Sir Charles and other Quick Hits

There's been alot of Mavs off the court news lately. Most of it is just ammunition for Mavericks detractors to draw the MFFL faithful offsides, but on a slow newsday I'll engage them.

New York Post columnist Filip Bondy leads off the pot-stirring with his latest article on Mark Cuban. In the article Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse are quoted saying in essence they'd rather Cuban wasn't so vocal with the refs. Lets concede Mark Cuban isn't perfect. I'll even give you he's way over the top and a tad bit exhausting at times. Nothing irritates me more than the Mavs fan who says, "He just needs to sit down and shut up over there and stop yelling at the refs. He's costing us calls!" Try and remember a few things before you're even tempted to think like that. For starters the Mavericks are 56-11 (42-4 in their last 46) this season with the best record in the NBA, coming off a season where they made it to the NBA finals. The Mavericks have 7 straight 50 plus win seasons, which translates to 7 straight playoff appearances. In the last 7 years the Mavericks have transformed into a coveted destination for NBA free agents. Under Don Carter and Ross Perot, Jr. you could never say any of those things, but boy they sure were quiet. Here's the way I look at Mark, it's like dating a really hot stripper. She may embarass you out in public a time or two (those of you who have dated a stripper know what I'm talking about), but at the end of the day there isn't a guy alive who isn't envious of you. Think about that for a minute. How many fans are out there of other teams across the league who would trade us owners in a heartbeat if they could? In summary, with Mark Cuban occasional over the top antics without Mark Cuban none of it matters when you're at the bottom of the league looking up.

Washington Post staff writer Michael Lee enters the fray next with his Tuesday column on Dirk's mental toughness late in games. Simply put this is much ado about nothing. Dirk gives a candid admission he gets tense in pressure situations. Okay, so has every other basketball player who has ever lived. I don't get the story here other than a media fabricated one. Nothing against Lee he's just reporting what Dirk relayed during the interview and on the heels of the Phoenix game it sounds juicy. There's just no substance to it. Dirk has yet to really define his clutch status for his career (for pete's sake he's only 28 years old). I also seem to remember him hitting a pretty big shot on December 28th at home versus the Suns. Not to mention in the 3rd quarter of game 5 in the Western Conference Finals when the Mavericks' chances and season were slipping away Dirk made a pretty solid accounting of himself.

After the disappointing loss to Phoenix the Mavs have rattled off 4 in a row so everyone has come down off the ledge. In fact the pendulum has started swinging the other way again. I heard the Musers asking this morning will the Mavs reach a fourth double digit win streak this year? The Dirk lost the MVP stigma still remains from the Phoenix game however. I couldn't disagree more, but I guess that depends on your definition of an MVP since the NBA doesn't do it for us. Alot of people think it's the most valuable player to their respective team. The problem with that is you can wind up giving the MVP to a guy like Andre Iguodala because where would the 76ers be without him? The other problem I see with the MVP is the tendency to factor in previous years into the decision making process. The fact that Steve Nash has won the MVP the past two years should have nothing to do with the MVP of the 2006-07 season. Yet, you'll still hear people say if you gave it to him last year I don't see how you cannot give it to him this year when all of his numbers are up. You also shouldn't reverse discriminate against Nash with the flawed logic he won it the last 2 years lets give it to somebody new this year. The MVP should come down to if you could pick any player to start a franchise with based on this year's performance (not on potential, not on who's younger, not on scoring averages or anything else) who would you go with? Winning should play a factor in the selection because obviously the player who's team won alot of games during that season was doing something right. For my money the player who did the most to lead his team this season and who I'd want to start up a team with (based on this season's performance only) is Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki has played through pain, he's given the Mavs scoring when they needed scoring, he's gotten rebounds when they needed rebounds, and the most telling he's averaging fewer field goal attmepts and a career high in assists. Remember back in 99-00 when Dirk was just coming into his own and critics said he'll never be the next Bird he can't pass out of the double team like Bird could. Well he may not be Bird (unfair comparison to begin with), but Dirk is passing out of the double team and just passing well period.

Everyone knows especially Mavericks fans Charles Barkley doesn't like us and he certainly doesn't respect us. Yesterday on ESPN 103.3FM Sir Charles said he doesn't think the Mavericks have enough to get past the Spurs. I really shouldn't dignify that foolishness with a response, but I will say this. Maybe someone should tell Sir Charles this is the 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks not the 2004-05 Mavericks and they'll be playing the 2006-07 San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs not the 2004-05 Spurs. Nuff said.


