Don't Stop Believin'

The Dallas Mavericks have taken a commanding 2-0 lead heading to Dallas for games 3 and 4. The Mavericks are doing so with defense. During the regular season in 3 meetings with the Lakers the Mavs have surrendered 102 points per game. In the playoffs the Mavericks have held Kobe and the Lakers to 87.5 points per game. Dallas is also shooting 37.8% from 3 point range.

But, I would not pen in the Mavericks to advance to the conference finals. In 2006, for way larger stakes(a championship) the Mavs found a way to lose to D. Wade, Shaq, and the Heat.  The Zen Master Phil Jackson knows this and he has led the Lakers out of a 0-2 deficit against the Spurs in 2004. Welcomed territory for Phil, Kobe, and the Lakers. Game 3 will set the tone for the remainder of the series. The suspension of Ron Artest will inspire the uninspired champs. Journey said it best "Don't Stop Believin". Lakers in 7!