Mavericks vs. Spurs, NBA playoffs 2014: Time, TV schedule, radio and more

The punchline has become a reality. Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis had it all in a Game 6 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 29 points in a variety of ways. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle has made do by getting his team to play the good kind of hero ball. It has been more than just Ellis.

Dirk Nowitzki has done this before, but the reason the Mavs find themselves in a Game 7 against the top-ranked Spurs is because of his crew. Vince Carter has hit big shots through six games, and DeJuan Blair recovered from a one-game suspension for kicking Tiago Splitter in the face to take a 10-point, 14-rebound, four-block performance to his former squad.

San Antonio of course won't fold under the pressure, but it has not been consistently able to hold down Dallas. It's hard to stop the Mavs when the Spurs don't know what's coming. Offensively, consistency has been an issue for young Kawhi Leonard and veteran Manu Ginobili. Tony Parker has scored in the 20s in the past two games, and center Tiago Splitter has been as important as any, but the Spurs need a little more from someone. And a little more defense.