Thoughts on our beloved Mavs tonight

[Ghazi]

Our beloved Mavs lose 98-88 to the Nuggets.

Disappointment is all I can say. The offensive problems became very obvious against a good defensive team in Denver.

We shot what, 33%? The margin was "only" 10 points because George got flukishly hot from behind the arc.

This team stagnates in the halfcourt so often.

But should it really come as a surprise? Our starting lineup of Barea, Dirk, Kidd, Dampier, and George... that's truly only 1 offensive threat.

I feel like Kidd's lack of halfcourt offense is a part of the reason this team gets out of rhythm so often... how many 3-PT attempts tonight... 27? 28? Bad.

Barea kept getting swatted in the immediate basket area.

Josh was "meh" in limited action.

7-6 on the homecourt, that's just not very good.

If you go back the last 15 games, the Mavs are 11-4... which is good.... but those 4 losses came against our 4 best opponents... which is bad.

"bleh", I dunno what to say... we need an infusion of talent... we just don't seem to have very good basketball beyond our core.

So I said we'd have to go 6-1 or 7-0 for me to consider this a successful homestand. We didn't, we lost to our 2 best opponents... this was NOT a successful homestand! especially when you consider how average we looked in the games against the Thunder, Clippers, and Hawks.

6 of the next 7 on the road... we need to weather this storm or things can get very ugly quickly. @ Toronto @ New Jersey @ Washington... I'm hoping for 2-1 or 3-0.

I dunno what to think :(, guys chime in.

[monosylab1k]

Another failure against a good team. Shocker.

[Brickhouse]

The team is scrubs besides Dirk. And Terry sometimes.

[monosylab1k]

The team is scrubs besides Dirk. And Terry sometimes.

What is with Dirk whining excessively when he plays the Nuggets? Seems like in crunch time all he does is flop around in the high post and then cry when he doesn't get the call. He doesn't even try to make something happen, he just expects a bailout call. And it happens alot more with the Nuggets than any other team.

[Ghazi]

Now that I think about it, this team si desperately in need of a playmaker.

A guy who can slash/pass. I see Pierce do it with the Celtics, Bryant with teh Lakers, and James with the Cavs. That's what makes their offenses so efficient.

Our team has many flaws right now, but I feel offensive is the primary problem. 13th in offensive efficiency coming in, and it went down tonight.

Kidd truly does not feel like a playmaker in the halfcourt.

I remember the first Mavs game with Kidd began with an alley oop to J-Ho... we see backdoor passes by Kidd a few times... but it's once in a blue moon... I dunno if it's all on Kidd or due to the surrounding talent.

'

[monosylab1k]

oh and JJ Barea, your shooting privileges have been revoked.

[dirk4mvp]

At least we beat the Thunder!

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

:lol It's funny hearing the Nuggets referred to as a 'good defensive team'. The funny part is the fact that it's true this season :smokin

[sribb43]

JJB should be the backup PG...hopefully when everyone else is healthy he will go back to his natural role...right now he is the starting PG and Kidd is at SG. JJB dominates the ball which makes Kidd useless other than a spot shooter. The was the same role Kidd had under Avery

[sribb43]

JJB would be a great change of pace as a backup PG. 15-20 minutes a night is what he should be playing, unfortuantely the mavs have so many holes that he has been thrust into the starting lineup

[monosylab1k]

Josh Howard comes back and everything goes to hell. He doesn't even have to play all that much.

[sook]

Denver is a very good team. Without our PG, as bad as he is Rafer i don't see us winning vs them tmmrw. I will be out of country so i can't watch the game but the only way they can win is moving Tmac to PG and AB to SG. Artest will be back but i am tired of this team losing to all the shitty teams like the clipps

[sribb43]

These gimmick lineups dont work against elite teams, they work against the clippers, bobcats and thunder

[monosylab1k]

These gimmick lineups dont work against elite teams, they work against the clippers, bobcats and thunder

We're beating the teams we're supposed to beat, at least we've got that going for us.

[Ghazi]

J-Ho didn't cost the team the game tonight.

