2011 NBA Finals - Mini Movies

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Tweets from Game 6 NBA Finals

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
If you haven't capped off your title day with this mini movie on Game 6, do it. youtu.be/iwZXZcyr460 This year is different!!
1 hour ago

TheBHill84 Brent Hill
by SportsSturm
Hey @SportsSturm, it looks like Dan was right. The Mavs couldn't win it all with Barea as their back-up point guard. Had to be a starter
2 hours ago

jnewbz71 Jay
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm @bracketdan Dirk's celebratory cry happened in the same hall as the Stairmaster-kick 5 years ago. #fullcircle thx FISH!
2 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Congrats to @evan_p_grant who apparently is line 4 guy. Way to go.
4 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Cool graphic showing the years for the Mavs. yfrog.com/h3h04mnej
5 hours ago

keithandbrown Keith Brown
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm wins for most epic avatar of the new millennium. Pigs skate in hades as the mavs win a championship...
5 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
It's 2:28. Guess what? THE MAVS WON THE NBA TITLE!
5 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@bdubl23 one is a hobby, one is a job. what are you not following here?
6 hours ago

EKS_MavsNBA Earl K. Sneed
by SportsSturm
This is how you welcome back a champion... http://yfrog.com/keax5uj
7 hours ago

EKS_MavsNBA Earl K. Sneed
by SportsSturm
This is the moment he worked 13 long years for... http://yfrog.com/kl5j7j
7 hours ago

tweetgrubes Michael Gruber
by SportsSturm
Mavs Finals Game 6 Open- Mavs WIN!!!!!!!! mp3twit.com/coN (@SportsSturm)
7 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
This open is making me verklempt.
7 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Thanks for all of the avatar efforts. I think I will go with this one from Michael Copeland.
8 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Somebody get Yoda a trophy to hold for my avatar.
8 hours ago

KyleMizen Kyle Meinhardt
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm we got our freaking trophy
9 hours ago

ScottyDoesKnow1 Scott Clynch
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm that looks like the Mavs version of the pictures at the end of the Hangover
9 hours ago

Kumachine Chris Delp
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm Check out the very end where the camera pans across you and virtually the entire Ticket crew. youtube.com/watch?v=YuBd2j…
9 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Try looking at these pictures without laughing out loud - bit.ly/lwFrLg
9 hours ago

gordonkeith Gordon Keith
by SportsSturm
A big giant WHOOPS. http://tinyurl.com/5r2mtqf
10 hours ago

swish41 Dirk Nowitzki
by SportsSturm
We r world champs babyyy. Absolutely amazing. Tanks to all mavs fans across the world. This one is for you guys. Flyin bak home now. Cheers
11 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
RT @TheZies do you still have Portland in six? >> That is the name of the book I am thinking of writing about this team. "Portland in 6".
10 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@WolverineJim of course, Wolverine Jim.
11 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
DMN - Mavs Morning After - Game 6 - NBA Championship Edition - mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/…
11 hours ago

jjbareapr José Juan Barea
by SportsSturm
Thank u to all the fans in Dallas for everything ... Coqui
12 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Why have I allowed Jalen Rose and Chris Webber under my skin? Of course they are obsessed with Miami. Fab 5 loved style, not substance.
12 hours ago

BallinWithBryan Bryan Gutierrez
by SportsSturm
Your Big 3 (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) http://yfrog.com/h8zf2lodj
13 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@_SandyLouWho_ I need that audio
19 hours ago

pwip Why r u following me
by SportsSturm
Video from upcoming movie "Bad Teacher" This one for you lebron @TicketRadio @tweetgrubes @SportsSturm youtube.com/watch?v=N_wnAU…
19 hours ago

flea333 Flea
by SportsSturm
Happy for the mavs.....they really earned it.......wade the only one with any balls on the heat
22 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Nothing matches seeing @swish41 hold his new trophy. So proud of that dude. He deserved it and he earned it. Congrats, big fella!
19 hours ago

TasMelas Tas Melas
by SportsSturm
Photo: Dirk Nowitzki can't believe he's winning the title - http://yfrog.com/h2727gqj #Mavs
22 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Hello. yfrog.com/h2ty5xnzj
21 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Plan your parade!!!
22 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Basketball immortality!!! Yes. You. Did.
22 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
ATTACKKKKKKKKKK!
22 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
If you lose this tonight, you will take it to your freaking grave. And then he stopped, turned around and said - your freaking grave.
22 hours ago

BuddhaMichael Michael McCullar
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm Leonidas: Give them nothing! But take from them everything!
22 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I have to believe Scott Foster is on Cuban's quiet list tonight. He is on mine.
22 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Queen Gorgo: Spartan! King Leonidas: Yes, my lady? Queen Gorgo: Come back with your shield, or on it.
22 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Fight like a brave. Don't be a slave. No one can tell you You've got to be afraid.
22 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
OK. Mahinmi tried to get called for traveling there, too. Good times still. 81-72.
23 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Wade cannot be called for traveling. He is trying his best.
23 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
OK. That is very bad. No way to sugar coat the only center with 4 fouls with 20 minutes to play.
23 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Everyone Calm Down. He Got This.
23 hours ago

normmacdonald Norm Macdonald
by SportsSturm
Get ready for history. This is Dirk's half. Legend.
23 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
And with one last gasp, the Dirk haters hold on to the 1-12 in hopes that their decade long routine will not expire.
23 hours ago

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Dirk 1-9, rest of team = 19 for 30. Stay alive. I will find you.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
It is highly possible that Spoelstra will be long questioned about hiding Eddie House for 5 games. Horry lite is always useful in June.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Make that a 25-6 run since Dirk's 2F
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Holy DeShawn.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
17-5 run since Dirk's 2F. Thanks, Jet.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
32-27, but Dirk and Tyson both have 2. Good and bad.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Make every shot and you are up 2. Good times. 22-20.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Marathon; not a sprint. Calm down.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
If the title was decided on awesome highlight videos, Miami's dunks would have swept. But, guess what? Still just 2 points.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Believe
12 Jun

WindhorstESPN Brian Windhorst
by SportsSturm
Others are Kareem, Magic, Jordan, Bird, Moses Malone, Wilt, Hakeem, Duncan, Shaq & Kobe. 7 in Hall of Fame, other 3 active/just retired.
12 Jun

WindhorstESPN Brian Windhorst
by SportsSturm
If Mavs win title & Dirk wins Finals MVP, he'd be 11th player all-time to have 10+ All-Star games, reg season MVP, Finals MVP.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Chalmers in lineup. Bibby to bench.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Nobody deserves a title. They must earn it.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@brianbwatkins better look at the picture again, holmes.
12 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Media types in all sorts of dress. @GeorgeDunham yfrog.com/h2ycvoxnj
12 Jun

RalphStrangis Ralph Strangis
by SportsSturm
"...the strength of the pack is the wolf...and the strength of the wolf is the pack" - Rudyard Kipling. Go get em Mavs.
12 Jun
»

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
"I just want to leave you all with 1 thing, then I am going to leave. I'm a big believer in fate. I have a good feeling about this."
12 Jun

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The Morning After: Game 6 - Mavericks 105, Heat 95 (4-2)

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/headlines/20110613-sturm-mavericks-doubters-begone-lebron-arrogant-to-the-end.ece



World Champions? Dallas Mavericks?

Yes - They - Did.

Surely, to fully understand how far-fetched that concept was before last night, you had to sit through some sad nights at Reunion Arena before Mark Cuban bought the franchise. You had to hang in there over the course of 10 consecutive playoff endings that included disappointment and the wonder of whether next year would ever really be the year.

Sports does not follow a script. Sports does not always travel in a linear path. And in this case, it certainly did not.

Because 2011 was after "the window had closed". There was simply no way that a team was going to be able field a squad with this old of a roster - especially packed with players who had never won a championship - and sustain what it takes to survive the NBA Playoff meat-grinder. It just wasn't going to happen. Those in the media all seemed to agree that whether it would be Round 1 against Portland or Round 2 against Los Angeles, the Mavericks would just put another brick in their wall of playoff failures. And when they do, it will again remind them of blowing their big chance in the 2006 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat.

So, this spring, when the Portland Trailblazers took them down in both Games 3 and 4 in Portland (and in doing so rocked the Mavs to their core with a 23-point comeback on the day before Easter) you wonder how anyone could believe this team would have the inner resolve to win a NBA title which requires the ability to win on the road against the best teams in the NBA. The Mavericks at the time sat on a playoff trend where they had gone 2-18 in their last 20 playoff games.