Charles Barkley shows off his dance moves

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Dallas 98 Cleveland 90

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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Dallas 92 New York 77

Unfortunately I've been under the weather, so I'm just getting this story up. Plus I didn't know the Ticket's Bob Sturm was going to link me on his blog this morning. Thanks Bob! As Chris Farley use to say.... That is AWESOME!

The Mavericks spoiled Director and notorious Knicks fan Spike Lee's 50th birthday Tuesday night with another run of the mill victory for the Mavs. If the game were who had the biggest nose than Renaldo Balkman and the Knicks would of won hands down. Holy cow was that distracting, I kept thinking the Knicks had signed Digital Underground's Shock G. The NBA should seriously have to issue a disclaimer before all Knicks games... Warning! Warning! please be advised small children and those with a squeamish stomach look away!

I loved seeing Devin Harris get a season high 38 minutes of playing time. When the day comes its the norm and not an oddity the Mavericks will be infinitely better for it. We all know Devin needs to get more consistent with his jump shot, but I see some definite progress in his ability to run the offense. It seems like Avery is more comfortable with Devin running the show too, still it's a work in progress. I was all prepared to send up warning signals on the Mavericks interior post defense, after the trouble they had stopping Amare Stoudemire and to some degree Al Jefferson this past week, but Erick Dampier did a great job on Eddy Curry. Note to Eddy Curry sure Shaq will shoot 4 for 12 from the free throw line but he doesn't compliment it with 9 for 20 from the floor.

Before the game the Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas was quoted as saying they were "helpless" to stop Dirk Nowitzki (with the inference being they were helpless to stop the Mavs). He must of known the Knicks were going to shoot 35.9% from the field. Other than Erick Dampier's low post defense and active body on the boards nobody for Dallas really stood out. Possibly Jason Terry who had a nice game 6 assists and 15 points on 7 for 9 shooting. Terry just did it very quitely and that sums up the game in a nutshell. The Knicks aren't very good and the Mavs quietly put them away.




Jason Terry and Erick Dampier warm up before the Knicks game. The Mavericks still have a roster spot available, maybe they should think about switching Popeye Jones from coach to player/coach. Check out this half court shot!

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2007 NBA Free Agents

With the Mavs embarking on a less than thrilling road trip through some of the dogs of the Eastern Conference I got to thinking about off season acquisitions. I'm no beat writer at the Dallas Morning News just a lowly Mavs fan with a keyboard and a "high speed" (lol) internet connection. To the best of my knowledge here are the 2007 NBA free agents available if the Mavericks are interested.

First things first, the Mavs have their own free agents to re-sign. Jerry Stackhouse is a free agent this summer and the Mavericks have decisions to make on Austin Croshere, J.J. Barea, and a team option for $687,000 on Pops Mensah-Bonsu (say his name 10 times fast). Thank God we're not paying on Tariq Abdul-Wahad any longer after this year, but STILL one more year at $5.2 million on the sucky Praying Mantis, God Almighty!

I'll start with the big name Free Agents first

Kevin Garnett has an opt out after this season. He could take the $22 million and stay with the 'Wolves or look for greener pastures elsewhere.

Antawn Jamison has an opt out after this season but he should seriously consider the $16.3 million on the table

Grant Hill (big name free agent in name only)

Chris Webber, he's shown he has a little left in the tank with the Pistons

Rashard Lewis has an opt out for $10.1 million after the season. Haven't the Mavs already been down this road?

Chauncey Billups has an opt out after the season. I know you're thinking Billups won't leave the Pistons he's staying put, but don't be so sure. All of Billups' teammates are all making significantly more Rasheed $12.5 mil, Hamilton $9.75 mil, Prince $8.6 mil. Chauncey could take the $6.8 million on the table, but he did just see Ben Wallace leave this year and sign a huge 4 year $60 million deal with the Bulls. Interesting, very interesting.

