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"FacebookPinterestdirk.png\n\n STRENGTHS: If the Mavericks make a deep run in the playoffs, they will have expiring contracts and Gilbert Arenas to thank. When Arenas turned cowboy and the Wizards officially opened up the fire sale, Dallas became one of the biggest beneficiaries, acquiring Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood for four expiring deals. The move sparked a 13-game winning streak that launched them into the Western Conference elite (which might actually include all eight playoff teams). Dirk Nowitzki is a unique player in the NBA\u2014a seven footer who plays more like a guard. His height gets him over defenders and his ball skills get him around them. Plus, Nowitzki is strong and crafty, and knows how to get to the free throw line. He's averaged 26 points and 11 rebounds in the playoffs, and there's no reason to think he won't match those numbers this year. Jason Kidd somehow remains an elite point guard, and nobody still believes the Kidd/Devin Harris swap was a mistake for Dallas. Sparkplug Jason Terry scores 17 ppg off the bench and Haywood and Erick Dampier aren't scoring options but are both solid rebounders and post defenders. Butler and Shawn Marion give the Mavs size, scoring and defense at the wings. The bottom line is that this is a very talented Mavericks team that can beat anybody if they can get hot at the right time.\n\nWEAKNESSES: The Mavericks are not a great defensive team, and at times can be a really bad one. Kidd gets his steals and rebounds (1.8 and 5.5 per game, respectively) but can no longer stay in front of most point guards. For all of his considerable offensive talent, Nowitzki does not give a lot back on defense. A smart offense will attack him all game and make him work on both ends. He doesn't want foul trouble and isn't as aggressive as he could be, and consequently, the Mavs could run into some trouble with a starting five that is light on outside shooting. Nowitzki and Kidd are snipers, but Marion and Butler are most effective when they're not taking jumpers, so opponents would do well to keep them outside. Luckily for Dallas, they can bring in Terry for big minutes when they don't have enough perimeter threats on the court.\n\nX-FACTOR: Defense. The post-trade winning streak began with five straight games where they held opponents under 100 points and they have to rediscover that magic. The Mavericks do have some components of an adequate defensive team. Butler and Marion have great size for their positions, and some quickness, strength and athleticism to accompany it, but they have to slow down the likes of Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony to win. It will be on Nowitzki, Kidd, and Terry to help the more defensive-minded players and contribute on both ends. If they can accomplish that, Dallas has a chance to do something special.\n\nFEARLESS PREDICTION: If everything comes together for the Mavs, they could challenge the Lakers for the conference title, but that's as far as they'll go.\u2014Nick Ingalls\n\nOther previews:\n\n Oklahoma City Thunder\n\n Milwaukee Bucks\n\n Boston Celtics\n\n Utah Jazz\n\n Atlanta Hawks\n\n Phoenix Suns\n\n Orlando Magic"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.gq.com/story/the-nba-playoffs-the-team-that-could-take-down-the-champs>