Who amongst us knew they were about to go on a 7-1 run on the road in the playoffs? I sure didn't. But, they did. After that game in Portland, the Mavericks had to check their guts and discuss how badly they wanted to survive the adversity that the Trailblazers were providing.

But, the fact is, this team went on a run that for the next 50 days gave us all a ride we will never forget. And when it all was ending last night, the circumstances were somewhat familiar;

They were in Miami, with a big lead and a title in their grasp. These circumstances were not unlike Game 3 of the 2006 NBA Finals. The ghosts that have haunted Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry for 5 long years. Would they get so close to the trophy only to have it slide through their fingers again?

Not on your life.

This whole unexpected run has been so perfectly put into place with redemption as the theme at every turn. And when there was a nice lead with 6 minutes to go like that fateful night in 2006, this Mavericks team closed the deal. This Mavericks team proceeded to attack on both ends of the court. To fight for every inch in every situation. To not be denied. What that 2006 team may have lacked in intestinal fortitude and late-game composure, this team taught a clinic. Sometimes having an old team is another way to say you have an experienced team that knows what to do and what not to do. And the fingerprints of a winner were everywhere.

First, Dirk Nowitzki quieted a Miami flurry with a basket in the paint with the left hand to push the lead back out to 10, at 94-84. But, Miami kept coming. And when they forced a Dirk turnover, Mario Chalmers was off to the races. Only, Jason Kidd stood in his way. And after a block and a rebound, Kidd was quickly fouled by Chalmers to stop any momentum change. And when the Heat went on another late rally, Dirk - who had fought with a poor shooting night all game long - was there to seal the deal with two vintage Nowitzki daggers to end the proceedings.

The deal was closed. And the two biggest nights were from the two Mavericks who were shedding that 5 year burden. Jason Terry's 27 and Dirk's 21 included another 4th Quarter show where those two would not be denied.

The final 5 on the court were all such amazing and vital stories. They finished nearly every game during this stretch together on the floor and were the crew for closing time. That bunch was able to win at the end over and over again in these past 50 days. And they all wanted a ring and fought valiantly together to get it:

Shawn Marion - A player who was always asked to guard the most impossible match-up of them all. Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James have no doubt pushed Marion's body to the limit. His energy never wavered, and he always seemed to grab a demoralizing offensive rebound at just the right moment to help stick a dagger in the opponent. And however unorthodox his offensive game may appear, he was able to supplement the scoring big time. In the victorious locker room, there was little doubt the level of pride and accomplishment that he enjoyed from scaling this mountain. He had waited a long time to get this title.

Tyson Chandler - The big man who was certainly considered table scraps in the summer of 2010 when musical chairs were being played throughout the league, the Mavericks found an emotional heart and soul who could push them just a little further anytime adversity was staring them down. His fearless attitude and a game that could back it up and do something about it inspired his mates all season long. He was the perfect compliment to Nowitzki as a big man who didn't need the ball, but also wasn't going to ever leave the paint unattended. His leadership was his biggest attribute, and for it to come from the center position made him the perfect fit. But, again, nobody seemed to see it coming last year when the transaction was made.

Jason Kidd - The oldest player in NBA history to ever win his 1st ring while starting, this 38-year old point guard brought the perfect composure and calm to a team that perhaps lost the 2006 Finals because they did not possess composure or calm. There was nothing that Kidd had not seen in his long NBA career, and as controversial as his acquisition seemed at the time, the fact that he steered the ship all the way to an NBA title, clearly the move is not controversial anymore. It is flat-out genius. Kidd was always there to make shots, make stops, and lead the team into the right move at the right time. Kidd's defense was also gigantic, and at his age, that was supposed to be his biggest weakness. But, his performance against Kobe and Dwyane Wade certainly speaks for itself.

Jason Terry - The man who was never going to stop believing in himself or this team, Terry is a player that talked with great confidence no matter what the situation. He was not going to be disrespected and he also had no plans of backing down. He was always willing to take the big shot at the biggest moments, and no place was that more evident than in these Finals when Miami decided to take him out of the game by putting LeBron James on him in crunch time. Through 3 games, it was working pretty well. But, then when the talking was stepped up (from LeBron, from Terry, and even from Dirk) Terry found his scoring touch at just the right time. You cannot measure the enormous size of some of his clutch shots, but know that the Mavericks rely so heavily on his shot-making from areas with great degrees of difficulty. And yet, he carries on and knocks them down. And, his reputation as a scorer in this league is largely based on his effectiveness in road games - and in Game 6 of these NBA Finals he went 11-16 for 27 points. Keep in mind his Game 6 in 2006 was 7 for 25, including 3-21 in the game's final 3 quarters. Terry worked as hard for this ring as anyone.

And Dirk Nowitzki - there are so many parts of his story that I enjoy pondering now that the final piece was put in its place. Dirk worked so hard for this franchise over the years that so many of us wanted him properly recognized for his greatness from all the countless battles he had won. But, he had never won the big one. And many suggested his window had closed and that he might have to take a complimentary role elsewhere to ever get to touch the trophy. But, his hard work never wavered. In fact, he developed his game and even became even more driven. He was now comfortable challenging his team and himself to do more. He was never backing down from a challenge. And he had one goal on his mind - so much so that he disappeared from the Western Conference Trophy presentation to send the message that there were still 4 more wins to find. That leadership was a great cue for his mates who maybe didn't require one. He had to win that ring. And he had to come up big. And with his exceptional play and his domination of the 4th Quarters (where he scored the same 62 points in the Finals that Wade AND James combined for) his place in NBA immortality is secured. He dedicated everything to win that title, and now nobody can take it from him.

Those 5 did solid work throughout this 16 win journey. But, the plot of this most solid team effort was based on the remarkable contributions up and down the bench. In the Heat series, where was this team without DeShawn Stevenson? But, do the Mavs beat Portland without Peja Stojakovic's efforts? Or, do they dominate the Lakers if JJ Barea doesn't frustrate them? The back-up bigs, Brendan Haywood, Brian Cardinal, and Ian Mahinmi all had games of great contribution. Corey Brewer helped the Mavericks rally against the Lakers in Game 1. And on and on we could go. The fact is that the 2006 Heat and the 2011 Mavericks have a lot in common. And it starts with a roster and specifically, a bench full of veterans who united to get a ring and knew how to make plays at the moments of truth.

You see, the way this champion was built restores faith in the team dynamic. Sure, you need your stars to do the heavy lifting, but you also need a resolve that flows through every guy who wears the jersey. When their time arrives, they will need to seize their moment. You simply have to be so proud of this team that was brought together to do one thing.

Let's not forget the coach, either. Rick Carlisle proved to be of championship caliber, too. At every turn, he had an answer for his opponents. The Mavericks always seemed to be the better coached side and that was no easy task with some of the issues he was dealing with. But, he certainly took this team to a level it never went before. Ball movement and zone defense? These are seldom discussed prominently about NBA Champions. But, this is no ordinary champion.

And across the arena, a large part of the entire narrative involved their opponent. And the Mavericks feeding off of it. Whether it was Miami being the winner in 2006 or Miami putting a giant and unnecessary target on their chests back in July. The Heat were the perfect opponent for Dallas in the NBA Finals for all sorts of reasons of symmetry. This is the team that Nowitzki and Terry wanted another shot at. It took 5 long years of quietly hearing everything that was said and allowing it to fuel them through long training sessions all year long. There was no guarantee that they would ever get another shot at Dwyane Wade and the Heat. Wade had called out Dirk's ability to close back then. So, when they did get a chance to settle it on the court, you could see that Dirk and Jet were not going to let that chance get away if they could help it.

And they could.

To make matters more theatrical, the principles in Miami thought they would mock Dirk back in Dallas by questioning whether he was really sick in Game 4. At certain points, you actually wondered if Miami wanted to be the villain. Until you saw on their faces - one in particular - how they certainly were not cut out to be villains. The weight of the world was crushing. And when the smoke cleared, James and Wade looked like they really didn't understand why the neutral observer was cheering for their defeat. They just didn't get it. But, something tells me that this experience might demonstrate to them that championship rallies should never precede a championship.

But, back to the 2011 NBA Champions, they completed their mission. They woke up this morning (assuming they slept) with no further opponents to vanquish. It is just the players and their trophy. They had done something that took these athletes their entire career and this franchise 31 years. Dallas is a city that had sports failures in Miami so many times - Super Bowl V, Super Bowl X, Super Bowl XIII, and the '06 NBA Finals - but, this time, they fly back to Dallas with that coveted title, a shiny gold basketball, and a spot in the annals of basketball history that can not be erased.

