When I say it's all about the Euro's, I don't mean $$$. I mean the Lakers vs. Mavericks series is all about the Europeans....Pau Gasol, and Dirk Nowitzki.
You could probably point to several other areas of main concerns for why the Lakers aren't playing well, but for me it comes down to those two players. Pau Gasol had a great regular season, averaging 18.8 PPG, and 10.2 RPG. But ever since the playoffs have started his numbers have declined significantly, dropping to 13.5 PPG, and 6.8 RPG against the Hornets, and two games into the Dallas series Pau's numbers are still sitting at 14 PPG, and 10.5 RPG. That isn't enough production out of Pau to get the Lakers to the Finals.
Switch it to the other side, Dirk Nowitzki has lit it up. At 7 feet tall, it's ridiculous that he can pull off some of those shots on one leg, fading away. Both players are definitely out of their comfort zone when guarding each other. With Pau having to play more face to face defense, rather than the post defense he's accustomed to. But so is Dirk, he isn't a premier post defender whatsoever. That's where the Mavericks have the advantage in this series. They have Centers Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood to help out in post up situations, and are constantly rotating. The Lakers on the other hand have tried several defenders on Dirk, including lengthy Lamar Odom. Nothing has stopped, or even slown down Dirk. I, and many others as well have completely underestimated the defense of the Mavericks, they are the real deal.
This duel at the beginning of the series was looked at as the "key" matchup between players from opposing sides. Well, that's probably true...but who would have thought Dirk would absolutely have his way with the Lakers stingy defense? Dirk is averaging more pts and rebounds, all while putting up better shooting percentages from the field, and the three.
Going back to Dallas for game 3 of the series, the Lakers are in deep trouble. Only two times has a team starting down 0-2 at home ever come back to win the series, EVER. The odds are stacked up against the Lakers, but if anyone can do it, it's them.
Ron Artest will be watching game three. He was notified today that he will be suspended for the late "hit" he had on point guard JJ Barea in the last seconds of the fourth quarter in game two. It is expected that Matt Barnes will take his place, and have Odom still come off the bench.
Key Stats from Game 2:
Dallas: D.Nowitzki 24 pts, and 7 rebounds. JJ Barea 12 pts, and 4 assists. S. Marion 14 pts, and 9 rebounds. J. Kidd 10 pts, and 6 assists.
Los Angeles: K. Bryant 23 pts, 5 steals, and 3 assists. A. Bynum 18 pts, and 13 rebounds. P. Gasol 13 pts, and 10 rebounds. R. Artest 11 pts, and 6 rebounds.
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| Image Source Page: http://deportes.univision.com/versus/poll/2010-07-20/gasol-vs-nowitzki |
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