Although he was very mediocre in limited action. Atleast he got to the line 4 times, that's nice.

But god DAMMIT we need a playmaking 2 or 3... or a low post presence... or... AHHHH!

*freakout* :(

[sribb43]

We're beating the teams we're supposed to beat, at least we've got that going for us.

unfortunately, thats fine by the mavs front office...mediocrity

[sribb43]

WTF happened to Antonie Wright?..does Carlisle think Dick Breathe has been outplaying him?

[monosylab1k]

next four games are at Toronto, at Harrisland to take on Devin Harris Christ and the Harrisland Devinettes, at Washington, and home against Memphis.

They better take care of business against teams they're supposed to beat.

Then they get another shot at showing us all if they're better than mediocre when they play the Blazers.

[sribb43]

Mavs lose at Toronto, Damp and Dirk cannot guard Bosh and JO...beat Harris, beat the Wiz, beat the Grizz then loss the B2B in Portland and Utah. This is a .500 team the way its constructed

[timvp]

Josh Howard comes back and everything goes to hell. He doesn't even have to play all that much.Lose by ten and that coincidentally is how many points the Mavs were outscored by when Howard was on the court.

Hmm . . .

[Ghazi]

@ Blazers @ Jazz I would just hope for a split there.

Those are very tough places to win a game.

And even though the next 4 games are against teams we "should beat"... you get a sense the Mavs aren't good enough to win all 4.

*sigh*, I feel defeated. 23 games into the season, the Mavs have shown us what they will all year. A slightly above average rebounding/defensive team, a mediocre offensive team, a team that stagnates in the halfcourt often, a team that can't protect leads, a team that's one of the worst in the league in the 4th quarter, a team that's below average from beyond the arc, especially painful considering a lack of b2b player or slasher.

We may have flashes throughout the regular season, we may even have a stretch where we'll actually win consecutive games against good teams.... but it seems like these problems will rear their ugly head come playoff time.

And all of this disappoints our beloved Ghazi because we are in "win now" mode, and yet have shown absolutely no signs of being able to compete at the level of the top 5-6 teams in the league.

I don't feel this is kneejerking, these are flaws the Mavs have shown even in some of their wins.

It's very unusual IMO... for a team w/ 2 hall of famers to be this mediocre... but it appears that is exactly the case.

[sribb43]

struggling against the bobcats and thunder werent flukes but reality. This team has had very few easy wins this year

[Brickhouse]

I don't feel this is kneejerking, these are flaws the Mavs have shown even in some of their wins.

It's very unusual IMO... for a team w/ 2 hall of famers to be this mediocre... but it appears that is exactly the case.

Welcome to what most of us knew last season.

[Ghazi]

I dunno... I thought the Mavs could win 54-56 games this yea rheading into the season.

But now I feel like we look like a 45-50 win team. I hope I'm wrong.

[Brickhouse]

At least we saw the return of the beautiful Josh Howard stepback jumper tonight in his limited action. More of that to come...can't wait!

[Ghazi]

Curious what you guys think. If you had to pick one, what would you rather have? A center with offensive game or a big shooting guard who can make plays?

It's gonna be hard for our beloved Ghazi to get excited about this team now unless a trade is made :(... I was getting bad vibes by the way the Mavs had played lately but this game really was a wake up call.

[Shank]

.500 team at best

[monosylab1k]

Bucks fans hate Michael Redd.
Mavs fans hate Josh Howard.

It makes too much sense for the idiots that run both organizations to actually do it.

[Shank]

Bucks fans hate Michael Redd.
Mavs fans hate Josh Howard.

It makes too much sense for the idiots that run both organizations to actually do it.

We love our team.

Devean George, Stackhouse, Diop, Bass - all vital cogs to the NBA fistfucking machine that is the Dallas Mavericks.

Seriously, I'm getting tired of watching the same assholes every night. Trade someone for the sake of new blood, at least. These hacks are boring me to tears.

[Indazone]

Now that I think about it, this team si desperately in need of a playmaker.

