Golden State Vs. Dallas

ROUND ONE - Western Conference
Golden State Warriors (8th seed) Vs. Dallas Mavericks (1st seed)

The Golden State Warriors (42- 40) have won one NBA Championship. That was in 1975. Last season, they did not qualify for the post-season. Although the Dallas Mavericks (67- 15) have never won the title, they came close last season when they met the Miami Heat in the finals. The Mavs had the best record in the league this season and were 14 games better than the team that finished first in the east—the Pistons.

The Golden State Warriors are able to score, averaging second-most points per game (106.8) in the NBA. They tend to spread the scoring amongst all starters. Point guard Baron Davis (20.1 PPG, 8.1 APG, 2.1 SPG) leads the team in points per game, while shooting guard Monta Ellis (16.5 PPG, 4.1 APG, 1.71 SPG) provides good scoring potential. However, although the Warriors can score, they are not very accurate from downtown (36%). Upfront, no player is dominant. Center Al Harrington (16.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 0.3 BPG) leads inside players in scoring and rebounding.

The Mavericks are 80% foul shooters! They hit threes at a rate of 38%. This makes them extremely dangerous, especially down the stretch. Although they average six less points per game than Golden State, disciplined play and defense will aid them greatly.

Inside, the Mavs are tough, featuring power forward Dirk Nowitzki (24.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 0.8 BPG), center Erick Dampier (7.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.1 BPG) and guard/forward Josh Howard (18.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.8 APG). Nowitzki is a disciplined shooter, hitting 90% of his foul shots, 42% of his threes and 50% from the floor. Outside, guard Jason Terry (16.7 PPG, 5.2 APG, .438 3-P%) is a fine floor commander. Terry averages 1 steal per game and is accurate from the foul line 80% of the time,

Dallas must not be complacent against any team. They know that it’s a long road to the finals, yet the team also understands that it is the best in the league. But this is not a coronation and every game must be played and the requisite number won. Look for Dallas to bring their best game to the court every night. This is a team on a mission.

Maddux Sports Series Prediction:

Dallas Mavs in 6 Games

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