NEW YORK — Obviously, after warning in the playoff preview the Warriors were the worst imaginable matchup for the Mavericks I can't be vaguely surprised Golden State is providing such legit competition.
What's shocking is Dallas' utter emotional destabilization and failure to compete. Never has a team that's won so many games (67) surrendered so unconditionally (Game 3, for instance) and decomposed so rapidly from jump street. Somehow you'd expect a little bit more aplomb from players who endured the crucible of crisis in last June's Finals.
The Warriors should be brought up on charges of identity theft; the Mavs' minds are messed up. Heads are hanging. Stares are blank. Feet are frozen. Focus is adrift. They are folding to pressure on the free-throw line long before the shots become must makes.