for their play and they really showed a different side in Game 2.
Suns Last Shot
Last night's last shot, a 3-point attempt by Quentin Richardson is a little discouraging, as a 2-point basket would've tied the game and sent it to overtime. Dan Bickley from the Arizona Rebublic stated this morning that common knowledge tells you to go for overtime on your home floor, and to go for the win when you're the visitor... Apparently Q' didn't agree with that philosophy, stating that “that's not his game“ and the 3-pointer was what he thought was best. I do like the confidence to do so, but considering the circumstances, including losing Joe Johnson, they should've taken their chances in overtime and tried for the 2-0 series lead.
Series Outlook
I do think the Suns are in a bit of trouble now that Joe Johnson is out for at least 2 games with a broken bone in his face. I haven't seen the replays of the flagrant foul, but the fact that it was flagrant indicates that it was unnecessarily hard. If Johnson is unable to play again in this series, it would be a shame. If that happens, I like Dallas' chances also, as Joe is a large reason for Phoenix's success this year. His 3-point shooting and ability to create his own shot opens up the floor and forces the defenders to stay honest.
With the win, Dallas has taken home-court advantage from the Suns as they head back to Texas with a 1-1 series tie. Both teams play good on the road, so I would expect them to come back to Arizona with a 2-2 tie at the least; or Phoenix will be up 3-1.
Go Suns!