On a night when Dirk and Josh Howard both struggled the supporting cast stepped up to give the Mavs a lift. Jason Terry and Devin Harris were both huge combining for 38 points. For Harris it was the second stellar performance in the last three games and also the 3rd straight game he's logged 33 minutes or more. Devin repeatedly blew by Cavaliers' defenders on his way to easy layups reminiscent of last year's playoff series with the Spurs. Lets hope his playing time continues in the 33-38 minute range even with Devean George and Greg Buckner due back on Friday. Obviously that will leave someone the odd man out, but I'd rather see the playing time split up between George, Buckner, and Harris and leave Austin Croshere on the pine.
Once again the Mavericks put on a defensive clinic. Lebron James, who normally lights the Mavericks up so much you just pencil him in for 40, had a tough night from the field especially in the early going. King James started off 1 for 9 from the field and finished 12 for 28 for 31 points. The Mavericks did a terrific job of clogging the passing lanes James had 6 turnovers and was forced into some tough shots. Larry Hughes was terrible, the supposed King James sidekick went 3 for 12 from the floor for 11 points and did precious little to contribute anywhere else on the floor. Hughes is one of the few players in the league with the quickness to stay with Devin Harris and not only that Hughes has a reach advantage on Devin. Instead Devin turned in one of his better performances of the year. I remember watching Larry Hughes at the 1997 McDonald's All American game he was clearly one of the top 2 or 3 players on the court. I think there's a real case of high dollar athlete syndrome going on with him, because he certainly has the ability to play much, much better than he has shown with the Cavaliers.
As its been the norm lately Dirk did his damage in the 2nd half scoring 15 of his 23 points. For the Cavs it was just too much, they spent the entire 2nd half trying to dig themselves out of the hole they fell into during an 8 minute scoreless stretch in the first half. During that time the Mavs went on a 14-0 run. Lebron said before the game he wanted to prove to the Mavs they are a title contender. But the Cavs looked alot more like just another inferior team from the East.
notes & hso's (hot sports opinions)
Those Cavs uniforms tonight were Great! I love them they should make Cleveland wear a home or away version of those unis for every game.
Drew Gooden are you serious? Do you really think that fur patch on the back of your head looks cool?
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