A guy who can slash/pass. I see Pierce do it with the Celtics, Bryant with teh Lakers, and James with the Cavs. That's what makes their offenses so efficient.

Our team has many flaws right now, but I feel offensive is the primary problem. 13th in offensive efficiency coming in, and it went down tonight.

Kidd truly does not feel like a playmaker in the halfcourt.

I remember the first Mavs game with Kidd began with an alley oop to J-Ho... we see backdoor passes by Kidd a few times... but it's once in a blue moon... I dunno if it's all on Kidd or due to the surrounding talent.

'

Hmm you mean like Devin Harris?

[monosylab1k]

V-Span greatest guard in basketballs histories! Americans stop with bullshit and lies! Hail Comcast!

[Shank]

Hmm you mean like Devin Harris?

Devin Harris of now didn't have the reins to play like that when he was in Dallas. We've been over this. Move on. We have...sorta.

[Warlord23]

The Clippers, Bobcats, Thunder and Hawks must be mad at themselves for losing to this scrub Maverick team.

[Ghazi]

Bucks fans hate Michael Redd.
Mavs fans hate Josh Howard.

It makes too much sense for the idiots that run both organizations to actually do it.




Blehhh on that, Michael Redd apparently is one of the worst defenders in the LEAGUE... but I actually haven't watched him play that much... him being on the Bucks and all.

He does fill a void and help in some areas of concern though (3PTFG%, FTAs)

Two names I fancy are Mike Miller and Gerald Wallace... but I dunno if either of those are possible... just names I fancy.


Even though I still think Josh is a good player, I just pictured in my mind the little things he used to do... and that kinda pissed me off! Dammit Josh.

Josh seems like he has a mentality that belongs on lottery teams, not teams trying to be contenders.

Anywho, my heart aches for the beloved Mavs right now... but I will go to bed... for tommorow is a brand new day!

BUT CMON MAVS PLEASE DO SOMETHING.:(

[Ghazi]

Is Jason Kidd even a top 10 point guard right now?

[Shank]

Is Jason Kidd even a top 10 point guard right now?

Name 9 better.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

1. Paul
2. Dwill
3. Harris
4. Billups
5. Parker
6. Calderon
7. Nash
8. Bdiddy
9. Derrick Rose

in no particular order

[Shank]

1. Paul
2. Dwill
3. Harris
4. Billups
5. Parker
6. Calderon
7. Nash
8. Bdiddy
9. Derrick Rose

in no particular order

Based on current play or hype?

Because if I'm putting a team together right now, I'd take what Kidd is doing over guys like Nash and Baron Davis. Kidd is still top 10, but likely to be in that 7-8-9 range.

[sribb43]

Dirk had 16 of his 27 in the 3rd, but how many of those came in the 4th?

[Shank]

Dirk had 16 of his 27 in the 3rd, but how many of those came in the 4th?

How does that matter in regard to last night?

[monosylab1k]

How does that matter in regard to last night?

Because of the little habit Dirk has picked up where he disappears late in big games. You know, that little thing he's been doing since the first round of 2007.

[monosylab1k]

Blehhh on that, Michael Redd apparently is one of the worst defenders in the LEAGUE... but I actually haven't watched him play that much... him being on the Bucks and all.

Then why bother looking for a trade. No trade is ever good enough for Mavs fans. You want a post scorer, but you don't want Zach Randolph. You want more scoring at the center position, but you won't trade Kaman for Josh. You want Gerald Wallace, but you won't trade Josh for him either. You want a legitimate scoring option who can shoot the 3 and drive to the basket, but you find a reason to not make a trade for Michael Redd.

The problem with the Mavericks is that Donnie Nelson has more in common with you than he does with me.

[sribb43]

How does that matter in regard to last night?

bc they got blasted 12-0 to start the 4th quarter and the game slipped away. A little help from Dirk could have at least kept them in striking distance. 3 minutes into the quarter they were down 87-71...WTF.

I was hoping to open the 4th they could get a few defensive stops and take the lead but boy was I wrong.

