2010 NBA Playoffs Has Spurs Defeat Mavs in 6 Games, Win Series 4-2

The San Antonio Spurs came into Thursday nights game 6 with the Dallas Maverick very motivated. Many of the veteran Spurs could remember last years playoff elimination at the hands of the Mavs, and they were determined that it would not happen again. After jumping out to a 22-8 lead in the first quarter, the Spurs weathered a furious comeback run by the Mavs to secure a victory in this first round NBA playoff series. Behind for most of the game, the Mavericks came back in the third period as Dirk Nowitzki sank a 3-pointer, putting Dallas ahead 57-56. That would be the last time that Dallas would hold a lead as the seventh-seeded Spurs would respond with a three-pointer by Manu Ginobili. The game was competitive throughout most of the second half in this battle of Texas teams. At one point in the fourth quarter the Spurs lead by only 2-points before scoring six straight points and taking a 86-78 lead.

Ginobili Leads the Way

Paced by Ginobili's 26 points, the Spurs also received 17 points and 10 rebounds from Tim Duncan, along with 21 points from guard George Hill. San Antonio executed their offense flawlessly at times and showed a renewed focus on the defensive end of the floor by limiting the inside penetration of the Mavs, something that had presented a problem in Game 5. The Spurs are coming off one of their worst regular season performances in years, as they struggled through injuries, team chemistry issues, and veteran fatigue. Entering the 2010 playoffs as a rare underdog to the Mavs, the Spurs were written off by many NBA experts. This point was underscored by the fact that coming into Thursdays game in San Antonio, the Mavs possessed the best road record in the NBA. Responding with great poise and focus, San Antonio has shown resiliency, emerging as a surprise Western Conference contender after this first round series.

Supportng Cast

Bolstered by the consistent play of the "Big Three" of Ginobili, Duncan, and guard Tim Parker, the Spurs seem to have found a fountain of youth in players like forward DeJuan Blair and George Hill (who had a strong series). Complemented by the emergence of some of their off-season signings, guard Richard Jefferson and forward Antonio McDyess, the Spurs looked like a different team compared to the one that stumbled into the playoffs. If this trend continues, expect the Spurs to be in the thick of things for the remainder of the NBA 2010 playoffs. Up next for the Spurs will be the sixth-seeded Phoenix Suns, who clinched their first round series, 4-2, against the Portland Trailblazers last night. That series promises to be entertaining, as these two rivals have met several times in the NBA playoffs.

The Mavericks, were paced by Nowitzki 33 points, also received 25 points from Caron Butler and 16 points from rookie Rodrigue Beaubois in their losing effort.

SOURCES

Washington Post

Yahoo Sports

Fox Sports