Only on this day will the last of their doubters finally concede. And for those of you who suffered for years following a franchise that never looked like they would get to the top of the mountain, well, this is your year. Congratulations to you.

And congratulations to this franchise. This owner - who never stopped trying to figure out the right combination around his star and was not going to let expenses stand in his way. This coach - who always put this team in a great spot to make a shot or make a play. This GM - who seems vindicated on a lot of moves as he sits with a trophy. And this organization who is so beloved that they filled their arena for games that were in South Florida.

This is your day. Enjoy it for all it is worth. LeBron James reminds you that your life will still contain many of the same circumstances and he will still have his. Well, good for him. He is arrogant to the end.

But, the Mavericks have the Championship. And, the loyalty to your home team pays off.

Enjoy it. And finally, plan your parade. It is well earned.

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Tweets from Game 5 of the NBA Finals

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Mavs Morning After Game 5 http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/sturms-morning-after-game-5---mavericks-1.html
10 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@markjanese all good. Enjoy.
10 Jun

Pretzel16 J Petzel
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm i thought JET shoulda done the van exel big balls celebration instead of jet on runway. Insane shot.
10 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Wow. Terry's 3 with 33.3 to go. Right in Bron's eye. He never thought Jet was going to fire that.
10 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
“@ibleedsilvrnblu: How bout the no-call on Lebron when Matrix had easy fast break dunk?” >> just saw it. Clear foul.
10 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
That charge on LeBron that Tyson took with 2:27 may have been the proper call - but I can't believe he got it. Joey Crawford pivotal call.
10 Jun

tcain70 Todd Cain
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm Time to stick your sword in the ground, scream victoriously for a few minutes, and then load back up.
10 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@markjanese I believe that my record is 67 seconds. But thanks for the odd late night tweet.
10 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Cause we got Dirk; We got Tyson; What's Miami gonna do now? Cause we brought Barea. We brought Barea.
9 Jun

str8edgeracer C.J. Wilson
by SportsSturm
Do it scoops!!!
9 Jun

TheCousinSal Cousin Sal
by SportsSturm
Weird - Mark Cuban just asked Rashard Lewis for his ring size.
9 Jun

BigTexJosh Josh Feldman
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm if there's a story in tomorrow's Morning News regarding a parade route, I'm canceling my subscription forever.
9 Jun

Diworsity Diworsity
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm "Call me crazy. I might be sick in the head. But I still think we're going to win this." - Kobe, before getting blown out by 40
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
My favorite part of this night might be everyone on Twitter still saying the Heat got this. Perfect. Underdog til the end. Bring it.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
What a big night from Jason Kidd. Knew the old man would show up tonight. Rest up, my man.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Careful. If you poke the bear for 5 straight games...
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Boldly going where no Mavericks team has ever gone before. 1 more.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I love this team.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
The steely resolve of your heroes is most admirable.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Jet!!!!!
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
BOOOOMMMM
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
The defense must save them. The defense must rise up.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Gotta match rebound for rebound the rest of the way. -11 is where it is. It must get no worse.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
All hands on deck. This is condition critical. Unleash the wall of sound and prepare for chicken sacrifice!
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Music guy just rolled Soulja Boy after the Stevenson foul on Bron. Funny.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
The great @NancyLieberman points out the Mavs are 4 points from their series high in points. Wow.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
This is what's all about. 12 minutes to go. Stakes could not be higher.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
That's the way old man! Kidd for 3, Kidd for 5th assist.
9 Jun

skindoeshoops Jeff Wade
by SportsSturm
Word from locker room is that Wade is waiting on delivery of smoke machine and laser cannon to accompany second half return
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@That_Girl_Mia bring it. Anyone not cussing tonight needs to focus harder.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Yes, I would like to have more than 0 offensive rebounds, too, but um, they are hitting all of their shots. So...I'd rather do that.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
With a halftime show like this, Midget Kiss and Flip Orley wait by their phones.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@That_Girl_Mia oh my.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
OK, Dirk ends half on big run. He has 16. Team starting to rebound on defense at least. Halftime 60-57.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Chalmers wants the rock.
9 Jun

skindoeshoops Jeff Wade
by SportsSturm
We're all wowed by D Wade's courage right now, but don't forget that LeBron may be playing despite being really tired with all these minutes
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Need to get some Dirk flow.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
This plot has thickened quite a bit here with Wade/LeBron subplot. Stay on point. Long, long game.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
That is a very cool trick Mario Chalmers has.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
There are gaps in the Miami defense, and no Dirk on the floor. This is promising.
9 Jun

sweetgreggo no, not THAT one
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm Cardinal could have been standing there since tip off and still not got the call.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Now, this is a crowd. War Faces, people. Love it.
9 Jun

SpikeLee Spike Lee
by SportsSturm
GO MAVS GO.
9 Jun

desmond_howard Desmond Howard
by SportsSturm
I hope you guys are ready for this game. LeBron is about to answer his critics. Can't wait to see the Nike commercial after they win it all
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Fight. For. That. Inch.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
hat tip to @ToddHebert for the video.
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Wade and Bron mock Dirk - channel 11/21 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cppinwc1PzY
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@ThatSportsGirl get that video online, Gina!
9 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
You tell em, Ben. And give me sports chills. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Msi4XLDrP4&feature=share (@TexasGarcia31)
9 Jun
»

shanelong5 Shane Long
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm .. just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!
9 Jun

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The Morning After: Game 5 - Mavericks 112, Heat 103 (3-2)

http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/sturms-morning-after-game-5---mavericks-1.html


Win #15 in this race to 16 wins will not be soon forgotten. For the 20,443 in attendance, it might be labeled as the single greatest sporting event they have ever attended. The place was electric from start to finish. They were there to celebrate their best season ever - and they were there to get one more win on a journey that they hope ends in a trophy.

And they did not leave disappointed.

The Mavericks, as their calling card has been, won the late stages of the 4th Quarter yet again and took Game 5 from the clutches of the Miami Heat. So much of the national narrative will again be focused on what the Miami Heat did not do. If you will forgive me, I choose to focus on what the Dallas Mavericks DID do.

There was a moment late in the 3rd Quarter in Game 5 where Jason Kidd found Tyson Chandler uncovered underneath the basket. Chandler unleashed a furious dunk to give the Mavericks their biggest lead of the night, 80-71, with 3:46 to go in the quarter. The arena went absolutely bonkers and victory seemed to be on its way.

And then, the Heat answered with a giant body blow. For the next 11 minutes of high-stakes basketball, the Heat put on an offensive clinic that gave everyone in the arena and millions more at home indigestion. The end result was a 99-95 Heat lead with 4:47 left in the game. That stretch was 28-15 in favor of Miami over 11 minutes. And the way Miami was scoring was most demoralizing. The run started with a LeBron James jump shot and ended with a Dwyane Wade 3-pointer. But, in between, there was no basket scored from outside 5 feet. And that is where Rick Carlisle had to be in some state of panic. It was lay-ups, dunks, put-backs, and possession after possession where the Miami offense was making the Dallas defense resemble a sieve.

And before anyone discounts the contributions and resolve of that Miami star-studded group, know that the tip of the spear during that surge was most definitely LeBron and Wade. They were slicing up the Mavericks defenders and dishing to their big men in the most simple of pick and roll strategies. A pick and a roll to the basket by the man who set the screen was giving Dallas fits. James had 4 assists early in the 4th Quarter and Wade had 3. And a comfortable Mavericks lead had disappeared and now, the Heat had put themselves in another position to win a gutting contest on the road.

When Wade hit his 3 to make it 99-95, we can only imagine what was said in the Mavericks' huddle. We can only wonder what defensive adjustments Rick Carlisle made. Clearly a big part was getting his final line-up in place didn't hurt. It was clear what was going to be needed for victory. I tweeted at that precise time: The defense must save them. The defense must rise up.

And now, we know the results. The results were that in the final 4:37 the Heat would only score 3 more points - 2 of those on an uncontested LeBron James lay-in with the game already decided. And Dallas, would go on a shooting spree that will be talked about for years to come if this season ends with 1 more win. A 17-3 run to end the game made the Mavericks victors in their final home game - and for the first time in these NBA Finals they take a lead in the series, 3 games to 2.

It happened again. Somehow, in a series that appears so has appeared even up and down the boards, there appears to be a clear difference in execution in the 4th Quarter. This is unexpected to many, because Miami is known for having an extra gear at "winning time" after their 4th Quarter destructions of Boston and Chicago. But, not in these NBA Finals. In these Finals, we have seen two ends of the court that suggest Miami runs out of answers when the game gets late. And Dallas happens to have many answers themselves.