[sribb43]

Then why bother looking for a trade. No trade is ever good enough for Mavs fans. You want a post scorer, but you don't want Zach Randolph. You want more scoring at the center position, but you won't trade Kaman for Josh. You want Gerald Wallace, but you won't trade Josh for him either. You want a legitimate scoring option who can shoot the 3 and drive to the basket, but you find a reason to not make a trade for Michael Redd.

The problem with the Mavericks is that Donnie Nelson has more in common with you than he does with me.


What is that saying again?...We love our team:(

[Indazone]

The demise of the mighty Mavericks can be traced to two things. The loss of the defensive genius that was Del Harris and the loss of Don Nelson. Notice how fast the falloff was once Del retired. Avery just couldn't get it done.

In the zone
Mavericks credit defense for 12-0 start to season

Posted: Friday November 22, 2002 4:57 PM
http://s.a.cnn.net/si/images/clickability/000099/h-s-icon-l.gifhttp://s.a.cnn.net/si/images/clickability/000099/h-s-text-l.gif (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2002/11/22/mavs_zone_ap/#) http://s.a.cnn.net/si/images/clickability/000099/h-e-icon-l.gifhttp://s.a.cnn.net/si/images/clickability/000099/h-e-text-l.gif (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2002/11/22/mavs_zone_ap/#) http://s.a.cnn.net/si/images/clickability/000099/h-p-icon-l.gifhttp://s.a.cnn.net/si/images/clickability/000099/h-p-text-l.gif (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2002/11/22/mavs_zone_ap/#) http://s.a.cnn.net/si/images/clickability/000099/h-mp-icon-l.gifhttp://s.a.cnn.net/si/images/clickability/000099/h-mp-text-l.gif (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2002/11/22/mavs_zone_ap/#)

DALLAS (AP) -- Not only are the Dallas Mavericks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/mavericks/) beating everyone they play. They're starting to frustrate them, too.
Houston's Steve Francis (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3325/) was quite annoyed Thursday night after the Mavericks extended their season-opening winning streak to 12-0 with a 103-90 victory over the Rockets. What bugged him was the way Dallas plays defense.
"They hid in a zone for 48 minutes," Francis said. "They know better than to match up straight up with us."
Francis was trying to challenge the Mavericks' manhood, daring them to play more one-on-one defense. But why should they?
Using an array of zones that mask many weaknesses, Dallas has matched the fourth-best start in NBA history and set a franchise record for consecutive wins at any time in a season. Coach Don Nelson, third on all-time win list, also has equaled the longest streak of his 25-year career.
"The zone is not designed to be played the whole game, but it is designed to throw you off a little bit. And that's what we fortunately have been doing," guard Avery Johnson said.
Dallas will get a stiff test Saturday night when NBA assist leader Gary Payton (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/259/) and Seattle come to American Airlines Center. The SuperSonics, though, will have to be prepared to face a variety of alignments.
Nelson said the Mavs use nine defensive formations, each with many variations. All have the same bottom line: Cover whoever comes into your area, help teammates when they're overmatched in their areas and always be ready to snag loose balls.
It's hard to argue with the results.
Going into Friday night's games, the Mavericks were second in field-goal percentage allowed (40.3) and tied for fifth in points allowed (87.8). Last season, Dallas opponents made 45.2 percent of their shots and scored 101 points per game, second most in the league. The Mavs also are getting three more rebounds per game than last season.
"I don't think we're the second-best defense in the league, but we're better," Nelson said. "Don't take anything away. We've worked hard at it."
Assistant coach Del Harris is the defensive coordinator on the league's largest staff, and he's had a lot to do with the strategy. But so has Nelson, who was known for his defensive coaching early in his career at Milwaukee before building a reputation for high-scoring offenses at Golden State and, now, Dallas. The Mavs remain the league's highest-scoring team at 103 points per game.
Most of training camp was focused on getting defensive stops. Once the season began, it didn't take long for them to figure out the best way to do it is by spreading the responsibility.
In the opener against Memphis, Dallas led by 21 in the fourth quarter when players asked to switch to man-to-man.
"It was a macho thing," Nelson said.
The Grizzlies got within four in the closing minutes before the Mavs pulled away again. The 108 points Memphis scored remains the most for a Dallas opponent. Consider it a lesson learned.
"You have to be committed to defense. We are. The team has accepted it because we've had success," Nelson said.
Nelson credits the zone for helping the Mavericks thrive despite injuries to Raef LaFrentz (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3246/), Nick Van Exel (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/1308/) and Popeye Jones (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/834/), a starter and two top reserves. He also said the alignment is behind the improved rebounding averages for offensive stars Dirk Nowitzki (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3252/), Michael Finley (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3023/) and Steve Nash (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3103/), and it's helped Shawn Bradley (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/1273/) revitalize his game.
Nelson even said the zone keeps Nash healthy because instead of chasing one player -- such as Francis -- all over the court and banging into screen after screen, he can let a dribbler go, knowing someone else will pick him up.
But if the zone, which the NBA legalized last season, is such a cure-all, more teams would be doing it. Minnesota started 15-5 last season when it was in the zone more than anyone else. Things changed for the Timberwolves once more teams studied film and worked on busting it. They finished 50-32.

