Nobody would be so bold as to say the Mavericks are back in the hunt in the Western Conference. That might even be borderline delusional considering their season. But 2½ weeks after Dirk Nowitzki went crashing to the American Airlines Center floor writhing in the pain of a high ankle sprain and strained knee, they’re far from the anticipated fall from grace into the lottery as so many anticipated.
You might even say the injury galvanized the team.
Taking it to another level, Nowitzki coming back after missing just four games and leading them to a 3-1 burst has shut everyone up about his lacking toughness and leadership. Playing on one leg, he’s averaged 22 points and 8.3 rebounds, and that includes an 11-point performance against Seattle in a game he was needed for only 26 minutes.
OK, they’ve slid out of the home-court race and are essentially locked into the seventh seed. Nonetheless, a lot of things have happened during these past eight games that have changed the Mavericks from a team that allegedly panicked by trading depth and youth for aging Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd.
Most important, they started beating good teams. Nowitzki surprised everyone by coming back on April 2 against the arch-nemesis Warriors and sparking a 25-point blowout. Two days later, they had the Lakers on the ropes in the Staples Center – primarily due to Nowitzki’s brilliant 27 points on 13-of-19 shooting – only to suffer a defensive collapse down the stretch in a tough four-point loss. Then they pulled an about face on Sunday at Phoenix, with Nowitzki scoring 32 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a 105-98 win.
It’s been more than just him, though. During this 3-1 run (5-3 since the injury overall), coach Avery Johnson has been more inclined to let the team play – with Kidd at the helm – than micromanage as he so often does down the stretch of games. Johnson is so intense and strong-willed that it has often unsettled the team. Plus he hadn’t allowed Kidd to use his instincts to run the team – which is why they got him in the first place.
Over these past eight games, Kidd has averaged 12.3 points, 10.4 assists, 6.6 rebounds and 2.9 steals. An even better example of his growing confidence is his always erratic shooting, which has stabilized to 43 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free throw line (plus a stunning 50 percent (12-of-24) from 3-point range).
Also coming to life have been Josh Howard and Jason Terry. Howard averaged 30.8 points during the four games without Nowitzki and 26.9 during the eight-game stretch, while Terry has 22.5 points and 4.8 assists since Nowitzki’s return, shooting 57 percent from the field in the process. They’ve learned that third-year forward Brandon Bass is more than just a body to throw into the game, scoring in double-figures three times in the eight games and in the last two averaging 16 points on 67 percent shooting.
Now that they’ve gotten over the hump, it will get serious Thursday night with the Jazz coming in. It means a lot for both teams, considering the Jazz have lost 10 of their last 12 in the American Airlines Center and still have to prove they are a worthy road team going into the playoffs. This is another test for Kidd with only two wins against plus-.500 teams since he joined the Mavericks in February in what should be a super matchup against young point guard Deron Williams … who often looks remarkably like a young Kidd.
After that, the Mavs head to the Pacific Northwest against a battered Portland club and the pathetic Sonics again before finishing the regular season at home against the Hornets.
There are no guarantees at this point, although short of a complete collapse their two-game lead over the Nuggets and Warriors certainly appears secure considering the uneven play of those two teams. And it really doesn’t matter who they play in the first round. They’ll be just happy to be there and flying under the radar for a change.
It might even set the stage for a first-round upset, and wouldn’t that be a strange turn of events for this crew?
Khan, must be high. The MAvs will not make any noise in the post season. This is such a joke. Once they lock up with a team in the playoffs, you will then be writing how the Mavs are choke artists once again.
The Mavs are going to be out in a one and done series.
I think this is just going to be a sick year in the Western Conference playoffs. I think the Mavericks and Nuggets/Warriors are just as good as the Hornets and Lakers (a notch below the Spurs and Jazz.) and could easily knock them off in 6 or 7, depending on who plays harder.
