The Denver Nuggets re-loaded this summer in being one of the few teams that earned an “A” off-season, but how will they matchup with the Dallas Mavericks in 2012-2013.
Series Matchup In 2011-2012: 3-1 Mavericks
The two squads will face one another three times this season: Dec. 28, April 4, and April 12.
The Nuggets only won one game against the Mavericks last season, while the other three losses *could* be blamed on Denver’s bevy of injures; however, this season both teams are completely revitalized and anew.
The Mavericks added a new point guard in Darren Collison, whom will be a different dynamic than Jason Kidd. Collison will bring more speed, but when paired against the quickness of Ty Lawson, despite the “Collison will lock Lawson down” feeling from Mavericks fans, it won’t be an easy feat, just ask any other team in the league.
Denver comes re-loaded with Andre Iguodala, who will be starting in the shooting guard position, but could see time at small forward. With Iguodala, Denver has an added emphasis on defense and Western Conference teams have to deal with the elite defensive surgeon that is AI9. Danillo Gallinari will be starting at the three, but the position is deep with Wilson Chandler coming off of the bench, as well as Iguodala filling that role if needed.
Dallas added O.J. Mayo this off-season and they hope he will become a second offensive option for them. Needless to say, Iguodala will spend some time cooling down Mayo if he feels the need to get a hot hand. As for Dirk, well, there isn’t an answer for Dirk.
That’s not to say Dirk alone can beat this new Nuggets squad, but he will make it difficult.
Denver is second fastest team in the league, an offensive juggernaut, and they added a bit of defense this off-season.
Dallas Mavericks, despite losing out on Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, and Deron Williams, had an underrated off-season, but will O.J. Mayo, Darren Collison, Dirk, Shawn Marion, and Chris Kaman be able to defensively slow and out-score the Denver Nuggets?
I’m a doubter.
Final Prediction: Denver wins series 2-1
