The End of a Rivalry

Over the past decade, there has not been a better playoff game to watch than when the Mavs would battle the Spurs. They have faced each other three times this decade in the playoffs with the Spurs winning two of the three series but the Mavs winning the most recent in 2006 on their way to the NBA Finals. Tonight marked the first time that these teams had faced each other in the first round in their history.

I hate the Spurs. Their boring style of fundamental basketball puts me to sleep. Manu Ginobili 

is on my All-Hate NBA team

with Kobe, Stephen Jackson, Mike Bibby

and Spurs teammate Bruce Bowen (all Maverick killers). But tonight the Mavs took the first step to getting the best of the Spurs once again with a 105-97 win in San Antonio. 

Even though the Mavs took Game 1 I wasn't impressed...with either team. I mean I'm glad that Dallas won their first road playoff game in almost three years and that Josh Howard came alive with 25 points but overall both teams are living in the past.

In previous seasons, if it was considered a crime if these two teams met anywhere short of the conference finals because they were both considered NBA Finals contenders. 

But now the fact that they're meeting in the first round and no one is raising an eye brow proves both of them have become old and slow. I think they'll give us a solid series to watch but it won't matter. Whoever advances to the next round is bound to be outplayed by a younger team and a more cohesive unit such as the Lakers, Rockets or Nuggets. This rivalry was nice while it lasted.

My Prediction:  Mavs in 6. Nuggets over Mavs in 6.