With the series tied 2-2, both head coaches--Rick Carlisle and Erik Spoelstra--and their staffs will do whatever they can to help their team gain an advantage in the pivotal Game 5 tonight. Here are some observations.
Dallas Mavericks
Positives from Game 4
Adjustments
Miami Heat
Positives from Game 4
Adjustments
Dallas Mavericks
Positives from Game 4
- DeShawn Stevenson transitioned nicely onto the Mavericks bench. On offense, Stevenson filled the void caused by Peja Stojakovic's recent slump. On defense, Stevenson served as Shawn Marion's backup in guarding LeBron James--again a void that Stojakovic and others could not fill in the first 3 games. Stevenson and Marion led the way in giving James multiple looks, angles, and pressures on defense.
- In turn, J.J. Barea fit in nicely in the Mavericks starting lineup. Rather than continuing to struggle in his matchup with Mario Chalmers, Barea was matched up with Mike Bibby, who no longer has the quickness like Chalmers to shut down Barea.
- Brian Cardinal made a valiant effort in filling some of the minutes that Brendan Haywood was unable to play on Tuesday night. While Cardinal looked rusty, he stayed active while on the court.
- Jason Terry had a solid 4th quarter. It appears that Coach Carlisle was able to get Terry set up at the top of the 3-point arc and from the wing rather than just in the corner. As a result, LeBron James lost his favorable wingspan advantage and trapping capabilities that he and his teammates were using in the previous 3 games to slow down Terry.
- Tyson Chandler had a fantastic game at center in Game 4. His physical play helped the Mavericks keep an even battle with offensive rebounds and also put more pressure on the Heat offense and defense to make plays to stop him.
- Shawn Marion also scored nicely in Game 4. He did well with having strong ballhandling guards in at all times.
Adjustments
- With Nowitzki feeling better, look for him to dominate the ball from the high and low post today. As he feels more comfortable taking shots, he opens up shots for Jason Kidd, DeShawn Stevenson, and Peja Stojakovic.
- If James Jones plays for the Heat, Peja Stojakovic will likely get some time guarding him. His height is something that Jones has not faced much this season at the guard position.
- The team will have to be careful with how they use Tyson Chandler in Game 5. With Brendan Haywood battling injury problems, Cardinal and Nowitzki become the primary backups for Chandler. An alternate play would be Ian Mahinmi, who could match up well with Joel Anthony and may be worth testing on Bosh and Haslem.
- With Haywood out, Cardinal may also become a useful pick and roll play with Barea, Terry, and Kidd.
Miami Heat
Positives from Game 4
- Dwyane Wade was well prepared to carry the offensive load for the Heat. Aside from a couple shaky plays down the stretch, he continued to score at will. Furthermore, he made his presence felt on defense, blocking a dunk attempt by Tyson Chandler in crunch time.
- Chris Bosh kept a smooth offensive touch in also scoring well in Game 4. He and Udonis Haslem have actually caused more matchup problems for the Mavericks than Wade and LeBron James have caused.
- Miami had control of the majority of the game, much like the first 3 games. The ability of Dallas to continue making comebacks every game may come into question in Game 5.
- Mario Chalmers had 6 assists off the bench on Tuesday night. He also had 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Whether or not he is scoring, he is staying engaged in games.
- The bench players all had positive +/- ratios. They are filling in nicely in relief of the Heat starters.
Adjustments
- LeBron James needs to get re-engaged in the series. Look for more pick and roll and spot-up shooting opportunities for him. If Haslem and Howard are not able to run the pick and roll, Zydrunas Ilgauskas--if placed on the active roster--can provide a familiar look for James to get more comfortable. Likewise, the Heat should consider mixing in the sharpshooting of James Jones. His ability to stretch the Mavericks defense may also open things back up for James to make powerful drives to the basket, also giving Jones open looks from the 3-point arc.
- Despite having a decent Game 4, Joel Anthony will likely see a cut in his minutes. Taking him out of play gives more time to Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem and also possibly James Jones and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. This also gives Coach Spoelstra the consideration to use LeBron James at center, a la Magic Johnson.
- A possible alternate play tonight to also help James is to have him handling the ball early with some picks set by Mike Bibby. Bibby can then slip or curl out to set up for midrange jumpers and 3-point shots.
- On defense, look for the Heat to make Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion carry more of the offensive load. Both players have scoring potential but also are past their primes.