Looking back at Game 4's win on Tuesday, when breaking down the story of that game, I was sure to discuss the contributions of Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion, and DeShawn Stevenson as warriors who stepped up and carried the Mavericks along while Dirk was feeling the effects of a fever. It is a true testament to the "team construction" of the Dallas Mavericks that in the Game 5 win, I feel compelled to look at 3 totally different Mavericks who made the majority of the plays and shots that brought along victory.

This was a victory that was largely a result of two guards who have been very quiet in this series (JJ Barea and Jason Kidd) and one guard who is never quiet (Jason Terry). Barea, after absolutely destroying the Los Angeles Lakers, has suffered the flattering notion of being the defensive focus of Oklahoma City and Miami when he enters the game. No longer is he an after-thought. To beat Dallas, you have to keep Barea under wraps. But, in Game 5, Rick Carlisle continued to show faith in him and gave him significant minutes to put his stamp on the contest. And he delivered in huge fashion. A 17-point performance and a 14-point 2nd half that was vital to the victory. Barea seemingly has unshakeable confidence in himself (which seems like a recurring characteristic of your 2011 Mavericks) and he picked a great time to dominate.

Meanwhile, Jason Kidd played his 100th game of the season last night, and had gone since May 23rd since he had scored in double digits. His Game 4 was 0 points, 3 assists, and 4 turnovers and when games like that happen and your point guard is 38 years old, your natural reaction is to simply wonder if he has hit the wall. Especially given his defensive responsibility to chase Wade and James around. In the pregame, many felt that Kidd would have to have 2 more big efforts in his season for the Mavericks to complete their mission. Well, his Game 5 was a thing of beauty, as he buried a 3-pointer that brought the roof down with 1:26 left to go to make the score 105-100. With time ticking down and clinging to a 2-point lead, he took dead aim and did what you thought he would do at the most important juncture. He delivered with 13 points, 6 assists, and just 3 turnovers, and showed his tank is not empty.

And finally, the guard who is never quiet. The guy who felt some premonition that resulted in tattooing the NBA trophy on his arm before this season started. The guy who constantly make people cringe because of his bold claims to the media that may anger an opponent at just the wrong time. If anyone has confidence that borders on irrational confidence, it is Jason Terry. Those of us who have never done what he has done cannot process how he does what he does, and how many of his shots that seem to be poor shots still go in. He is often a target of ridicule when those shots don't fall. But through it all, he never stops believing that his next shot is going in. So there he is - after a week of verbally challenging one of the best defenders of all-time to stop him - knocking down the dagger right in James' face with :33.3 to play. To suggest that he earned the right to extend his Jet arms in celebration might be an understatement. In a night of unforgettable moments, that one might be the signature memory.

That is what makes you fall in love with this team. In Game 4, a game they had to win, it was Chandler, Marion, and Stevenson stepping up. In Game 5, another game they had to win if they wanted to win it all, it was Terry, Kidd, and Barea. Of course, the constant in all of this is the superb efforts they continue to receive from their leader, Dirk. Dirk's dunk with 2:45 to play gave the Mavericks a lead they would never surrender, and his 29 points led all scorers yet again. But, this team is getting to where it is going based on having a group of guys who are seizing the moment. This is the ultimate basketball test. Can a team with contributions from all sectors strike down an opponent largely built on a few dominant players? In a sport where we have been taught that the victor has the best singular players, are we seeing the team concept re-emerge at the finish line of the 2011 season?

We won't know until these two combatants reunite in Miami. And, both teams are still in a great position to end this series with a happy ending. But, I assume you can find plenty of Heat discourse by simply turning on any radio or tv station. So, instead, once again, I want to focus on what this could mean for Dallas.

I am reminded this morning by a colleague that in 1993-94, in the midst of the Cowboys' Super Bowl dynasty runs, the Mavericks were limping to a 13 win regular season. That season put Dallas in a position to draft a guard, named Jason Kidd. Comparing that to a post-season where the Mavericks have 15 wins in the playoffs shows you how far this journey has come.

And every winner has people jump on the bandwagon, but the reason this story means so much to so many is because they did not jump on the wagon. Oh, sure, maybe it took Mark Cuban to buy the team and a young German star like Dirk Nowitzki to capture their imagination, but for a decade and more, this fan base has been spending every spring enduring playoff-pain. Don't get me wrong, making the playoffs each year is nice, but when it ends in a painful defeat, the disappointment mounts.

In 2001, Dirk lost a tooth and the team lost to San Antonio. In 2002, the Mavericks bowed out to the Kings. In 2003, it was all the way to the Western Finals before Dirk's health and Steve Kerr's shooting took them down at the hands of the Spurs again. IN 2004, it was the Kings again. In 2005, Steve Nash and the Suns punched Dallas in the stomach. In 2006, it was Miami with maybe the most gutting ending of them all. In 2007, the humiliation of losing to Don Nelson and Golden State. In 2008, Chris Paul threw lobs to Tyson Chandler as New Orleans celebrated. In 2009, it was Denver. In 2010, it was back to a defeat to San Antonio.

As one reader points out, "you need the sour, to appreciate the sweet". Upstart organizations that go right to the title without ever enduring heart-breaks don't feel the same. But, this Mavericks team - its superstar, its owner, and its fanbase - is very familiar with pain and disappointment.

And yet, here they are. With only 48 minutes separating them from the end of the rainbow. The course of this franchise is going to change forever in Miami, one way or another. Either they will win their first ever title that will rival any sports fairy tale this city has ever seen, or they will suffer a disappointment that will send this city into a serious funk.

The stakes are high. The tears are forming. The nerves are shot. This thing is not over by any stretch, but this franchise has never been closer. You just know the Mavericks would play the next game right now if the league would allow it. They know their opponent is on the run and is starting to question itself.

How are we ever going to wait until Sunday to see what happens next?

Unforgettable.

Read More

Tweets from NBA Finals Game 4

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
DMN - Mavs' Morning After Game 4 - http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/sturms-morning-after-game-4---mavericks-2.html
8 Jun

seveerj Josh Reeves
by SportsSturm
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!! #Mavs @SportsSturm
8 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
LeBron's flop is amazing and pathetic. Wow. http://i54.tinypic.com/219xycx.jpg @bortzfield
8 Jun

ValleyButcher Valley Butcher
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm My wife says Dirk needs to be left alone so he can sleep today. I told her that William Wallace needs no sleep, only freedom.
8 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
That game gets the "save until I delete" designation.
8 Jun

BallinWithBryan Bryan Gutierrez
by SportsSturm
Chandler on Haywood's struggles, "I told Coach, 'You have to get me back out there. I will play 48 if I need to.'"
8 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Wow. What a pass from LeBron to Wade with :30 to play. Crazy.
8 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Watching 4th Quarter and amazed how many times Jet beat LeBron off the dribble. At least 4 different times he went right around him.
8 Jun

DODay56 Darren O'Day
by SportsSturm
Lebron looks psychologically beaten in his postgame conference. He also appears to be half muppet.
7 Jun

johnny_mel John Melton
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm Finals 4th: Lebron - 5, 2, 2, 0 Dirk - 10, 9, 15, 10
7 Jun

Ianbelmares Ian Belmares
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm MJ's Finals games: 36,33,29,28,30,39,39,26,32,46,33,31,42,44,55,41,33,28,29,36,23,26,22,31,38,26,22,38,38,33,37,24,34,28,45.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
“@Pro4424: can we finally stop comparing lebron to Jordan. Because there is no comparison.” >> I never did. He can't even hold Kobe's jock.
7 Jun

dflem713 Daniel Fleming
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm #HeyManYouLookLikeAMoron #HOF (over Magic's shoulder) yfrog.com/hse1lkomj
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
There is so much will in this squad. William Wallace would be proud. Fight to the death.
7 Jun

dcsportsbog Dan Steinberg
by SportsSturm
Soulja Boy > Jay-Z RT @michaeljenk DeShawn Stevenson scored more points than LeBron James tonight. 11-8.
7 Jun

BmoreSnoop Snoop Pearson
by SportsSturm
Now that was a game!! Let's go Dallas
7 Jun

TheBillWalton The Bill Walton Trip
by SportsSturm
Big 3 = Dwyane Wade and his cojones.
7 Jun

VShiancoe Visanthe Shiancoe
by SportsSturm
Now go and rest Dirk.. need you thur
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
There will be no concession.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Unreal. Hold me.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Calm down. He got this.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
We will not go quietly into the night!
7 Jun