At the end you sum up why the Mavs are playing better than they were a week or 2 ago. Jason Terry is putting up Jetlike numbers, and Nowitzki and Howard are both having good games instead of swapping good game days back and forth between each other like they did for most of this season.
Is this Kidds doing? I dunno, he's still old. Surprised the mavs beat the Suns? The west is all about match ups. Kidd matches up great with Nash, Shaq is useless against the mavs(useful against the Spurs, Nuggets- teams with centers that actually do something so Shaq can counter that. Basically, who have the Mavs beaten that they havent matched up well against? They match up great against Golden State, they shoot it good they run the floor with kidd... and they can outrebound Golden State so yes they match up great against the Suns and Golden State. But who have they beaten that they dont match up against so great?
Who defends Nowitzki on the Suns? Another mismatch, Kidd outplayed Nash which he should be able to do. Howard is much better than Diaw and or the old Grant Hill. And who is stuck with defending Jason Terry?
Good read. The Mavs are good enough where the only thing that matters is them getting in the playoffs, which they are sure to do. They lack depth on the frontline, and historically this has been a bad omen. But they have been playing inspired D and agressive offense, so I like their chances. They have some great offensive mathcups. I expect them to win in the first round. I really could care less what their seeding is or who they had trouble against in the regular season, the regular season is just that, seeding. There are numerous examples of this, but to be recent, I would cite that the Cavs swept the Spurs in the regular season last year.
CEJAMP: You seem to know something that no one else does, or maybe you just don't care about your credibility. As far as I am concerned, you are on record with this dismissal of the Mavs. I guess we will see what happens.
mcjazzman32... Wow! how can you compare the Mavs,Warriors & Nuggets to the Lakers? Then you go on putting the Jazz up there with the Spurs... Jazz are only good at home. Even then the Lakers have blown out Utah at home. Stop talking out of you REAR kid
I say that because if everything were to end today they would be up against the Spurs and I can't see them tackling that monster.
Personally though, I never had any issues with the Kidd trade. But I always thought the real benefit would be atleast a year away. To me the biggest loss was not Harris' speed and youth, but the added strength of another big man in Diop. For this year they will struggle with a team like the Spurs who are strong in the middle. Yes they have better leadership in Kidd, and he already seems to be rubbing off on Dirk. But for a good play-off run they need leadership and strength.
However, if Cuban can find a replacement for Diop (and not a desperation move like Magloire) during the off-season, they can be a very tough team to beat next year. But again, Avery will have to remain a little more hands off, and let J.Kidd do his thing.
One question for you, do you think Jason Kidd's shooting woes are more about shot selection? I say this because any player who can shoot around 50% from the 3-point line must have a pretty good shot.
When I do get a chance to see him play he seems to be missing a lot of 10-15 foot jumpers. I often wonder why he can't get those same easy lay-ups the Paul/Nash/Deron/Parkers get. Is he just not fast enough anymore? Or is he settling for the jumper like so many other stars do?
TheJ: Enjoyed your post. Other than your call of the Mavs not matching up well against the Spurs, I agree with everything you said. In a perfect world though, it would not be Cuban finding Diop's replacement for next year, it would be Donnie Nelson. I think LA is the favorite if they are healthy; absent that, I really like the Mavs' chances, but I am admittedly biased.
What I wonder about Kidd is why he doesn't try a teardrop (or otw one-handed shot) when he crosses the lane. I can understand if he is not fast enough to get by guys and get to the backboard, but it seems like he is open a lot inside 8 feet on the dribble, sometimes very close with no discernible shot-blocker around.
Last edited by DrNeverWFU on April 10th at 11:46 AM.
You lakers fans make me laugh. I do like the lakers. but you haven't done nothing. what has this team proven. nothing is what they have proven. you got your #### handed to you by portland,memphis of all teams and the bobcats.
You barely got by us. you will not win nothing this year and put that one the record..
