Tony Parker finished tonight's game 1 for 11 from the floor with 6 points. It's a far cry for a guy who is averaging 20 points per game and shooting 52.6 percent from the field.
It's the fewest field goals that he's made in a game in which he played at least five minutes since Jan. 21, 2005. That game against Phoenix, Parker finished 1 of 9 and scored two points. Whatever the Mavs did against Parker (Devin Harris anyone?), they need to remember it. By denying Parker his usual penetration and open lane, they bottled him and the Spurs offense sputtered because of it. That meant less open looks down low for the big men and a lot more jump shooting, which isn't really the Spurs bread and butter.
The Mavericks may have stumbled across something, and if they can keep Parker in check in the future, they may have found the key to controlling San Antonio.
-Scooter Hendon, Hoops Nerd
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