Category: Dallas Mavericks

Close but no cigar is a very good description of the Dallas Mavericks’ season. After taking a dominant 2-0 lead against the Miami Heat, the Mavericks faltered losing 2-4 in a complete team collapse. Though they can blame the refs, the team ultimately has to blame themselves for playing scared in the waning moments of the final four games. Josh Howard and Devin Harris lost their nerves in critical moments that contributed to crucial losses.

Marc Cuban is no stranger to the offseason. In the last five years, many big names, such as Antawn Jamison, Antoine Walker, Nick Van Exel, and Steve Nash, offered their services at some point in their careers. Cuban’s array of moves is probably the sole reason the team has always be a very successful team and naturally a shoo-in for the playoffs. Cuban continues the trend as he has been very adamant in acquiring playoff savvy and experienced veterans to instill the degree of poise necessary to battle pressure and finish games.

The Dallas Mavericks are officially the first team into the second round of the playoffs.  Now they must wait for their opponent to be determined between the Kings/Spurs series.  If you are a Maverick, who do you really want to see in the next round? There seems to be a lot of pros and cons with both of these teams going into what could be a seven game series.  Along with the wait for a challenger, there is also the dilemma of what to do during the time off.

In days of yore, the Dallas Mavericks were a fast-paced run-and-gun ball club. Led by their big three of Nash, Nowitzski, and Finley, the Mavericks had little to no trouble winning in the season as they let offense dictate their games. However, despite their successful records, they were still regarded as soft and the lack of defense always led to disappointment in the playoffs. It would be ludicrous to call the team a postseason Western powerhouse…until now. With the dismissal of Don Nelson and the arrival of Avery Johnson, the Dallas Mavericks currently own the best record in the West and are now showing signs of defensive pressure. Why is it coming together for them now despite Nash’s (last year’s MVP) departure to the Suns and deadeye shooter Finley’s departure to the Spurs?

Dallas Maverick’s coach Avery Johnson has tried to find the right starting lineup for his team, and he may have finally done just that. The Mavericks have been lighting up their opponents since the move of center DeSagana Diop to start over Eric Dampier. Dampier has found what may be his role all the way into the playoffs.  

[originally posted July 11, 2003]

I got these from a Philly fan (thanks Big Philly) who got it from a friend who got it from a friend, etc..etc.

Hey, I’m drunk off my ass! (and I’m giving you the finger!)