ducks
03-15-2006, 08:25 AM
ld injuries have Mavs scrambling for depth
By ART GARCIAStar-Telegram Staff Writer
Dealing with injuries all season, the Mavs relied on their depth to pull through. And considering their record, they've pulled through just fine.
The rope might finally be snapping back.
The lost players on the just-completed western road trip far outweigh the 2-1 record, leaving the Mavs scrambling for relief with little more than a month left in the regular season.
"We've been saying that our strength is our depth," Jason Terry said. "Right now we're being tested."
Tied with San Antonio atop the Western Conference, the Mavs (49-14) are staring at life without several significant pieces. Josh Howard (hamstring) and Devin Harris (quadriceps) had previous injuries flare up over the weekend and could be shut down for a significant portion, if not all, of the 19 games left.
The team is awaiting results from the MRI exam performed Monday on Harris. Howard is officially listed day-to-day after his injury resurfaced in his first game back Sunday.
The Mavs were cautious in the rehabs of both Harris, reinjured Saturday at Utah, and Howard. An even more careful approach might be in order.
"With the big picture in mind, we want to make sure those guys are healthy for the playoffs," president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said.
The team continues to hope that Keith Van Horn (knee) returns later this month. Adrian Griffin (hamstring) is a game-time decision tonight against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Center.
Regardless of who suits up, the Mavs won't use injuries as a crutch.
"It only takes five to play," Jerry Stackhouse said. "Obviously, we want to get everybody back healthy and ready for the stretch run and the playoffs. We don't want to take our chances by keep having guys coming in and out. We need to take that time to heal and stay in the lineup."
The setbacks have the Mavs considering the free-agent market, with point guard and swingman as the two areas of potential need. Among those available are Mateen Cleaves, Erick Strickland, Wesley Person, Latrell Sprewell and Bryon Russell.
Players who were free agents before March 1 are eligible for the playoff roster. Anyone waived after that date cannot compete in the postseason. With 15 players on the roster, the Mavs would have to waive someone to make room.
"We're going to look internally first and see if we can patch it together," Nelson said. "Our bench has stepped up in the past, and we'll give them the opportunity to do that."
Rookie forward Josh Powell played key fourth-quarter minutes against Sacramento, and reserve center DJ Mbenga contributed nicely the previous night at Utah. Third-string point guard Darrell Armstrong has also taken on a bigger role.
"We have to go with what we have," Stackhouse said. "We know we've got enough to get it done. It's going to put a little more mileage out of guys, but some guys want that."
The Spurs are also dealing with aches and pains. Coach Gregg Popovich is considering resting Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili on the second half of back-to-backs.
"There are some teams that have escaped it," Mavs coach Avery Johnson said of the injury bug. "Some teams have been bitten by it quite a bit. We're probably somewhere in between."
By ART GARCIAStar-Telegram Staff Writer
Dealing with injuries all season, the Mavs relied on their depth to pull through. And considering their record, they've pulled through just fine.
The rope might finally be snapping back.
The lost players on the just-completed western road trip far outweigh the 2-1 record, leaving the Mavs scrambling for relief with little more than a month left in the regular season.
"We've been saying that our strength is our depth," Jason Terry said. "Right now we're being tested."
Tied with San Antonio atop the Western Conference, the Mavs (49-14) are staring at life without several significant pieces. Josh Howard (hamstring) and Devin Harris (quadriceps) had previous injuries flare up over the weekend and could be shut down for a significant portion, if not all, of the 19 games left.
The team is awaiting results from the MRI exam performed Monday on Harris. Howard is officially listed day-to-day after his injury resurfaced in his first game back Sunday.
The Mavs were cautious in the rehabs of both Harris, reinjured Saturday at Utah, and Howard. An even more careful approach might be in order.
"With the big picture in mind, we want to make sure those guys are healthy for the playoffs," president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said.
The team continues to hope that Keith Van Horn (knee) returns later this month. Adrian Griffin (hamstring) is a game-time decision tonight against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Center.
Regardless of who suits up, the Mavs won't use injuries as a crutch.
"It only takes five to play," Jerry Stackhouse said. "Obviously, we want to get everybody back healthy and ready for the stretch run and the playoffs. We don't want to take our chances by keep having guys coming in and out. We need to take that time to heal and stay in the lineup."
The setbacks have the Mavs considering the free-agent market, with point guard and swingman as the two areas of potential need. Among those available are Mateen Cleaves, Erick Strickland, Wesley Person, Latrell Sprewell and Bryon Russell.
Players who were free agents before March 1 are eligible for the playoff roster. Anyone waived after that date cannot compete in the postseason. With 15 players on the roster, the Mavs would have to waive someone to make room.
"We're going to look internally first and see if we can patch it together," Nelson said. "Our bench has stepped up in the past, and we'll give them the opportunity to do that."
Rookie forward Josh Powell played key fourth-quarter minutes against Sacramento, and reserve center DJ Mbenga contributed nicely the previous night at Utah. Third-string point guard Darrell Armstrong has also taken on a bigger role.
"We have to go with what we have," Stackhouse said. "We know we've got enough to get it done. It's going to put a little more mileage out of guys, but some guys want that."
The Spurs are also dealing with aches and pains. Coach Gregg Popovich is considering resting Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili on the second half of back-to-backs.
"There are some teams that have escaped it," Mavs coach Avery Johnson said of the injury bug. "Some teams have been bitten by it quite a bit. We're probably somewhere in between."