Free Agents of intrigue

James Posey (definitely could fit in with the Mavs)
Anderson Varejao (my only worry would be over paying for him)
Matt Barnes (a young active, athletic defender)
PJ Brown (experienced quality low post defender and rebounder, turns 38 before the start of the season however)
Luke Walton (I doubt the Lakers let him get away)
Maurice Williams (sorry Jet Terry fans, he's basically a younger more well rounded Jet)
Andray Blatche (21 yr old athletic PF who you could probably sign cheaply. I like his upside, but he's the same animal as Pops Mensah-Bonsu so you'd have to cut Pops to sign him)
Marc Jackson (washed up or could he help this team? probably not with shot blocking, lol)
Darko Milicic (Orlando has a $6.8 million qualifying offer on the table. Could he fit in with the Mavs' philosophy and do you want to take a chance on him?)
Quinton Ross (from the Dallas area, a quick, athletic, terrific defender with a team option for $826,000)
Desmond Mason (not a bad scoring option off the bench if the Mavs can't workout a deal with Stack)
Sasha Pavlovic (Cleveland has a $2.8 million qualifying offer on the table. Only 23 yrs old I like this 6-8 Shooting Guard's game and potential)
Antonio McDyess (has an opt out after the season and if Billups goes will he follow?)
Ronnie Turiaf (gives you a big active body and 6 more fouls)
Mikki Moore (gives another active body in the paint, although not a big body... Hey Mikki how about a couple ham sandwiches or something pal?)
Steve Blake (if he'd be willing to accept a bench role sign him up)
Josh Powell (former Mav the Mavs could still be interested)
Rawle Marshall (same as above)

Notable free agents (but I don't see a fit with Dallas)
Andres Nocioni
Morris Peterson
Chucky Atkins
Ruben Patterson (great defender but not much else and you'd probably have to over pay)
Gerald Wallace (same as above, only he has an opt out after the season with the Bobcats)
Corliss Williamson
Michael Finley (for obvious reasons, hell the Mavericks are STILL paying him over $18 million next season, Geez!)

Spare to Fair

Eddie House
Bracey Wright
Charlie Bell
Jason Hart
Ronnie Price
Scot Pollard (has the makings for an interesting local kids show)
CJ Miles (Dallas product still raw and undeveloped, I'm thinking D-League next stop)
Dee Brown
Rafael Araujo
Michael Olowokandi (you probably gotta win a jump ball with JJ Barea if you're 7 foot tall before I can think about signing you)
Scott Padgett
Pat Garrity
Keyon Dooling (player op for $3.6 mil)
Bo Outlaw
Travis Diener
Dale Davis (at 38 years old is there anything left in the tank?)
Ronald Murray (player op for $1.8 mil)
Daniel Ewing

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Dallas 92 Detroit 88

Dallas entered their 5th game in 8 days against Detroit on Sunday. They came away with a hard fought victory, literally. Erick Dampier's flagrant foul on Rip Hamilton's breakaway dunk late in the 4th quarter really set the tone for crunch time. The Mavs held Detroit to 40% from the floor in the 4th quarter and the Pistons didn't do themselves any favors from the free throw line converting only 2 of 8 attempts.

I loved the foul from Dampier it was funny to see the Pistons crying about hard fouls and looking like the nerdy kid on the block with Dallas playing the role of schoolyard bully. You certainly never felt that way about this team under Don Nelson. The Pistons had just gone through a 2 minute stretch causing the Mavericks fits with turnovers. Detroit kept reaching in on Dallas and committing touch fouls the refs were letting slide and I like the approach from Dampier "you want to foul us? I'll show you what a foul is!"

Just as he did Friday night against Boston Dirk Nowitzki took over in the 2nd half scoring 21 of his 28 points. Dirk had a little help from Jason Terry who was big down the stretch and Devin Harris had a big game as well adding 22 points. The Mavs big defensive effort was especially impressive considering once again they were without Devean George or Greg Buckner. To be fair the Pistons were also without Chauncey Billups. The win puts Dallas back up 4.5 games on the Suns who have lost 2 games since the win in Dallas on Wednesday.

notes & hso's (hot sports opinions)

You may have noticed I didn't have much to say about the first half... well maybe if Time Warner could hire people to bring the right DVR unit over with them and not use your bathroom without washing their hands and than go around touching everything in my condo I'd of been able to record the first half!

What is it with ABC and ESPN ramming Dancing with the Stars down our throats? First of all you're a homo if you watch that crap (with apologies to John Amaechi). And second of all why does ABC pick an NBA game with a heavy male dominated viewing audience to choose to promote this fluff show? It was bad enough when ESPN had to hijack Monday night football so they could do a 10 minute infomercial for Emmitt Smith and Dancing with the Stars, but I draw the line at the Mavericks. And what's with ABC picking Anne Heche to do the celebrity plug for I love this game? Are they trying to steal viewers from the NCAA women's tournament who might subscribe to that other magazine? Please bring back the NBA on NBC! They never would of had Larry Bird come on to do promos for Days of our Lives.

