Care to rate Avery Johnson in his first playoff .

[Guest_Randy]

series?  

[Joe Vancil]

I'd give him a B- for the opening round, and a B+ so far this round.  I think you're watching the development of a soon-to-be top-notch coach.

That said, I think he's still behind Carlisle, Brown, and McMillan in terms of coaches still left.  Then again, I'm very low on Popovich.

[Skandery]

Haven't really watched enough Dallas playoff games to give a very knowledgeable assessment.  But I will say this, he is doing better than I would've expected.  I thought Houston would beat Dallas.  And I'm surprised that they haven't been swept with how awful Dirk has shot the ball save the last game (and its a good thing he did last game with Nash exploding for 50).  I think Avery's choice to shut down Amare and turn Nash into a shooter is brilliant, that is if the lackadaisical defense of Dallas sticks to that gameplan; and thats a big IF.        

[Reality]

Beating Jeff Van Gundy was no test whatsoever. C

Vs Phx Avery J had Dallas looking very good.  Attacking on O, protecting the paint on D, diving for loose balls.  Dirk is a whiny butt who wants every foul call going his way but i dont know that Avery or any NBA coach can treat the prima donnas any differently. If Dall keeps moving the ball around and doesnt fall in to Dump It To Dirk and Stand ala Popavitch, Dall can upset Phx in a barnburner.  A- so far.