This Mavs team hasbeen there and been in the thick of things for the last 4 or 5 years while you been trying to get over losing shaq.
Kobe had so much respect forhis players he was demanding a trade.
You biased laker's fans need to come down a notch.Im not talking about all of ypu so don/t anyone get there pannie's in a waud.
Your 5 games better then us. wow big deal.
i feel as if the NCAA bracket was more predictable this year than the west playoff bracket will be. It wouldnt be all that shocking to see 2 or 3 teams with home-court get knocked out in the 1st round. Thats a good question you bring up about jkidd, i wonder how many 20 point nights hes had this season
I dont think its speed cus ive seen kidd blow by a lot of people this year. Who cares as long as he keeps getting those steals, blocks and assist im ok with him.
so augman, since you think the mavs have no chance...we would love for you to share all of your wisdom with us on who you do think is going to "make noise" in the playoffs...anyone who has watched this season at all knows that it is up in the air and everyone has a chance this year in the western conference. I mean everyone has beat everyone, so tell us who you would bet your $$$ on if you haven't lost it all with your thinking...
mavsrule: I have been praising this Kidd trade since it happened, I really like what he brings to this team. Defense, game management, ball movement and shot selection. I see him get by a lot of guys too, so I don't think that speed is holding him back on offense. I was being a little critical, but I really want to know what is holding him back from just tossing the ball up to the hoop when he is in the paint, like too many PGs to mention do. I think when he moves through the paint sometimes he is thinking too much of setting up his teammates, when he could take a high percentage shot. I see this happen sometimes when the other team is playing really good D, and I wish he would just put up the shot. Or maybe he just doesn't have that shot.
Lakers in June boys. No way the Mavs even make it to the 2nd round. This is so funny how you all think they may do something. Good for a chuckle though, thanks.
Dr. Never:
I always enjoy your posts because they are informative and educated...which is more than I can say for most of these people.
I am still disappointed with Cuban and Avery for not more effectively developing their young talent in Devin Harris...but i suppose that's in the past now.
As for the people who say that the Mavs aren't going to do anything in the playoffs...it would not be an upset for the 7 seed to beat the 2 seed this year. The Mavs can hang with anyone in the West in a 7 game series. More than likely, they won't even have to play the Nuggets or the Warriors. The Warriors aren't even going to make the playoffs this year...once again Nellie's smallball, run-and-gun offense will not prevail. It didn't work in Dallas, and it won't work with an inferior team.
I am admitedly biased as well, seeing as how I'm a Mavs fan...but all I'm asking for is a shot to get the playoffs, and we'll let the dice roll. Can't wait...it's gonna be an interesting ride.
I hope it's the Mavs do get the Lakers in the First round...I would love to shut those Laker fans up who've already crowned their team the champs based on the regular season. Let's assume for a second that the Lakers actually DO make it out of the West...they're gonna have enough to get past the either the Pistons or the Celtics? Lol...we'll see.
Bleedforthedodgerblue: Check out what the jazz's record is for road wins and losses with teams competing for the playoffs. You will see they have a winning record. The jazz just don't care to play hard when they play garbage teams. How about the spurs and hornets getting their butts handed to them this week by the Jazz. The hornets were at home by the way. The Jazz have the best odds of any team to make and win the finals...see hollingers playoff odds on ESPN.com
Last edited by stephen_colvin on April 10th at 1:13 PM.
I like J Kidd and Dirk. I even like Mark Cuban and his passion for winning.
But can all the Mavs fans get real? What color is the sky in your world? The Mavs beating the Hornets or the Lakers? That is funny.
Golden State plays no defense and Denver is too erratic. Therefore, I can easily see the Mavs beating either of those posers. But when you talk about the top 5 teams in the West (Spurs, Lakers, Suns, Hornets, Jazz) the only chance the Mavs have is if injuries strike.
If Duncan goes down, or Nash gets hurt, or Gasol sprains his other ankle, or CP3 goes down then the Mavs have a shot. Otherwise, they'll be home watching the finals like everyone else.