On a related note Mike Breen and Mark Jackson aren't very good at broadcasting. Breen sounds like they found him at a nursing home reading the nightly bedtime stories and Jackson makes the case for why ex-athletes shouldn't be in the booth. Most of the time he's so busy trying to shoehorn facts and figures in while maintaining professionalism he forgets to have any fun. Come on guys you had the best team in the West and the best team in the East facing off in a potential NBA Finals preview and you sounded like you were announcing the next number in line at the DMV. (I'd use an exclamation point there, but it goes against the laws of nature to use one in a sentence about Mike Breen and Mark Jackson)

Why is it Tyler Hansbrough can break his nose and two weeks later he's playing without a mask, but Rip Hamilton has worn one every game for the last 3 years?

I don't want to worry any Mavs fans needlessly but Dirk Nowitzki did miss the first of a big pair of free throws late in the game at Detroit. A disturbing trend is starting to develop just keep an eye out for it.



Have a look at this and tell me the NBA wasn't much better on NBC

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Whatever happened to Pavel Podkolzin?

Some of you maybe wondering whatever happened to Pavel Podkolzin. Okay probably there are only a few of you. Actually probably no one is asking what happened to Pavel Podkolzin, but I decided to find out anyways.

With all of the hot rumors about Reggie Miller filling the final Mavs roster spot I got to thinking wouldn't a productive Pavel Podkolzin come in handy right about now? Alot of fans might not remember Pavel. He got more air time in Mavs promos on the Jumbotron during timeouts than he did playing time on the court. Podkolzin was taken 21st overall in the 2004 draft by the Utah Jazz and later traded to Dallas for their 2005 first round pick. At the time he was drafted Pavel was only 19 years old and extremely raw. Scouts labeled him "a turnover waiting to happen" but as the old basketball saying goes "You can't teach height". Pavel stands at 7-5 and weighed a spindly 260 lbs (he's now reported to weigh in the 300 lb. ballpark). Of course Mavs fans are having nightmarish flashbacks to the praying mantis days.

Actually Podkolzin showed signs of improvement in this year's Toshiba summer league for the Mavericks. In 5 games he averaged 11.6 ppg and 7.2 rpg in 21.6 min. Pavel spent the majority of his first two NBA seasons either injured or on assignment with the Mavs NBDL affiliate the Fort Worth Flyers. Unfortunately due to a stupid rule in the D-League guidelines no player can be put on assignment for a third year. What kind of bass ackwards sense does that make? Seriously, ask yourself have I ever been to a D-League game? What does the NBA have against garnering interest in the developmental league? Doesn't the very definition of the word development require continued improvement? So what, you can get better as a player just as long as you hurry up and do it in 2 years or less? Anyways I digress, the Mavericks faced a tough decision with Podkolzin. At only 21 years of age they wanted to get him some playing time so he could develop, but with Erick Dampier, DeSagana Diop, and DJ Mbenga all ahead of him on the depth chart the prospects didn't look good. "Pavel has made big strides and had a very bright future, but at 21 years of age, playing experience is imperative to his development," said Donnie Nelson, Dallas' president of basketball operations.

The Mavs cut Pavel back on August 4, 2006 and he quickly signed with the Khimki Moscow team of the Russian League on August 16, 2006. So far with his new team BC Khimki Pavel has only seen 9.1 min per game resulting in 3.8 ppg and 2.1 rbg. Pavel is still just 22 years old and is still learning how to play the game. The Mavericks are reported to still be interested in him. "We're hoping to re-sign him when the situation is a little more right," Nelson said.

All I know is with Mbenga sidelined the rest of the year and the Mavs having an open roster spot it'd be nice to have a 3rd string center to supply an extra 6 fouls for the playoffs. Pavel Podkolzin is no Zydrunas Illgauskas hell he's no DJ Mbenga for that matter, but he's alot more promising than any of the other free agents available. Recently however, the Mavs have indicated they do not have plans to fill the final roster spot. I hope they don't need the extra fouls in the playoffs or God forbid Dampier or Diop get hurt. No one wants to see Austin Croshere try and guard Amare Stoudemire, yikes!


