1) How does it feel to be back in the playoffs again?

Relieving. After 13 years, the ever-increasing pressure is finally off.

2) Nellie did a lot to start the foundation for this Mavs team, but what
does he mean to the Warriors team, fans, and organization?

For most Warriors fans, the team has only ever been successful with Nellie at the helm. The last time he was here we were in the playoffs; he left for over a decade and we made it NOT ONCE, and as soon as he returns we're right back in again. The fans love him, the players adore him, and the organization just needs him.



3) What?s the mood with Warrior fans when it comes to the Mavs and this
series? a) I am happy we made the playoffs but we will lose to the Mavs even
though we have beaten them this season. b) It should be a close series that
could go either way. c) We have dominated the Mavs the past two seasons and
should be able to beat them in 5-6 games.

Mostly b. The Warriors are underdogs, but they will put up a fight. Hopefully they can push it back to Oakland for Game 6 and go from there.

4) The key to this series for Golden State to win is??

The key for the Warriors is to force the Mavs into uncomfortable situations: Harris shooting from the perimeter, Damp creating a shot inside, Dirk passing through three guys draped around him. They can't guard Dallas straight up, so they have double-team and trap and hope to take away the Mavs' primary options.

And then they have to hit their threes. If the Warriors get hot from outside, they will absolutely win some games.

5) The key to this series for Dallas to win is?..

Dallas should look to force the Warriors into shooting SOLELY from the perimeter - even though they're capable of making those shots, that's not a good strategy overall for the W's. Beyond that, they need to be patient, rotate the ball on offense and dominate the boards. The trick will be to control the glass without getting abused by Nellie's smaller, faster offense.

6) Who will be the ?X-factor? in this series?

The X-factor in this series is Monta Ellis. He has the quickness to bother both of Dallas' point guards, and he's obviously a threat to score at any moment. But will his jumpshot be falling? Will he pick up quick fouls? Will turnovers be a problem? When Ellis is in a groove he's often the best player on the court, but he's prone to making mistakes as well. What version will we see this series?

7) When it is all said and done, who wins and in how many games?

This is tough to answer; as mentioned above, the Warriors are clearly underdogs, but I think they have a good shot. If they can steal one of the first two in Dallas, I'm saying Golden State in seven. Otherwise, Dallas in six.