And you're right djd31773. Seeing Dirk and the word "tough" in the same sentence is like seeing Shaq and "the Biggest Loser" in the same sentence.
The qualifier is the words "in a 7 game series".
Just wait until the playoffs. We will see. I hope that everyone is underestimating the Mavericks. It will make your defeat that much more satisfying.
Question: How many times has a 7 seed beaten a 2 in the playoffs? Anyone know?
Last edited by jiggaman2005198 on April 10th at 1:05 PM.
YOUR RIGHT THE LAKERS HAVE DONE NOTHING SO FAR......EXCEPT FOR HANDING YOUR TEAM A BEATDOWN EVERY TIME WE FACE THEM, FROM THE TIMES THE LAKERS HAVE BEEN DOWN TO THE MAVS BY 30 AND CAME BACK TO WIN, TO THE TIME KOBE PUT A CLINIC ON AND SCORED 60+ IN 3 QTRS....DIDNT THE LAKERS BEAT THE MAVS AGAIN THE OTHER DAY.
hey cjam .your so biased .just like a true fan tho to change the subject.
Lol if you call losing by a basket a beat down then ya. and if i remember that 62 points was the only game you beat us that year.but you didn't mention that.
To the complete #### who said we can't beat the spurs. what was that 2 years ago we did to them? how soon haters forget.
Can someone tell me the mavs record over the last few years against winning teams . we have the best record against winning teams over the last 3 years.
cjam when you can figure out how to beat the griz holler back at me.
Hey mav fans come to the fourm once in a while!!!
I could use some help keeping all the haters out of are house....
jiggaman I'll agree with you to a point. In any given series, just about any team can beat any team (Mavs fans should know better then anyone).
This is exactly why most people have a problem agreeing with you about the Mavs. They choked last year after posting a regular season win total that is typically done by eventual World Champions.
But instead, they go out to the Warriors in the first round with a whimper.
Lakers fans are not crowning the team anything yet. But after Shaq waddled his over-sized back side out of town, we can finally see a future and it appears bright.
I am not totally sold on this Laker team yet. The losses to Charlotte and Portland are concering but they also are missing Bynum and you cannot measure the value of a 7 foot defensive center.
Whoever wins the title this year will have earned it. There will be no easy road.
Can't help you with your trivia question. Don't know and don't care how many #7s have knocked off #2s. I am not a stat geek.
You guys just cant stand when the Mavs get a little love!!!ahha poor babys go get your bottle it will be ok.
to the moronic jazz fan . ok ya your rite they don't show for bad teams ....lmfao
mavsrule: You calling us moronic jazz fans? Who's team was moronic enough to trade for someone that over the hill. By the way, the Jazz are the third youngest team in the league and we already made it to the western conference finals and have a huge window to win many championships with this core group. How is your window of opportunity looking? Short. Maybe closed for a long long time
What a shame that the Eastern Conference gets 8 teams into the playoffs this year. The Nuggets or Warriors are going to get shut out and a team well under .500 is in??? David Stern will be spinning this for the media somehow but in no way is this good for the NBA...
Man! Too many haters on this board. Yes, the Western Con is just sick....that many teams stacked and separated only by a few games. Pretty sure Vegas is using all kinds of analysis just to come up with the numbers. But it's going to be tough and very unpredictable since no team is truly dominant. Some teams might have won the regular season series with the current match-ups but those games were very close and could have gone either way.
bruin:
You're correct...to a point. In the NBA...normally the better team wins in a series. However, in this years playoffs...you can't discredit a team with 50 something wins. It wouldn't be much of an upset this year for the 7 to beat the 2.
And it wasn't a trivia question to be a smartass...it was a legitimate question because I wanted to know.
Last edited by jiggaman2005198 on April 10th at 2:33 PM.
