Jim Eyen is a longtime NBA assistant coach who has developed strategy for the Lakers, Clippers, Bucks and Blazers. He will be sharing his expertise on NBA.com throughout the playoffs. Here, Jim breaks down the upcoming Kings-Mavs semifinals, a series that promises to be one of the more exciting postseason shootouts the league has seen in a long while.

1) Both teams carry league leaders in offensive categories
2) They prefer playing in the open court to any set offense
3) They both posses a multitude of offensive weapons, including significant bench players
4) Positions 1-5 can all handle the ball and pass with great proficiency and it is not uncommon for the 4 or 5 man on either team to lead a fastbreak

The many faces of the upcoming Kings-Mavs series. NBAE/Getty Images

In addition, both teams have excellent coaching staffs, and quality rosters that combine youthful energy with veteran experience. When two teams play contrasting styles it is easier to compare and project which style will triumph. Often it is philosophical -- one might believe “good pitching always stops good hitting” or that ball control will stifle an open-court team, etc. Consequently, when the tendencies of the teams are so similar, it leads me to believe we are going to have a very competitive and unpredictable series.

BREAKING IT DOWN
Dallas won the season series 3-1, and all games were high scoring affairs. However, regular-season records can be somewhat misleading because of injuries, travel schedules, etc. During a playoff series, all factors are equal; including rest times and travel days. However, Dallas could have the advantage mentally, having beaten the Kings three out of four times. Sacramento has the better overall record, however, which earned them the homecourt advantage. In a seven-game series this could prove to be a significant factor. However, considering both teams won on each other’s home court, and Dallas had the best road record in the league this season, “home court advantage” may be a moot point.

The key factor in this series will be who is making their shots. Each team has a variety of offensive weapons, including three-point shooters who are as proficient as any this league has seen in a long time. Dallas can put a lineup on the floor that consists of five three-point shooters (Steve Nash, Nick Van Exel, Michael Finley, Dirk Nowitzki, and Raef LaFrentz). Sacramento has terrific shooters of their own, led by one of the league’s top marksmen, Predrag Stojakovic.

Aside from these similarities, there is one noteworthy difference between the two offenses -- the low post. This is an area where Sacramento can get productivity, while Dallas may not. Although Vlade Divac and Chris Webber may be challenged defensively chasing Nowitzki and LaFrentz on the perimeter, they can present their own challenge with their exceptional low-post play. Whether it is Nowitzki, LaFrentz or Eduardo Najera defending, Sacramento’s low-post game may:

1) Expose Dallas’ big men to foul trouble 2) Flatten out their defense, which will limit ”leak-outs” and fast break opportunities by providing better floor balance 3) Force Nowitzki and LaFrentz to work defensively, which may affect their offense

If successful, Sacramento will have influenced Dallas’ offense with their own -- sometimes “your best defense is your offense”.

2002 NBA.com Playoffs Section

Dallas will certainly utilize their versatility. They have big men in Nowitzki and LaFrentz who are multi-talented. They can spread the floor with their shooting, attack the basket off the dribble, and score or draw fouls (Nowitzki attempted over 500 FT’s in the regular season). Look for the Mavericks to put pressure on the Kings' big men and their overall perimeter defense, by creating isolation opportunities. Dallas' shooters make it difficult to help defensively. If you react to the dribble penetration and attempt to “fill in the gaps” you may fall victim to their shooters. The Mavs can play the “draw and kick” game as well as anyone in the league.

Dallas and Sacramento are the number 1 and 2 offensive teams in the league, respectively. Both teams have a potent offense that can outscore any opponent. Simply stated, success in this series may be determined by a test of wills.