No team wins four games in an NBA playoff series playing the same way every night. But it’s easy to lose that way. Some intriguing Game 1 moves in the Western Conference:
Gregg Popovich decided not to double-team Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki, and San Antonio held the rest of the Mavericks to 38 percent shooting from the field. But Nowitzki countered by not missing a shot — OK, 12 for 14 from the field, and 12 for 12 from the line isn’t perfect — and Dallas won by six. Can Popovich afford to stick with the plan?
Portland was doomed after losing Brandon Roy to knee surgery, especially against the blazing Suns, who had won 14 of their last 16. Instead the Blazers, who were 3-1 vs. Phoenix during the season, slowed the tempo on the road, Andre Miller won the duel in the backcourt, and Marcus Camby frustrated Amar’e Stoudemire. But is sheer effort and determination enough to stifle Steve Nash & Co. for a whole series?
Phoenix and San Antonio: It’s your move.