JimmyLayton Jimmy Layton
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm I'm sure gonna miss that chicken......
7 Jun

texassabel Barbara Sherrill
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm actually a lot of us is about the Battle of San Jacinto. We won that one with Sam Houston
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Come back with your shield or on your shield. (I am running out of movie cliches)
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
THiS IS NO TIME FOR DEFEATED DALLAS SPORTS FAN! RISE UP!
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@papaduse no chance, chief. Now, act like a Texan and fight this out.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I thought you Texans are all about the Alamo. We are surrounded. Going out William Wallace Style. Shoot for the whites of their eyes.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
RT @KSJowell Bob come on buddy... Concede... Bob? Does it hurt? >> There will be no concession.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
UNLEASH THE WALL OF SOUND!!!!
7 Jun

Craig5072 Craig Jeffries
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm Dirk with 100+ fever, torn tendon Wade, Bosh, and lbj's pack with the devil seems to kicking in.....time for a sports miracle!!
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
keep pulling, Matrix. Need them all.
7 Jun

80sLive David Johnson
by SportsSturm
We need more rain! @SportsSturm
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
These clowns aren't bleeding.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
wow. Most amazing missed travel in at least the last 30 minutes on Bosh there.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@ChrisStein extremely - in this series.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
for those watching ABC, if you could tell me when Bosh talked about his frontrunning past, I might like to go home and find audio. Hints?
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Simmer down. Dirk being sick is not an excuse. It is another footnote in the story. He got this.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@alanlost73 please. They are within range of 2-2. Simmer down.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Tyson's 7 point/9 rebound battle and DeShawn's unexpected production have been huge. Miami 47, Dallas 45 - Nobody told you it was easy.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
And yes, Dirk being sick rumors have been around this afternoon and evening. No idea if they are true.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@TXDoberman well, I hope we can agree that this isn't something he does very often. But, we need every point.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
DeShawn, Tyson, Trix, Kidd, and Terry a very interesting combination. And not terribly white. Yep. I said it.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Both teams with best 5 defenders on floor right now. Fascinating. And Dallas goes on a bit of a run. 38-34, Dallas.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@TXDoberman little early for you to talk smack, no? He is still getting his minutes.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Tyson Chandler needs to unleash whatever emotional mojo he has left in his tank and take the paint over or doom is approaching.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Seriously, this game is frenetic and frantic at the same time. Slow your freaking roll and play the game.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
OK, I don't mind experiments - in fact I support them - but, you cannot keep believing in JJ if he can't deliver. Goodness, son.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
RT @pally4christ your thoughts on the Lebron flop?>> I am too nervous to be baited by that off-brand superstar wanna be.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
21-21 end of 1Q. You can cut the tension in here with the razor blade that was used in a fight in Prezbo's classroom.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Wow. A spontaneous "Let's Go Mavs" during the timeout from the 20,000. Truly a rare feat.
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Lots to not like right now - except the Mavs are spending some time in the lead. Turnovers and Rebounds, though are killing them.
7 Jun

BallinWithBryan Bryan Gutierrez
by SportsSturm
Chandler with the double pump action. Mavs have an issue right now with 8 ORebs allowed so far
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Kidd's turnovers need to stop. But, they are the out of bounds variety, which is a little like the interception punt. Not good, but...
7 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
This would be a good night for you, @swish41 to take it wit chew.
7 Jun
»

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Get it on. No choice, but to get it on.
7 Jun

Read More

The Morning After: Game 4 - Mavericks 86, Heat 83 (2-2)

http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/sturms-morning-after-game-4---mavericks-2.html


What an amazing night in the life of the Dallas Mavericks franchise. There are dozens of threads we could follow in this "Morning After" column, but rather than following any sort of strategy thread (which I surely love to do) I feel compelled, instead, to focus on the primary characteristic of this band of brothers who wear the Mavericks logo on a night to night basis. Win or lose - and who could possibly know which way this is going to go - this 2011 Dallas Mavericks' team will be best remembered for their resolve, fight, and character.

This team simply won't die.

They showed it last night. They showed it throughout this run. And they plan on showing it the rest of the way.

What makes these characteristics so remarkable would be that this team had a reputation that was quite the opposite around the league. Over the years, they did not seem to have a steely resolve. They seemed to crumble against difficult circumstances. And they did not seem to possess the heart of a champion.

Well, toss that reputation in the trash. That was then. This is now.

This team is full of warriors. These last 2 months of playoff basketball has showed us that heart and resolve can cover some other deficiencies a roster may have.

And no night showed that more than last night. Here is Dirk Nowitzki, the unchallenged star of this show, weakened considerably with illness from the performances that he has proven are somewhat like clock work. Whether it is the injuries or the sickness, he didn't have anywhere near his normal arsenal of weapons last night. But, when the team had no choice but to look to their leader, he rose up in the 4th Quarter and helped bring the game home. As vital and imperative as his Game 2 left-handed drive turned out to be, the same can be said for his Game 4 right-handed drive that sealed things last night. He stood tall in a game where he had very little in the tank and struggled for most of the night. But, because this team had a "team effort" in Game 4, they stayed around until Dirk could do what he is known for doing.

And while the headlines will focus on the finishing touches that he put on the victory, I believe we must dig far deeper into the DNA of this squad to properly recognize what we saw in Game 4 from a team that is clearly the best team Dallas has ever seen.

In the last two summers, the Mavericks made moves each off-season that did not rock the league. They were far more subtle than any "Decision" that was carried live nationally on the networks. But, for the Mavericks story, only now do we realize how vital they both were.

First, in the summer of 2009, Dallas was part of a 4-team deal that brought Shawn Marion to the Mavericks. Marion was 31 at the time and signed a 5-year deal that seemed to be a bit ambitious and added to the collective age on this squad. But, it provided something Dallas has never had. A player who would be asked to match-up each round with the best offensive player the opposition can bring. He would guard Kobe Bryant one round, Kevin Durant the next, and then switch constantly between LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in the next. And in every case, he would hold his own very well. And, if that isn't enough, he will also be your second scorer behind Dirk Nowitzki in the NBA Finals. And through it all, he would always appear as ready as anyone on the team to battle for any loose ball - above the rim or on the floor - and always be present and accounted for when crunch time needs a play to be made.

In this particular game, he actually was not on the floor in the 4th Quarter almost at all. And yet, his stamp was all over this game. In the 3rd Quarter he was leaned on heavily to score as he scored half of the Mavericks' 20 points and still defended very well throughout. Shawn Marion may not get the proper amount of recognition or ink during this run, but there is no question in my mind that his presence is amazingly vital and they are not where they are without his contributions. His scoring was considered a bonus on top of his play on the glass and on defense, and yet, he is outscoring every player on this Dallas team besides Dirk in the NBA Finals.

Then, in the summer of 2010, Dallas pulled the trigger on the deal with Charlotte that we have discussed quite a bit for Tyson Chandler. At the time, very few people were suggesting that this move could not only be a great addition, but even a franchise-altering addition, but I am compelled to elaborate yet again. What makes Tyson Chandler so important to the team is his total package of skills and intangibles. He is a born-leader who players automatically respect and follow. It was clear last night in the 1st Quarter that Miami was swarming the glass and the paint and if Tyson himself did not take it personally and battle them all by himself, the Mavericks would have been run out of their own gym. Chandler is a true warrior and the perfect compliment to Dirk inside. He does dirty work with great routine, he protects the rim, and he rallies the troops. He sees what the team needs and does whatever he can to fill that need.

Lost in all of his numbers - And the Mavericks needed all of his 13 points and 16 rebounds - was the simple fact that he is a very smart player. Chandler knew that without Brendan Haywood in Game 3 and almost without Haywood in Game 4, it was vital that Chandler not fall victim to foul trouble. He had to stay in the game. And he has. He has played 32 minutes a game in the NBA Playoffs, but in these last two games, he has played 83. He knows everyone is counting on him to not only play, but to play very well. And Tyson Chandler is not letting his team down.

And when it was clear Haywood was not capable of defending last night, Chandler basically puts himself back into the game. "I told Coach, 'You have to get me back out there. I will play 48 if I need to.'" Legendary stuff from the man in the middle. Chandler's play is contagious, and his fight is something that this team needed in the middle. Erick Dampier never possessed an inner competition fire anywhere close to Chandler's. Like so much else in this story, there is no question that this team relies on Chandler's battle.