and yeah, I know this is an old article but it illustrates the point perfectly.

[monosylab1k]

The demise of the mighty Mavericks can be traced to two things. The loss of the defensive genius that was Del Harris and the loss of Don Nelson. Notice how fast the falloff was once Del retired. Avery just couldn't get it done.

Del never retired, he took a consultant job and now he's an assistant with the Bulls.

[Indazone]

you say tomato and I'll say tomato.

[monosylab1k]

you say tomato and I'll say tomato.

Or you say "retired" and I say "took different jobs". One is right and one is wrong. You were wrong. Thank you.

[Findog]

Did Kill Bill seriously just post an article from 2002? When the only player left from that team is Dirk?

[Indazone]

So what? What's that got to do with my post about the loss of the defensive presence of the Mavs? Get yo weak A$$ stuff outta here.

[Indazone]

Nelson and Harris would have gotten your current collection of players a lot farther than where they are now and a better seeding than last year.

[Findog]

So what? What's that got to do with my post about the loss of the defensive presence of the Mavs? Get yo weak A$$ stuff outta here.

That team has fuck all to do with this team's struggles. You're an idiot.

[monosylab1k]

You is post bullshit and lie! Greek league greatest but stupid American who think he is best in world at basketball are retard and idiot.

[Findog]

Nelson and Harris would have gotten your current collection of players a lot farther than where they are now and a better seeding than last year.

Nellie, the guy who quit on the Mavs but stuck around for 50 games to collect a paycheck? The same guy who has quit on Golden State but is still hanging around to get his money? You're an idiot.

[Indazone]

You post really weak trash talk. Now go home and die

[monosylab1k]

Nelson and Harris would have gotten your current collection of players a lot farther than where they are now and a better seeding than last year.

DRAAAAIIIIIIINNNAAAAGE!!!!!!!!!!! DRAINAGE, ELI!!!!!!!!!!

[ElNono]

The demise of the mighty Mavericks can be traced to two things. The loss of the defensive genius that was Del Harris and the loss of Don Nelson. Notice how fast the falloff was once Del retired. Avery just couldn't get it done.

You lost all your credibility when you mentioned Nelson and defense on the same sentence. That's exactly what Avery did when he took control, made them play defense. They reached the NBA Finals shortly after, a feat Nelson couldn't get done.

[Indazone]

You lost all your credibility when you mentioned Nelson and defense on the same sentence. That's exactly what Avery did when he took control, made them play defense. They reached the NBA Finals shortly after, a feat Nelson couldn't get done.

Again, read the article sloooowwwwly. It was Del Harris who put the defense together for both Nelson and Avery. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Del Harris was the true power behind the throne.

[monosylab1k]

Again, read the article sloooowwwwly. It was Del Harris who put the defense together for both Nelson and Avery. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Del Harris was the true power behind the throne.

