The problem with the Dallas trade is that is didn't give them what they needed the most: A go to guy at the end. Whether Kidd was on the floor or not, he isn't that player, and neither is Dirk or Terry or Howard or Stackhouse.
In that regard at least, San Antonio and Cleveland and LA and Phoenix have go to players to take that last shot.
From the game it seemed pretty clear the teams were evenly matched, with neither able to put the other away. But in crunch time, San Antonio was simply the better team- better commitment to defense, and more aggressive on offense.
By the way Ginobli was a minus 11 for the game and missed several shots in crunch time, which gave Dallas the chance, but Manu was also the one to get the assists for Bowen's and Duncan's scores that won them the game.