Here's a Mavs promo from last year featuring Pavel Podkolzin (don't blink or you'll miss him)

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Dallas 106 Boston 101

In a game were Dallas never led by more than 6 points Boston gave a good accounting of themselves. But come on now did you really think the Celtics would pull it out? Mark Cuban had a better chance of posting something interesting on his blog today than the Celtics did of winning this game. And yet with under a minute to go in the game and the Mavericks only up by 1 it didn't seem that way.

Paul Pierce started out hot for Boston scoring 17 points in the 1st quarter on 7 for 8 shooting. Al Jefferson provided a low post presence displaying an array of moves. Once again the Mavericks had trouble stopping an athletic, powerful post player for the opposition. At halftime the Celtics enjoyed a 10 point lead at 54-44. As we knew they would the Mavericks made up the deficit in the 3rd quarter, as midway through Dirk Nowitzki started to heat up from the field. Early on in the third Dirk had 4 points on 1 for 8 shooting. He finished with 30 points however on 8 of 10 shooting on his final 10 shots. Josh Howard also had 30 points matching a career high. Josh is a much improved shooter this season, but it was clear he wasn't going to settle for jump shots. Howard never attempted a 3 pointer and attacked the rim earning himself an 8 for 8 night from the charity stripe.

With less than a minute to go Dirk drove to the cup and was fouled by Gerald Green. Unlike Wednesday night's game with Phoenix Nowitzki calmly drained both free throws and threw in a turnaround jumper in the lane with 6 seconds to go sealing the game for Dallas.

notes & hso's (hot sports opinions)

Gerald Green had a career high 25 points for Boston. Boston is on a collison course for one of the top 2 picks in this year's NBA draft. I think they showed in this game they're really not as bad as their record indicates. Extended stretches without Paul Pierce this season and no Tony Allen since January 10th also key injuries to Wally Szczerbiak and Theo Ratliff. Given Boston can stay healthy next season how much better could they be with Durant or Oden in their lineup?

Baby Alert! To all DFW mothers of young infants please under no circumstances give your baby to Erick Dampier for him to hold. On Dallas' first possesion of the second half Jason Terry drove the lane finding Damp on a wrap around pass. Dampier badly mishandled the pass painfully reminding me of the pass he bobbled from Dirk late in game 5 of the NBA finals last season. Could we please get TO Owens and Damp together for a brainstorming session?

I've never seen anyone shoot a jump shot like Devin Harris before. His feet seem to dangle in the air as he shoots in an akward motion almost like he's trying to pull his feet towards his butt. Devin's feet move back and forth ever so slightly and there is a hesitation on some of his jump shots. He's not always releasing the ball at its highest point I think it's one of the big reasons he's been an inconsistent jump shooter to this point in his career. Somebody's gotta do something about those feet out there it looks like he's trying to play a game of hopscotch when he shoots. On a positive sidenote I'm going to stop being so surprised everytime Harris flys through the lane creates contact and flings one in off the glass. Geez, this guy is good at that, it's like he's done it a time or two before.

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What if Steve Nash stayed in Dallas?

After I watched Steve Nash and the Suns dispose of Dirk and the Mavs in the 2004-05 Western Conference semis. I was convinced Dirk could never win a championship on any team where he was the best player. In fact, I remember e-mailing the Ticket's Bob Sturm and suggesting the Mavericks trade Dirk for a package deal. He really underwhelmed us in those playoffs with a tough series against the Rockets. Critics were left wondering why Ryan Bowen was able to shut down Dirk? Although Dirk played better in the Phoenix series it just wasn't enough. The doubters arose with their questions. Can Dirk take a team on his shoulders and carry them to the promised land? Is Dirk clutch? Will Dirk ever develop an all around game? etc.

After the Mavericks climbed the NBA's verison of "Mount 12 big ones" last season to reach the NBA finals. Dirk came into last night's game with the Suns the leading MVP candidate. Quite a transformation for a guy who only 2 years earlier I was willing to part with for the rights to Gerald Green and a stick of chewing gum. Who is responsible for Dirk's transformation? Avery Johnson is no doubt about it.

