The Aftermath of The Oddest Season Ever

Sometimes, you must return to normal to realize just how amazing a time that you had.

And, over the weekend, the Dallas Mavericks returned to the normal, painful, and gutting feeling of being easily dismissed in the NBA Playoffs. This time, it was the young and energetic legs of the Oklahoma City Thunder. And this time, it was a 4-game sweep that started with question of who the better team was with 2 very close games up north of the Red River. But, by the end of the 4th game, with hat in hand, the Mavericks nodded and shook hands with their captors, as they had been soundly defeated. It was a 4-game sweep, something that is not normal at all in the Nowitzki-era. But, the sudden end of playoff basketball all to early in the playoffs often has been recently. Except the year it wasn't.

It is normal because in 2007, Golden State had a laugh at the Mavericks and pounded them with ease. In 2008, the same went for New Orleans and the 1st round bouncing that taught us that Josh Howard has a late April birthday and likes birthday parties. It also got his coach, Avery Johnson fired.

In 2009, the Mavericks won a round in the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 Western Finals by beating up a beaten up Spurs team, and then were bullied and dismantled by the Denver Nuggets in 5 games. Dirk, who had the newspapers enjoying his personal life issues, played valiantly, and pretty much alone. In 2010, those same Spurs had their revenge - ending yet another season in 6 quick games.

A quick point of context for this lesson, of course, is that in a 30 team league, there will be 29 teams that end the year in some level of disappointment. If the goal is to win the trophy at the end of the road, then odds are very much stacked against a single team ever winning it all in a single year or in many cases, even during a generation.

But, the Mavericks, who have been very successful for years in the regular season and flirted with major playoff success on a number of occasions, used the prime of Dirk Nowitzki after the 2006 NBA Finals to win 10 of 27 (37%) playoff games over the next 4 seasons. All seemed lost.

And then, the spring of 2011 happened. When it was happening, so many Mavericks fans and observers didn't anticipate it continuing. There was very little belief at the start of the run, and during the entire 60 days or so, there was a feeling amongst more than a few that nobody better move lest the perfect alignment of humanity be thrown off and cause this good fortune to expire. But, it never did. It just kept rolling. The further they advanced, the more they believed. The more they believed, the better they played. And so on they went. All of the way they advanced through teams that were considered better (Lakers), younger (Thunder), and then the best team on the planet, a team that was better and younger, the Miami Heat.

It was altogether magical and unpredictable. A team doing something that will likely never be matched. A team - as I wrote in my book about the championship, THIS YEAR IS DIFFERENT -

"with 109 years of service time, all of it ring-less: Kidd, Nowitzki, Stojakovic, Terry, Marion, Cardinal, Stevenson, Chandler, Haywood, Barea, Brewer, Mahinmi. Combined the 12 players that made up the 2011 NBA Finals roster had accumulated 109 previous seasons of experience (not to mention 362 years of age) that had ended without a championship.

No other NBA Championship winner of the past 50 years comes remotely close to that statistic. The runner-up was the 1989 Detroit Pistons, whose cast had combined for 67 seasons of title-less basketball before winning the first rings. The 1991 Chicago Bulls could claim 52 seasons and the 1983 Philadelphia 76ers had 45 seasons before their titles. The Mavs' aggregate 109 ringless seasons is just off the charts.

"We had no champions on this team," Chandler said. "And we walked away with a team full of champions."

Think about that. Consider that the no team had ever won it all with a veteran team without any championship accomplishments before the summer of 2011. That unlikely Dallas Mavericks squad gave us a show that was unique and singular and fairy tale-like from start to finish.

So, when I tweeted on Saturday night the following: In watching the exits of 2010 and 2012, I am reminded that the miracle of 2011 was, in fact, a miracle. I was certainly not expecting that to be offensive. But, perhaps because the sweep had just happened or perhaps because everyone was dealing with that Spurs' fan that we all know that was able to crow again, the term "miracle" caused many to recoil in their chairs when reading.

Any sporting title requires a lot of things to fall just right. Perfect health, the inch of good fortune going your way, and a call here or there from the officials that works out. Momentum, belief, inexperience on the other side are all there, too. Then, match-ups that smile upon you as you avoid match-ups that might not be as pleasant. It requires, in effect, everything to bounce correctly for you to be the one team out of 30 to remain standing.

Miracle is a term I suppose I have attached to sports since my favorite sporting event of my lifetime, "the Miracle on Ice" of the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid as our team of school boys took down the men from the Soviet Union to win a very unlikely gold. On February 9, 1980, 3 days before the 1st game of the Olympics, the USA and USSR met in New York for a final exhibition game. And when Russia won 10-3, we thought we knew the margin between the two teams. So, when they met again on February 22, and the USA won before beating Finland 2 days later for the gold, you had your miracle.

I would never compare the two stories in terms of their miraculous accomplishment. But, I would tell this story: After Game 2 of the 2011 Finals, I talked to several members of the Mavericks basketball operations staff. This was the game of the Mavericks insane comeback in the final 7 minutes to steal a game in Miami and a most improbable victory. At 1-1, the team had its chance to compete now in the playoffs. Which is why I will never forget the odd admission by more than one Mavericks' operative that those first two games had depressed them. They fully now realized what a massive hill the Mavericks had to climb. Yes, the series was tied. But, now, after being manhandled for 7 1/2 of the 8 quarters in Games 1 and 2, the realized the mismatch that Miami had on them all over the floor. Was there any way they could figure out a way to beat that team 3 more times? They had their doubts.

