The Mavs have done what they set out to do. Well, okay, not really. They probably wanted to win both games in Miami, devastate their spirits ans set up a sweep. Easy is always better in such things. But a more realistic goal was to split the two games in Miami and regain homecourt advantage. Which they know have. And while the pressure is undoubtedly higher on the Heat going into Game 3, on their off-day, the Mavericks have to face the reality that after regaining that homecourt advantage, if that’s to be their key to victory they must win three straight games against the most talented team in the NBA. Here’s what’s on the Mavericks’ mind on Saturday, their practice day prior to Game 3 Sunday.
More of same on James
See, it’s a rhyme! The plan regarding LeBron James after Game 2 has to be “yes, more of that please.” Shawn Marion’s done an absolutely incredible job, just as he did against Kevin Durant in the WCF. His work in “containing” LeBron James, a sticking point for Rick Carlisle, has been huge. The Mavericks didn’t freak out after James’ perimeter barrage in Game 1 (or the first three quarters of Game 2). Instead, they stuck to the plan. “Getting beat by fadeaway 3-pointers is better than getting beat at the rim.” The Mavericks have to live with one or the other, and Marion is going under screens and hedging hard to keep James in front of him. The Mavs’ have helped to create issues for the Heat in this set by employing a full-court press. The objective isn’t to actually pressure the ball, it’s to take time off the clock. If James is setting up the offense with less than 15 on the clock, the Mavericks have a higher chance of shutting off option 1a and 1b, forcing the Heat into their second option: “jack it up from deep.” That’s where they want the game to be. So really on Saturday, Carlisle will be enforcing “more of the same.”
Get a handle on yourselves
Turnovers were a significant problem for Dallas in Game 2. They very nearly cost the Mavericks the game. You turn the ball over against the Heat, and they will capitalize. Rick Carlisle categorized them as the best finishers in transition in basketball before Game 2. A large function of that 15-point lead the Mavericks had to come back from was due to those easy baskets. Carlisle will likely stress cutting down on those mistakes at practice Saturday.
Believe in yourselves... or someone like you
Carlisle’s spoken a lot about believing in what the Mavericks are trying to do, and you can see that the Mavericks are buying into that concept. Oddly enough, Carlisle’s sending a message about the Mavs believing in a version of themselves which isn’t accurate. The Mavericks aren’t a great defensive team. They’re extremely good, that’s why they’re here. But they were seventh in defensive efficiency this season. They also weren’t a great rebounding team, but again really good, seventh in opponent OREB%. But Carlisle has told his team consistently to play “their game” which is “stops and defensive rebounding.” It’s a strange strategy but it’s working. Expect to hear more of the same from the team after practice Saturday.