Mavs are gunna get smoked against the JAZZ. Last time these two teams paired up DIRK the JERK pounded KIRILENKO to the floor and took him out for a week....WELL karma is a biaatch. Play nice Dirk or Karma might catch up to you again in the playoffs.
I have no reason to still be steamed about anything you wrote a couple of weeks ago because I have no idea what you're talking about. But I am sick and tired of your pathetic, offensive comments that have nothing to do with basketball or the commentary going on.
One more offensive comment and you're gone for good. I'm all for lively exchanges, but I don't want to spend my afternoon deleting your garbage.
When I see a fan say the Jazz are only good at home I have to laugh. I guess beating Detroit, Boston, Phoenix, and just about every other top team in the league at there house doesn't ring a bell with these idiots. Utah lost road games while two or three all star starters were out. Dallas has never given Utah problems, watch tonight to see what i'm talking about. You fans out there that don't have the NBA package and don't actually watch the games often, you need to shut up. If you believe everything CNN, i mean ESPN says, you'll be nothing but a sheeple in the end. Utah plays defense, they rebound, they lead the league in points in the paint. They have a bench and experience. Not to mention the 4th youngest team in the league. Eat your heart out Jazz haters, it's gonna be a few seasons of denial for you as Utah runs all over your pathetic team. Jazz 98 Mavericks 78
I wasn't saying that the Mavs can't beat the Spurs, just that I wouldn't count on it. Yes I remember your team beating them 2 years ago, but I also remember your team going out in the first round last year while the Spurs won the whole thing.
You shouldn't get so testy, first of all I am not a Spurs fan or Mavs hater, just giving my opinion. Second, I was not bashing your team, just saying they are probably about a year from finding out the true potential of the Kidd trade. Once they can fill Diop's spot and strengthen up at the middle they should be a well rounded team.
Truthfully I can't say that the Spurs will beat the Mavs either. It's funny to see how many homers are on here pushing their team and bashing everyone else's. This year of all years any team in the west could be golfing after round one. Thats what's so exciting about this year: everyone is a favourite and everyone is an underdog.
mavs had ther chance and blew it and let the heat beat'em in the finals thats as close as there gonna get"THE TRUTH HURTS DONT IT". " YOU CAN SET THIS IN STONE A.JOHNSON IS DONE AT THE END OF THE SEASON".
45 min til the most exciting basketball game of the season, leaving early to hit BART to the game. GO Dubs!!!!!
And anyone who thinks that Nellie will not outsmart Avery or Byron in a 7 game series is in a serious dream state. The real problem for the warriors will be getting up for the next series after the starters average 46 min a game.
Jiggaman -- tell me how many times an 8 seed has beat a 1 seed, i can think of 1 ;)
Last edited by BayAreaMoose on April 10th at 4:19 PM.
AugWoman, Your not too bright huh? How can you say choke when your the under dog? The Mavs will upset whoever they play in the first round and you seam to agree whether you want to admit it or not, otherwise you would not have read this article or made a comment about it and got so defensive when someone proves you wrong. You might as well get used to it though because Dallas fans will be all over your laker girls page letting you know why you lost if we get lucky enough to get matched up with them in the first round. Kobe's marriage is a joke. The DALLAS MAVERICKS are for real.
Thej sorry if i came off sounding rude.and to the guy that said the mavs dont give utah a problem.
You might want to chk your record against dallas last few year and your record in are house.
Owned!!!!
Actually the Jazz are a distant 2nd to the Celtics in the Hollinger computer model.
They ARE the only team besides the Celtics to beat every other team in the league. I'd like to see them be consistent in these last games before the playoffs start, it would really send a message!
Winning tonight in Dallas would be a good start.
Mavs need a bit more time and a few more pieces. Sorry guys, the Suns lost that game more than you won it...
Suns are inconsistent, but are more consistent than the Mavs.
Last edited by nba is the worst on April 10th at 5:39 PM.