Those players (Dirk, Marion, Chandler) are at the tip of the spear, but, when you have players like that at your core, others follow and stay ready. And that is where DeShawn Stevenson gets recognized as well.

When word began to circulate before Game 4 that Stevenson was not going to start because Rick Carlisle decided to start JJ Barea instead, the easy conclusion was that this was a move based on finding more favorable situations to play Barea. Obviously the result seemed to be a lesser role for Stevenson. Whether that was the intent or not is unclear, but what is clear is that Stevenson scored his playoff-high in points (11) while playing his 2nd most minutes (nearly 26) in a playoff game.

If any player is interested in a chance to bother LeBron James, it is Stevenson. He has made his name in this league for incidents involving James, and he seems to rise to the occasion against the star. Nobody expected that history to come into play in this series, but last night, the job DeShawn did early with his 3-pointers and then in the 4th Quarter he was on the scene for many defensive stops that were so necessary. After many assumed that Carlisle's move would result in almost no role for Stevenson, he actually turned into one of the key players of the game.

The way to tie all of this together is that this is a team. The narrative after Game 3 is that "Dirk needs help". And to an extent, especially scoring in the late stages of the game, that is true. He did need his side-kick in 4th Quarter offense, Jason Terry, to step up to another level. Terry did so and together they scored just enough to seal a victory.

But, through 3 Quarters, Dirk and Jet combined for just 20 of the 65 Dallas points. The supporting cast was not only doing their normal jobs of defending some of the most gifted scorers in the world, but they also picked up the primary scoring as well. Marion had 16, Stevenson 11, Chandler 10, and Barea had 8. They were there to pull Dirk along through the middle of the game where Dirk couldn't buy a basket.

In the 4th Quarter, Dirk and Jet scored 18 of the 21 points, and the rest of the Mavericks did a magnificent job of locking down the Miami attack late (again).

In a post season of gutty wins, this might be the gut-check masterpiece. There was every reason to go quietly into the night, but this team doesn't ever go quietly. There are enough warriors up and down this roster that they are either going to be victorious or they are going to die trying. You have to admire these characteristics. Talk is cheap, but this Mavericks' squad backs up all of its tough talk with actions.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat look a bit off balance. They have a well chronicled soap opera that is continuing to gain momentum with each contest. They have received about 80% of the attention in this series and today much of the national discussion will be about how the Heat lost the game rather than how Dallas won. And deep inside they have to be wondering why their opponent is not caving in and conceding. This is turning out to be much more difficult than they must have been expecting. They continue to build leads in the 4th Quarter and Dallas continues to battle until the last second and often leave with the victory.

Obviously, when you are an underdog in a series, the first objective is to create doubt in the minds of the favorite. There can be no question that doubt is in the Miami room. They still have every chance to overcome that doubt, but they must now deal with it. We have a series.

Can any team win 2 games in a row? Or will the team that is forced back to the wall always take the next game? If the Mavericks want a trophy (and there is every indication that they surely do) then they must get Game 5. Winning 2 games in Miami in this series is going to be difficult enough. Don't make it even more difficult by having to win 3 times in South Florida. Get Game 5 and then we will see Miami pushed to the breaking point. If pressure bursts pipes, it will have every chance to be the Mavericks' best weapon in a Game 6.

But that is all predicated on getting the win on Thursday. So, if there is still any resolve left in the tank, it must be summoned. They need as many healthy bodies and as many warriors as they can to defend Dallas turf for the final home game of this magnificent run.

Regardless of what happens from here on out, Dallas will never forget this team. The resolve, the fortitude, and the will is enough to capture the imagination of a city. But, to get their spot in NBA immortality, they need to find 2 more wins. They know it, and quite clearly, they want it.

Sports gets no better than this.

Rest up, boys.

Read More

Tweets from Game 3 of NBA Finals

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
DMN - Mavs Morning After Game 3 - http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/sturms-morning-after-game-3---miami-88-m.html
6 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
If you would have told me when I was a kid that someday you would help me reach 20,000 on Twitter, I would have been confused. #humblebrag
6 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@APMar84 and I commend your interest in being his guardian. It must be fun helping the needy like that.
6 Jun

sweetgreggo no, not THAT one
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm bob. bob. bob. bob. bob. bob. bob. bob. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijZRCIrTgQc
6 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
“@KSJowell: Im scared. yfrog.com/h3j5gjfj” >> Don't do it!!!
5 Jun

BallinWithBryan Bryan Gutierrez
by SportsSturm
Carlisle, "Look it's seven games. Any notion that it was going to be easy would have been foolhardy by us or anybody else."
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@Hockeydude94678 that is my point. Should I be more clear? Read those cashing out tweets from everywhere.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
If you love this team and this run, you concede when and only when they get Win #4. Go out William Wallace style. No surrender.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
“@DarylRazorsRay: hi bob. U r a 40 year old man making snide remarks about a kid.” >> 38.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
No wonder Scottie Pippen was speaking so loud for Bron Bron. Takes a Robin to know a Robin.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
See you on the lonely streets. First to 4.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
This, gulp, comes down to Jet. No way they let 41 get the rock in a position to score. ALL IN.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
At the count of three: ALL CHICKENS GO! 1...2....3!
5 Jun

KSJowell Scott Jowell
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm Bob. Wang Zhizhi told me to tell the Maverick fans "たはやまあ 他ユナは生やら生やら生やら似た亜比喩にはラヤにかアタ与良弥太赤さ花やら霊屋なチアにや日並みやまあ中で" GO MAMRICKS.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
RT @iamjasonaguirre Does anyone ever cover chalmers?>> They would if they had 7 defenders, but with 5, no. Lebron and Wade are pretty good.
5 Jun

espn_macmahon Tim MacMahon
by SportsSturm
Shawn Marion's mama is undefeated on the dance cam.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
He got this.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@asifh007 and the NBA Finals pressure is the same? #knowthesituation.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Let's all consider this: yfrog.com/5p14epkj
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
AND THIS CROWD? WHAT THE HECK IS THE MATTER WITH YOU? DO YOU WANT THIS OR DO YOU WANT TO CHUG ON OVER TO MAMBY PAMBY LAND?
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I would have lost a lot of money on Ian Mahinmi nailing both of his free throws.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Sticker on. yfrog.com/h8sh7uaj
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
UNFORCED ERRORS? KNOCK IT OFF! DO YOU GUYS WANT TO TAKE THIS NIGHT TO YOUR FREAKING GRAVES? ANSWER ME!!!
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
OK. The early returns on the halftime adjustments are not what we needed. It might be time for tough love.
5 Jun

VShiancoe Visanthe Shiancoe
by SportsSturm
Lets go Dirk
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
And I love Dirk's defensive rebound work, and Tyson's 0 fouls. Might need Kidd and Tyson to play about 22 minutes this half. JJ and Peja?
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Rebounds even, turnovers even. This first half was troubling, but could have been worse. Defense has been solid, save easy pts off break.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Go outside and pick out the best chicken you can find.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Turn 45-31 to 47-42 by the half is darn important.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I know nobody wants to hear this, but this Miami defense is insane. Has been for 3 games now.
5 Jun

johnschuhmann John Schuhmann
by SportsSturm
The Mavs have scored just 4 times in their last 17 possessions.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@roe27oakcliff there is no doubt there are many white front runners. But, percentage wise...therein lies the problemo.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
One key objective in Basketball is the making of baskets. HINT, HINT.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
This offense needs to get better quite quickly.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
If JJ wanted to start playing, I would be ok with that.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
RT @canes76006 no exception for your Packers?>> Biggest downside to winning Super Bowl. Front runners by your gear. SMH
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Misguided youth make many front-running mistakes. yfrog.com/edtflej
5 Jun

mycoskie Chris Mycoskie
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm Nobody behind basket with big Delonte West heads? http://myloc.me/kA1Bq
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Mavs put in Ian Mahinmi; Heat counter with their version: Juwan Howard
5 Jun

MacEngelProf Mac Engel
by SportsSturm
The Mavs are said to have the NBA's hottest dancers so they set one on fire just to prove a point. Have to commend their committment
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I believe that Peja will be in double figures tonight. But, then again, I had Portland in 6.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Bosh, barely still clinging to life, remains in the game.
5 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
This looks like a sell-out. #tweetsToEaseTheTension.
5 Jun

essjaytee Simon Terry
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm Right now Dirk is stomping round the locker room like an incensed Khal Drogo ordering his men to prepare for attack on Westeros
5 Jun
»

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Yep. Fired up. yfrog.com/ca367uqj
5 Jun

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The Morning After: Game 3 - Heat 88, Mavericks 86 (2-1)

http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/sturms-morning-after-game-3---miami-88-m.html


How could anything be underrated on a team that is constantly discussed and critiqued everywhere you look?

