Dallas Mavericks

1 Point Games

When it comes to one point games, the Mavs seem to get it right, they’re pros at it and now might make a new record as they’ve tied the current record at 9 straight wins when it’s come down to a one point game. They haven’t lost one since January of 2007.

Shawn Marion blocked Caron Butler’s attempted last shot of the game with 1.9 seconds left to seal the win at 94-93.

The Mavericks also came into this game with a win against the Celtics in Boston, a huge win and a big blow to one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

Lakers Win But Dirk Got A Milestone

Lakers pulled off another win but Dirk got his 20,000 point of his career in this game.

Nowitzki is now 34th on the all time NBA (doesn’t include the ABA) list and should easily move up the ranks as he still has plenty of years left in him.

Eduardo Najera Is Back

So Eduardo Najera is back after a trade involving Kris Humphries and Shawne Williams. I can see why this was made, it saves the Mavs some money (around 4.7 million) and releases a player off the roster that really just did nothing for the team anyways.

Supposedly Shawne Williams was benched due to his unprofessional attitude. Cuban put it as “put out to pasture” earlier this year.

As for Humphries, he has potential and was good but being a PF on a team with enough PF’s, he just couldn’t get the playing time he deserves. I’m sure the Nets will use and utilize his skills.

So Najera might not be the same player we knew before but hopefully he brings his great attitude and enthusiasm to the team.

Jazz Learn From Their Mistakes

So the Jazz learn from their mistakes. The last meetup with the Mavs, they were up 16 points until Dirk came out in the 4th quarter to score 29 to lead the Mavs past the Jazz in a come from behind victory.

This time they learned though, they did a good job getting a lead and keeping it til the end, keeping Dirk with only 10 points in the 4th quarter. Good job Jazz, too bad next time we’ll hopefully come up with a few new tricks to add to your loss total.

The final score was 111-93. Deron Williams missed the previous two games with a wrist injury.

Late Surge For The Win

Dirk was missing everything but that changed in the 4th quarter. With a late surge by the Mavs being down by 10, the Mavericks overcame the deficit to beat the Spurs 112-103 with a huge thanks to Dirk, dropping 16 points in the 4th and the Mavs having a combined 42 points in the 4th to secure the win.

Dirk didn’t do it alone though either with 5 other players in double digits and Terry having 21 points.

I always feel like the Mavs win the championship each and everytime they beat the Spurs!

Kings Get Dropped, Now It’s Lakers Turn

The Mavs beat the Kings easily, even with the Kings getting a late surge in the 4th to bring the game within 10, it wasn’t enough for them over the Mavs. Nowitzki of course led the charge with 25 points. Kidd made is first 6 buckets before missing a 3 pointer in the game.

Most might not realize this but the Mavs have the best road record in the Western Conference. To me, that’s a very good thing to be able to win on the road, it tells a lot about your team.

Tonight the Mavs face off against the Lakers. It’s a nice thought that the Mavs handed them their first loss early in the season and is one of the few teams to actually beat the Lakers this season, in LA. The Lakers have only dropped 6 games so far. A large portion of their first two months were home games so hopething the tides change when they start playing more on the road.

Both teams are healthy, it should hopefully be a great game and a good test of what’s to come down the stretch.

Not Last Years Team

Even though Billups was out, the Mavs kept Carmelo in check (only 16 points, almost half of what he is averaging this season so far) which secured their win against the Nuggets.

It also helps when 7 players post double digit scoring, that’s called teamwork since basketball is a team sport. The Mavs players seem to be listening to their captain in taking bigger roles to lead to more wins instead of just depending on him.

The Mavericks ended up winning 104-96 to push them in second overall place in the West, right behind the Lakers.

Portland Sneaks In A Win

That’s about all I have to say really, Portland sneaked by with the win. When Nowitzki and Little Jose are the only players in double digit scoring, this is what happens.

Cuban Files Protest Over OT Loss To Rockets

Mark Cuban has filed a protest with the NBA over their OT loss to the Rockets.

Basically Dampier was fouled, but the officials also said he threw an elbow on his way down in which a technical foul was called against him, his second of the game which is an automatic ejection.

If you review the play, it’s clear Dampier did not throw an elbow to cause harm. The officials could have taken back the technical thrown his way but didn’t after several on court reviews themselves.

Cuban is protesting this as a misapplication of the official rules and wants the last 1:01 of the game replayed with Houston up 110-104.

I actually couldn’t agree more and don’t blame Cuban for submitting the 10k it costs to protest such a call that could make or break a game. It might only be 1:01 left in the game but Dampier should have been allowed to make his free throws which potentially could make the score 110-106 with the Mavs getting the ball back after the flagrant foul was made against Dampier.

Nowitzkiless

With Nowitzki sporting a nice new tooth neckless helping comment on the game, the Mavs spoiled the Cavs nice little win streak they had going by beating them 102-95.

They also spoiled Lebron’s 500th career game.

The Cavs won the last 4 meetings against the Mavs but tonight even without Dirk, the Mavs stayed focus and came out on top with Thomas filling the hole and coming to the rescue.