So while all of the internet discussion boards are full of people who think Steve Nash is better off in Phoenix. I can't help but wonder wouldn't Avery have helped Steve to grow as a complete, well rounded player just like he did for Dirk? The average Joe Schmo fan thinks Nash wound up in a better situation with the Suns. On a team better suited to his playing style, with an offensive philosophy catering to his strengths and a supporting cast to carry out the game plan. They also think the Mavericks are better off without Nash sort of a win win scenario. I'm not so sure. Don't let anyone fool you the players play for contracts, but next on the pecking order is a championship. I'm not so sure the Phoenix Suns aren't just a glorified Run TMC only with one incredibly large angry black man in the middle by the name of Amare. I'll ask the same question Randy Galloway did in this morning's Star Telegram, "explain to me the whole losing Nash was a good thing again?"

We all know how hard Avery is on his point guards just ask Devin Harris or Jason Terry. I'd love to see what an equally defensive minded Steve Nash would look like under Avery's guidance. Nellie's Dirk Nowitzki never would of gotten the Mavs past San Antonio last season, but Avery's Dirk Nowitzki did. I always hear people saying "We already saw Dirk and Nash together in Dallas they didn't go anywhere in the playoffs. They're better off apart." Correction we saw Nellie's Dirk and Nash together in Dallas, but never Avery's verison. Under Avery's direction I doubt Nash is your two time reigning MVP, but he might be a reigning NBA champion.

I love my Mavs as currently constructed, but after last night's awesome display by Nashty I couldn't help but wonder. If nothing else it wouldn't of hurt to play keep away from Phoenix. Still I don't blame Cuban for letting Steve go. No one knew he would hold up this well and to a certain extent we just didn't appreciate what we had.



Here's a goofy little video to remember the Nash and Dirk years by

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Phoenix 129 Dallas 127 (2OT)

The Mavericks came into the game the NBA's best free throw shooting team, but would not leave with the distinction. With 32.7 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard went on to combine for three critical missed free throws. Probably more costly was the dumb foul Josh Howard committed on Steve Nash's three point attempt with 14.4 seconds left. The missed free throws and silly foul let Phoenix back into the game which after two overtime sessions they eventually won. The Mavs loss in double OT also let Phoenix back into the fight for the best record in the Western Conference and home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

While the Mavs surely disappointed, the game itself did not. These two NBA heavyweights traded blows back and forth in one of the more entertaining games this season. The 1st quarter belonged to the Suns. They took advantage of Dallas' porous defense for easy baskets and a ridiculous 22-4 edge in points in the paint. The Mavs got their wheels back on in the 2nd quarter and started attacking the rim. They took control of the quarter and closed the half with a Jason Terry to Jerry Stackhouse alley oop. It was a nice play and gave you the feeling maybe the 60-53 deficit wasn't so terrible.

The Mavs backed up my suspicions with an outstanding 3rd quarter. They managed to hold Phoenix to just 16 points while tallying a season high 38 points themselves in the third. It was really beautiful to watch the way they defended and operated in the open floor. Avery must have noticed a tendency on the Suns pick & roll because he had the Mavs sagging off Nash and back onto the screener. They jumped the passing lane and 2 or 3 times it produced a steal. The Mavs really moved the ball well and found the open man. They closed the 3rd quarter up 91-76, but you knew it wasn't a safe lead. The Suns opened the 4th quarter by converting 10 of their first 11 shots. I couldn't of been the only MFFL out there suffering from flashbacks of the 2004-05 Western Conference semi-finals everytime Amare Stoudemire threw down a monstrous dunk. Dallas was answering Phoenix every step of the way and as the game was drawing to a close it looked like the Suns were going to run out of time. Of course, missed free throws and a senseless foul from Howard gave Steve Nash and the Suns all the life they needed. Nash tied the game at 111-111 with a second chance 3 from the right wing and only seconds remaining in the fourth. Dirk was unable to redeem himself with a last second game winner the way he had the last time these two teams met at the AAC back on Dec. 28th.

Phoenix rode Stoudemire in both overtime periods. Jason Terry provided some brief hope with a clutch three as time was expiring for the Mavericks in the first overtime. In the end, it was just too much Stoudemire and too much Nash. Pause for concern definitely has to be generated by the 41 points Amare Stoudemire scored off of 16 for 19 shooting from the field. Before I send too many Mavs fans jumping completely overboard here's a fun fact. As these two teams look destined to face each other in a rematch of the Western Conference finals. I draw comfort from the Mavs record against Phoenix in their last 7 regular season meetings.... 4-3

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