DALLAS — After losing Tuesday in Game 2 of the NBA’s Western Conference semifinals, Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said he wouldn’t hesitate to make a lineup change if he felt it would help his team climb out of its 0-2 hole against the Nuggets.
But today, the coach wasn’t ready to reveal who will take the court Saturday at American Airlines Center for the start of Game 3.
“I don’t have to turn in my starting lineup until 15 minutes before game time,” Carlisle said after the Mavericks’ practice. “That’s what I’ve been doing since December, so I don’t see any reason to change now.”
Besides possibly having to make a move because of forward Josh Howard’s gimpy ankles, there’s been some conjecture that Carlisle may make an elective switch, giving reserve center Ryan Hollins more time at center in place of Erick Dampier. A 12-year veteran, Dampier has been dominated by the younger, quicker Nene, who scored 49 points in the first two games for Denver.
Dampier said his opponent’s output has been more the result of Dallas’ defensive scheme, double-teaming Carmelo Anthony, which has led to some easy baskets for Nene.
Hollins said he hasn’t been given any indication that his role may change Saturday, adding it didn’t matter who was on the court.
“Nene’s been putting a lot of pressure on all of us,” he said. “As a group, all of our big men have to be ready to deal with him.”
Big fan
Carlisle said he’s previously worked with Nene at basketball camps, so the center’s output in the postseason hasn’t come as a surprise to the Mavericks.
“He’s an all-star caliber player who is finally completely healthy,” Carlisle said. “It’s great to see it as a fan, but it’s not so good when you’re coaching against him.”
Adverse conditions
Mavericks guard Jason Terry one of the biggest keys in today’s game is forcing the Nuggets to deal with some adversity.
“We have to be able to put some doubt in their minds by winning this game,” Terry said. “If we don’t fall behind early and keep putting the pressure on them, then we’ll see what happens.”
