The Spurs defeated the Mavericks 4-1. Nowitzki played Duncan fairly well, averaging 26.8 points and 7 rebounds with a 47% shooting percentage, which isn't bad. But Josh Howard only averaged 12 points with a 30% shooting rate, Harris averaged 8.6 points, and Terry couldn't get fired up, averaging 16 points with a 38% shooting rate... Plus, Coach Avery Johnson couldn't get the players motivated.
Avery Johnson's poor team management skills were fully exposed this season. Josh Howard wanted to assert authority, and as a coach, he didn't make any statement nor did he provide support, offending both All-Stars Nowitzki and Josh Howard.
Seeing Ginobili's incredible impact as a substitute, midway through the season, Avery Johnson learned from Popovich and moved Terry to the bench, offending Terry as well.
