San Antonio 87, Dallas 85 (Spurs lead the series, 1-0)
After Friday night’s road victory against the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs had to turn around and play the early game today, hosting the well-rested Dallas Mavericks in the marquee series of the league’s second round. The game was nip and tuck the entire way, with neither team leading by more than eight points. On the final play, Dallas was down two when Jerry Stackhouse caught the ball on the baseline. For reasons unknown, he chose to dribble the ball out to the three point line instead of taking a dribble towards the basket for an uncontested 12-foot jump shot. He must have thought that his team was down three, which is quite the rookie mistake for the 31 year-old to make in such a crucial situation. His desperation three was contested by Manu Ginobili and it didn’t even graze the rim. Stackhouse led the Mavericks with 24 points, while Dirk Nowitzki tallied 20 points and 14 rebounds. Tim Duncan was extremely aggressive offensively and defensively, scoring 31 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Tony Parker chipped in with 19 points and four assists.
Detroit 113, Cleveland 86 (Pistons lead series, 1-0)
While the Spurs were able to shake off the disadvantages of a quick turnaround, the Cavs were not so fortunate to play Game 1 at home. Cleveland led 12-7 in the first quarter, but it was all downhill from there. Tayshaun Prince (24 points) led a balanced Pistons attack that featured six players in double figures. Prince’s total is impressive considering he covered LeBron James for most of the game. James had a good game (22 points), but not by the considerable standards he’s set for himself in these playoffs. Taking away James’ shots, the rest of the Cavs shot a miserable 39% from the field. Larry Hughes continues to be MIA, scoring only eight points on 4-13 shooting. This can’t continue if the Cavs hope to have any chance in the series.