I am here to tell you that after watching them for 3 straight contests in person, there is no question that Miami's defense is even better than we were told. The suffocating defense is enough to make any offense look out of sync. And, the Mavericks' offense certainly looks out of sync this morning after losing 88-86 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals in Dallas.

Look at what is going on to the Mavericks; They shot 47.5% all year long, but in these NBA Finals, the shots are not falling. They have been limited offensively to a FG% of 42%. In a season where they routinely scored 100 points (100.2 per game) and playoffs where they were able to flex their offensive muscle routinely, they are now scoring just 88.3 points per game. That number is a grand departure from Portland (93.3 points per game), Los Angeles (102.3), and Oklahoma City (105.2).

Now we can suggest that the pressure of the NBA Finals and the bright lights of the stage is causing too much for the Mavericks between the ears and causing shots that normally fall to miss their mark for our heroes.

Or, we can consider that this Miami team is a very formidable foe in the NBA Finals because for all of their reputation of having so many choices and routes to get points with their dynamically stacked lineup, the same can also be said for a defense that just doesn't give you an inch to breathe. Like Philadelphia (41%), Boston (45%), and Chicago (39%) before them, Dallas is missing shots they normally weren't missing - mostly because they are taking shots that they have to find rather than having shots given to them.

Miami, with superstar talent in many spots, have players that stress you on both ends of the court. They can prove to be impossible match-ups on offense and then, to make the game even more difficult, those same players can guard you on the other end with ease.

And this is Rick Carlisle's seemingly impossible challenge. He has to figure out how to attack this Miami defense - which is hard enough - but, he also has to figure it out while not using players who are seen as a liability when LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have the ball on the other end of the court. This series is asking the Mavericks to play true "2-way basketball" which shortens up your roster considerably.

So, when the Mavericks have the ball, we see the Heat at their strongest. They challenge every pass. They push out Dirk Nowitzki just a bit further than he would like to be pushed out to catch the ball. They make lob passes a thing of the past by being able to cheat off Tyson Chandler, but not so far off him that Jason Kidd can find him for an easy deuce. They jump passing lanes. I swear, LeBron and Wade get their hands on more passes than just about any players I can remember since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen played defense like this back in the 1990's. And like those players who won ring after ring back then, what makes this pairing so powerful is that they seem to be able to play as many minutes as you wish to play them. LeBron in particular plays about 45-46 of the 48 minutes of an NBA game. And there is never a time where at least one of them isn't on the court.

And, if that wasn't enough to deal with, once they turn the ball over, they are off to the races. If the Mavericks could figure out a way not to give 4 or 5 unchallenged fast break dunks each game, they would be winning this series with great ease. But, of course, that isn't how this thing works.

Miami has players who are dominant on both ends of the court. And they make you either match them in that ability or try to play "catch-up" all night when you can't. And Game 3 was a great example of never feeling like you could quite get up the mountain. Every single time the Mavericks thought they had reached the Heat, it seemed to be only an illusion as the Heat were still above them.

What the Heat have on defense is what makes everything else possible. They honestly have a very basic offense, it seems. Very special players who can pull up from 24 feet when nothing else is working on their offense and bailing out the play with another Wade launch that goes right through the rim. But, it all starts back on defense. They have dominant range on defense. They cheat on those who do not require their full attention to help out on those who do. They fly around in passing lanes and sneak up on players from behind to steal the ball. They are truly a pack of dobermans on the prowl. And, when they get the ball, those same top defenders - James and Wade - can take the ball and attack you with it on the other end. They are All-NBA on both ends of the court.

And that is what the Mavericks are up against if they want to achieve their dream of the NBA Title. They, too, have unstoppable players on offense and very strong defenders, as well. But, they are not the same players. Nowitzki, arguably the best offensive player in the league these playoffs, is a guy you try to expose on defense. The same goes for when Jason Terry, JJ Barea, or Peja Stojakovic are on defense. As skilled as they are on offense, you can not ask them to guard top players on defense without great concern and attention.

Meanwhile, the Mavs also have very strong defenders - Shawn Marion, Tyson Chandler, and DeShawn Stevenson. But, as good as they are at getting stops and causing major stress on those they cover, they are of little or no concern offensively for set plays or intended offense. Sure, Marion and Chandler can both score, but it usually comes on scramble situations where points are a result of Dirk getting all of the attention.

And it has worked throughout the entire regular season and all through the Western Conference Playoffs. The Mavericks figured out a perfect combination and rotation to navigate through a 48 minute game while always keeping their opponents off their balance and from ever finding comfort. They would keep rolling fresh bodies out there and Dirk could match Kevin Durant or LaMarcus Aldridge, and then the Dallas bench could expose the opponent badly when it became a battle of the benches.

But, Miami is a different animal. Even when you perform well against their starters, when you try to rotate to your bench, they keep LeBron on the court. When Wade is on the court, LeBron is your #2 option on the offense. But, when Wade sits, you still have one of the best scorers in the world taking shots rather than a guy off your bench trying to create offense. And of course, you cannot attack the Heat bench on defense because James is still running the defense when you normally have JJ Barea and the Mavs' reserves dominating a game.

They are just so loaded.

The good news is that this Mavericks team is proving to be one of the most resilient and persistent teams we could ever imagine. They will not negotiate a peaceful surrender or hang their heads in defeat. They play with a passion and resolve that is flat-out admirable. And no matter how big of a mess they find themselves in, they put all of their efforts into working their way out of it.

But, this one is the biggest challenge yet. They are painted into a corner of not being able to play to their strengths. There are guys on the roster that have been used the entire journey who have a very limited role against the Heat. James and Wade force your hand or attack your weak.

And as the coach, you try to solve this very complex and rare problem on the biggest stage of your coaching career. Do you ask Dirk and Jet to play offense with very few threats around them? If you do, you realize Dirk will attract 2 or 3 defenders most of the time because Eric Spoelstra doesn't have to worry about playing honest on the other Mavs. He knows only 2 Mavs can beat him offensively and he can attack them accordingly. Or, you can put better offensive weapons out there with Dirk (or ever less attractive, when Dirk is resting) and concede defense because Peja and JJ cannot guard for very long or with very much effectiveness.

It is the ultimate "classic conflict" or in today's cliches it is known as "picking your poison". Do you short-change your offense or your defense? There is no correct answer, really. And, it looked like that for much of Game 1, Game 2, and Game 3. The Mavericks could easily be up 2 games to 1 this morning, but if you were to consider who has played while leading in this series, surely it would be the Miami Heat by a large margin. The problem that Dallas faces may not have a solution.

The Mavericks must scratch and claw. They must fight and battle. And when the game comes to its climactic conclusion, the Mavericks must play perfectly because they are always coming from behind. In Game 2, it worked. Everything they tried in the final moments fell right and they made all of the big shots and Miami missed all of theirs. But, Game 3 would not smile upon the Mavericks.

4.4 seconds to go. Surely, Miami would be talking in their timeout about how they cannot let Dirk beat them again. 88-86, Miami, but Dallas has the ball side-out. The question would be whether the Mavericks would attempt a 3-point shot and go for the win or play by the books and attempt to tie the game and win it in overtime.

To look at the final sequence is actually quite interesting, because it appeared that Miami was not going to run a 2nd defender at Dirk until the last second - as they appear to be very intent on not leaving the Mavericks' shooters open at the 3-point line. Terry, Peja, and Kidd are never left open, and therefore, Dirk keeps the ball and goes to his trademarked spin and fadeaway from straight on.

If we all had a dollar for every time Dirk hit this shot - even when heavily guarded - none of us would need to drag ourselves to work today. But, on this occasion, his shot hit the rim and the American Airlines Center collectively sunk. The attempt to rescue a game that they never controlled from the jaws of defeat was unsuccessful at the finish line. Dirk, who made every big shot all night long finally missed. He played amazingly well - and yet it still wasn't enough. And that is their margin for error against this formidable foe. As long as Dirk makes every shot down the stretch, the Mavs have a chance. But, Miami seems so strong that if he misses even once, they are in big trouble.

Yikes.

Home court advantage swings back to Miami, as does momentum in this NBA Finals. In any proper best-of-7 series, the roller coaster of emotions is part of the agony and part of the fun. This series will hopefully be no different.

Mavs' Coach Rick Carlisle placed the picture in the frame last night in the postgame: "Look it's seven games. Any notion that it was going to be easy would have been foolhardy by us or anybody else."

