Mavs vs Spurs Game 4 Pick

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

Game 4

Monday 9:35 pm EST

April 28, 2014

Line: San Antonio Spurs -4

There was “Vinsanity”, the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest and the lofty expectations that were never fulfilled.

There was the nickname, the human highlights, and the missed shot in Game 7 of the 2001 playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Then there was Saturday afternoon, where Carter’s playoff demons were put to rest.Carter drained a 3-pointer from the left corner as time expired, sending American Airlines Center into frenzy.

The scoreboard read: Dallas 109, San Antonio 108.

Now up 2-1 over the San Antonio Spurs in this best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal, thanks to Carter, this has certainly been a series that has Mavericks fans not only hoping for a first round upset, but believing too. After a blowout loss in Game 2, the top-seed in the West, San Antonio, appeared to be on verge of pulling a Houdini by escaping Game 3 with a victory after a Manu Ginobili basket with 1.7 seconds left. But as we saw, Carter had other ideas.
Despite what the seeding says, the Mavericks know if they can protect their home court on Monday night, the Mavericks will be one win away from a historic upset.

After losing their last two games and finding themselves in a 1-2 hole, expect the Spurs to put up a fight. However, the Spurs must find a way to slow down Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis, who combined for 47 points on Saturday. The journey towards a victory begins with defense. If the Spurs fail to do so, they are in serious trouble of another postseason failure and major disappointment.

The Mavericks are on the cusp of history, but to think that the NBA’s coach of the year and the NBA’s best regular season team are finished would be foolish. Popovich didn’t win the award without having the ability to make expert coaching adjustments when needed. The Spurs didn’t win 62 games by waving the white flag when things got tough. The Spurs can try to shut down Ellis or Nowitzki, but their defense may not be good enough to stop them both. The Mavs have a lot of shooters, but Popovich will find a way to make sure someone else besides Nowitzki beats him – if possible.

However, if the Mavs are scoring at will, the Spurs will undoubtedly be on the ropes. If it weren’t for a 15-0 run in Game 1, the Mavs would now be going for the knockout blow. Over the past 3 games of this series, the Mavs have proved they cannot only compete with the best but also defeat them too.

Thus far, the Mavs have been the better team. Take the points if you want, but my money is on Dallas to win. The Spurs had a great season, but they’ll be heading back home trying to stave off elimination in Game 5.

My pick: Dallas Moneyline