You're not the chosen brother, Eli. It was Paul who was chosen. You see, he found me and told me about your land. You're just a fool.

[stretch]

1. Paul
2. Dwill
3. Harris
4. Billups
5. Parker
6. Calderon
7. Nash
8. Bdiddy
9. Derrick Rose

in no particular order

Harris and Parker are not true PGs. They are undersized SGs that are used at the PG position. Davis is arguable for that as well.

[stretch]

The problem with the Mavericks is that Donnie Nelson has more in common with you than he does with me.

If Donnie Nelson was like you, then there would be a knee-jerk trade after every loss.

[monosylab1k]

If Donnie Nelson was like you, then there would be a knee-jerk trade after every loss.

Better than wallowing around in the filth of mediocrity with the same crap we've had for years.

[Indazone]

You win Mono. The prize is yours. You are the champion.

Here let me deliver it to you.

..


...


....



.....

Your Epic Fail Prize! WhoooHoooo

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kKpJRdXfZuA/R9RXYqhOvmI/AAAAAAAACTQ/2JPgCq4hfEU/s400/ole0-1.jpg

[monosylab1k]

You win Mono. The prize is yours. You are the champion.

Here let me deliver it to you.

..


...


....



.....

Your Epic Fail Prize! WhoooHoooo

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kKpJRdXfZuA/R9RXYqhOvmI/AAAAAAAACTQ/2JPgCq4hfEU/s400/ole0-1.jpg

I did what your brother couldn't. I broke you and I beat you. It was Paul who told me about you. He's the prophet. He's the smart one. He knew what was there and he found me to take it out of the ground, and you know what the funny thing is? Listen... listen... listen... I paid him ten thousand dollars, cash in hand, just like that. He has his own company now. A prosperous little business. Three wells producing. Five thousand dollars a week.

[Shank]

Because of the little habit Dirk has picked up where he disappears late in big games. You know, that little thing he's been doing since the first round of 2007.

Ah, well I missed the part where he's required to score 60 each night because the rest of the dipshits around him play ball like faggots. Eventually, someone else needs to grow a pair and score more than 20 points in a game. I know, I know, it's asking too much for an NBA player being paid millions. It's just a little dream I like to conjure up.

[monosylab1k]

Ah, well I missed the part where he's required to score 60 each night because the rest of the dipshits around him play ball like faggots. Eventually, someone else needs to grow a pair and score more than 20 points in a game. I know, I know, it's asking too much for an NBA player being paid millions. It's just a little dream I like to conjure up.

He doesn't have to score 60 a night. He just needs to play the 4th quarter the same way he plays 1-3. He needs to stop taking the ball and waiting for a double team so he can pass it out. He needs to stop flopping around begging for a foul to be called. He needs to stop taking so many fadeaways.

I just expect the so-called leader of the team to do that - lead. Kind of like in 06 when, instead of looking for the foul or taking a fadeaway, he drove the ball on Bowen, forced his way to the basket, and layed that shit in. And drew a legitimate foul in the process.

[monosylab1k]

We need a trade to ensure we make it into the playoffs. But we need a crunch-time mental breakthrough by Dirk to make us contenders. If he can find his 2006 mojo, we have a shot. If not, we're just another first round exit.

[Ghazi]

30-27 since the Kidd trade, doesn't that sound absolutely horrible?

[Donnie Nelson]

30-27 since the Kidd trade, doesn't that sound absolutely horrible?
That sounds pretty good to me! A winning record!

[sribb43]

That sounds pretty good to me! A winning record!

Hey Donnie, you think that kind of record is good enough to get us the first seed?

[ElNono]

Again, read the article sloooowwwwly. It was Del Harris who put the defense together for both Nelson and Avery. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Del Harris was the true power behind the throne.

I did read the article. That Dallas team with Nelson and Harris couldn't play solid defense. I know, we beat that team every time we met them in the playoffs. That zone crap Nelson loves to play (and kept on playing with Golden State) just flat out doesn't work with teams like the Spurs.
Avery actually forced them to play man to man defense. The jury is still out with Carslile.