Game 4 is surely now of the "must win" variety. And frankly, Game 5 is pretty much in the same bin.

And Carlisle and his team between now and Tuesday Night must continue to try to figure out the problems that may not have solutions to keep their NBA Title dreams alive.

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Mavericks v Heat 6/2/11 GM 2 ADS

Mavs: 95
Heat: 93

It took Dallas only 6 minutes to erase the barrage of dunk highlights that were cued up on ESPN to be followed by lots of "booyahs" and put this series at a 1-1 tie.

Against insurmountable odds, Dallas was able to sneak back into the game and the series while sifting through the complacent bombarding of Miami three pointers in the 4th quarter. Miami went 2 of 11 from beyond the arc and shot 11 of their 18 total shots from long distance in the 4th quarter, posting an ADS of 18.3.

Notable Make/Miss differentials for GM 2 and the series

(GM2 Make/Miss) (Series Make/Miss)
Heat: 11.2/18.1..............................12/15.5

James: 11.5/21.1.............................12.4/17.1
Wade: 5.8/21..................................8.5/16.1

Mavs: 10/13.5.............................11.1/13.3
Terry: 9.4/16..............................15.1/17.5
Barea: 4.5/12.8.............................3.7/12.2

		ADS	ADS+
1st	Dal	12.9	11.3
	Mia	16.4	16.4
2nd	Dal	11.7	10.1
	Mia	14.1	12.7
3rd	Dal	10.5	9.1
	Mia	10.4	9.0
4th	Dal	12.2	11.7
	Mia	18.3	15.8
Total	Dal	11.9	10.6
	Mia	14.9	13.5

Side Notes
- Dwayne Wade had a game high 36 points from 13/20 shooting.
- Heat suffered their 1st loss at home in the 2011 playoffs.
- Dirk hit a layup with 0:03 left on the clock to give Mavs the lead
- Chris Bosh is now a combined 9/34 shooting for 26.5%

Click here to read Bob's Morning After for Game 2

Mavericks 5/31/11 FGM/A ADS ADS+ Barea 2/7 14 12.4 Chandler 4/6 3.2 2.3 Haywood 1/2 4 4 Kidd 2/7 19.6 19.6 Marion 9/14 4.2 4.0 Stojakovic 0/0 - - Nowitzki 10/22 12.9 12.3 Stevenson 3/6 24 24 Terry 5/11 13 10.4 Team Total 36/75 11.9 10.6

Heat 5/31/11 FGM/A ADS ADS+ Anthony 0/0 - - Bosh 4/16 8.8 8.4 Chalmers 3/8 19.8 19.8 Haslem 1/3 16 16 Howard 0/0 - - Bibby 5/8 23.9 23.9 James 8/15 16 15.1 Miller 0/3 24.7 24.7 Wade 13/20 11.8 9.3 Team Total 34/73 14.9 13.5

What is ADS? Read the FAQ and find out.
Thanks to Adam Rosen for the data.

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Tweets from Game 2 NBA Finals

ggressniff Yeah Dude
by SportsSturm
one vid that @SportsSturm may be talking about: http://youtu.be/rvnY19IFe34
3 Jun Favorite Undo Retweet Reply

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Awesome stuff here about the X's and O's of Mavs comeback - http://nbaplaybook.com/2011/06/03/the-play-that-sparked-dallas-comeback/
3 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@MikelDallas @bigjondaniel thank you, gents.
3 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
RT @pwip Video: Go Crazy AAC http://youtu.be/EkZ4VwX9Nt4 http://youtu.be/1g4dpCIfjMs >> Holy cow. That incites sports emotion!
3 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
DMN - Mavs Morning After Game 2 http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/06/sturms-morning-after-game-2---mavericks.html
3 Jun

WylieCody Cody Wylie
by SportsSturm
Hate to pick on Heat fans, but you can't bring a broom to Game 2 of a 7-game su.pr/1tUWCA”@SportsSturm bob you follow @si_vault
3 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Wow. Maybe this year IS different.
3 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@APMar84 thanks coach. But that has nothing to do with my point.
3 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@drumrboy93 for sure.
3 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@APMar84 the offense in the final 3 minutes. If you don't believe me, believe his coach.
3 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Arrogant? Nah. yfrog.com/h0rdzvaj
3 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
LeBron is as talented as they come. But his arrogance is his biggest enemy.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Smash and grab heist.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@beevomav I didn't make a pick, Sherlock. Since round 1.
2 Jun

OldHossRadbourn Old Hoss Radbourn
by SportsSturm
And with that shot, D. Nowitzki made basket ball palatable again for 25,000,000 white people.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
It's clear: The Mavs only respond to tough love tweets. I need to get ugly sooner. My bad.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Let's go get a ___ ____ Snack!
2 Jun

marcvincenti Marc Vincenti
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm Nobody move.
2 Jun

GSF_23 بئلال
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm I'm waiting for Buster Posey to drain a 3 against Dallas...
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I wonder if there are any more flights tonight back to Dallas?
2 Jun

sc0ttwest Scottw
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm we need Miami to plan a parade
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Um. I may be out of optimism. Feel free to freak out.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Kidd, Jet, and Dirk. Must be way better from "big 3"
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I realize I had these guys losing to Portland, but let's not forget the degree of difficulty to win games in June. Hang in there. 9:16 left
2 Jun

Marcheesi Marcus Taylor
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm the old grey wolf! twitpic.com/565b4g
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@chadandrus 75-71? Come on. You know this league better than I do. They don't have style points.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Composure.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I hate to admit it, but Kidd has been bad.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I don't like the whiny body language. Freaking stop the bleeding!
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@ytsurcarver wasn't me bro. I have defended him to Dan. You are confused.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
No, I did not check in. That is Brian Cardinal. Could be looked at as either desperation or out of ideas. Or both.
2 Jun

Earl_Thomas Earl Thomas
by SportsSturm
Dallas mavs coach look like Jim Carey..
2 Jun

espn_macmahon Tim MacMahon
by SportsSturm
Jason Terry's right wrist appears to be bothering him. Trainer Casey Smith was working on it while teams were shooting.
2 Jun

tuttleputter Brad Shasteen
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm ur a dumbass
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Now, in other news, Dirk and Jet have to do better. Dirk 3-10, Jet 1-5. Not going to work in 2nd Half.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Oh, stop. All of you. A halftime lead? The game still doesn't start for another quarter. Knee Jerking All over Texas.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Keep your heads, people. 51-51. Right where you want to be.
2 Jun

MFollowill Mark Followill
by SportsSturm
9-2 Miami after Lebron got 3rd foul...huge squandered opportunity
2 Jun

culrich13 Chris Ulrich
by SportsSturm@
@SportsSturm at the bar: Wade Heat jersey, red ankee hat, and wearing an elbow sleeve. I wish I was joking.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Look, I am multi-tasking. Proof reading is a low priority. Our/Are. Work it out.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
So, Wade and Lebron are going off - Dirk is 3-8 - and the Mavs are up 9? Sounds good.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
It looks like are hopes are pinned to DeShawn Stevenson. I wish I was kidding.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
"The Heat is On"; proving "Rock and Roll, Part 2" is not that bad.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
That dunk by Wade was beyond goaltending unless the rules have changed back to the 1963 interpretation. And, I mean his first dunk. :)
2 Jun

TheFullerTron Adam Fullerton
by SportsSturm
@SportsSturm Udonis Haslem comin' yo!
2 Jun

DEZ_88 Dez Bryant
by SportsSturm
Headed to pappadeaux
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Dirk doesn't even watch that shot go in. He knew when it left his hands.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
@
@DoomsDaddy I am really worried about my credibility.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
The Heat have taken 9 3's. This is good. I promise.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Haywood has Dampier hops. Or, one of those weight belts that improves your vertical on. Take it off before the game.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
I love the guy that wants them to block out better on that Lebron rebound dunk. With what, a F-16?
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Good gravy, that narcissistic jackwagon can dunk.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
This trip has shown me that the word "suck" is played out. Dallas does it, too, but wow. It constitutes about 55% of the vocabulary.
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
DeShawn thinks he is Jordan. Sorry, even when he makes it you have to get him out of there.
2 Jun

gordonkeith Gordon Keith
by SportsSturm
Save us, Dirkules. http://twitpic.com/563zpl
2 Jun

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Look for Rhynes in the Corby seats. #notcommonmen
2 Jun
»

SportsSturm Bob Sturm
Please. One time, baby. One time. One time!!!

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