I remember Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Dwyane Wade all missing shots at the buzzer that would have won games for their teams. Shots that they had made dozens of times in their careers. But, in each case, they missed those shots off the rim. An inch here and an inch there.

This isn't to say that the Mavericks 2011 was a fluke. It wasn't. They went 16-5 and never lost a Game 5 or 6 in the playoffs. And they never needed to play a Game 7. They won the title with such precision and execution that nobody can make that case.

But, it was miraculous in that nobody saw it coming. And nobody saw it leaving. They were the best team in that tournament, but if those players played another series the next month, most people would again make Miami a big favorite. The players force people to play the odds. And the odds didn't agree with the result.

They might have only been the best team in the world for that moment in time. This year, for reasons that have been well documented, the Mavericks moved on from that team. Perhaps, even they knew what they had done and that it was highly unlikely that everything would align again like that.

As the sweep reached completion on Saturday Night, it was an odd feeling. They were taken down by a team that had their top 4 leading scorers in the series born in 1988 (Kevin Durant), 1988 (Russell Westbrook), 1989 (James Harden), and 1988 (Serge Ibaka). By their years of birth, Jason Kidd was already choosing which college he would play for. Their 5th leading scorer, Derek Fisher, had won 5 titles with Los Angeles (he is the former Laker that could teach Lamar Odom a thing or two about competing and being a pro) and a major contributor to their cause. The Thunder hope this is the year that they catch everything right for the next 3 rounds. And who is to say if they will capture that tailwind?

The end for Dallas was familiar pain and extreme disappointment. And yet, it made many of us reflect on 2011 all of the more. Maybe Spurs or Lakers fans will giggle at knowing many fans told me they pulled out their copies of the 2011 Finals to watch them again. They wanted to see Tyson Chandler back in a Mavericks uniform and everything making sense all over again. They wanted to make sure that last summer was not just all a dream.

This year was a major disappointment on pretty much every level. It would be difficult to assign blame and the sooner this team can move out of this "temporary" situation and into a phase the fans can buy into long-term, the better.

But, more than anything, maybe it is that slap of reality that makes one appreciate the fantasy ride that we had left behind. And in my mind, it might be the greatest sports story this city has ever experienced. And, to me, after seeing a familiar end to another seasons, it qualifies as a sports miracle all of the more.

Read More

The Morning After: Game 3 - OKC 95, Dallas 79 (3-0)

Read More

The Morning After: Game 2 - OKC 102, Mavericks 99 (2-0)

One more play.

The NBA game is a curious one. One that presents us with almost 3 hours of theater in which their can be hundreds of events that lead to victory. And yet, many observers often walk away wondering why they watch the 1st 75-90% of the game. Because, often, it seems that only the final few minutes - often referred to as "crunch time" - is all that truly matters.

One team gets out to a huge lead. The other team fights back. Then, they take a lead. Then the first team gets going again. Back and forth we go. Runs on both sides. But, seldom, especially in the playoffs, is anything decided before the final few minutes.

And in that portion of the game, each team will get the ball about 5 times. During those 5 possessions, the game will be decided. If you can get 3 baskets, you usually will win the game. And in this phase of the NBA playoff game, the Dallas Mavericks have gone from the team that can always figure out how to win to the team that is coming up one play short.

And that is why rash conclusions are dangerous in a situation like this. Again, in Game 2, the Oklahoma City won a game on their home court to the delight of their capacity crowd. They are over the moon with this performance and are full of confidence. And yet, their win was largely a result of two plays late in the game that they had almost no role in.

Play #1 was with 1:15 to play in the game with the Mavericks leading by a point, 97-96. Jason Terry was sliding off Dirk Nowitzki on a pick and roll on the left wing and both Russell Westbrook and Kendrick Perkins went with Terry. This left the kick back to Dirk wide open right in front of the Thunder bench. Perkins as standing in the paint. Westbrook was 12 feet away. Dirk sized up his open shot and in the background you can see a few Thunder fans holding their heads in agony because they have seen this too many times. Dirk has an unguarded look at a clutch shot that will give the Mavericks a multiple possession lead with a minute to play. He makes this shot. He did in Miami. He did in Los Angeles. He doesn't miss when it counts when you dare him to hit it wide open. But even though he held the follow-thru in his patented way, he caught the front rim as his shot was a few inches short. He missed the shot and kept the Thunder in a comfortable spot. And Oklahoma City had nothing to do with this play.

Play #2 was a mere 25 seconds later. After a great possession defensively which included Shawn Marion and Dirk both defending shots in the paint, the Thunder had an inbounds play with :02 left on the shot clock. The Thunder sent Derek Fisher over to Kevin Durant to pick Durant's man (Marion) and make him switch with Fisher's man (Jason Terry). This, of course, is the type of basic strategy that happens hundreds of times a game, to find a match-up that suits the offense. In retrospect, you wonder if the Mavericks should have been more prepared for this with Marion fighting through it a little harder or Kidd switching over to Durant, but Terry tried to take Durant in those fateful 2 seconds that might have cost Dallas Game 2. As the ball is inbounded, Terry tries to jump the route of Durant and goes for the ball. He really isn't close to his goal and instead offers the Thunder a lifeline when they did not earn one. Terry's decision should have been to play strong defense and make Durant hit a difficult shot falling out of bounds (which he might). But, instead, Terry's bump is rightly called a foul and Durant gives the Thunder a lead they never lose by hitting 2 free throws on a possession that was doomed. And Oklahoma City had very little to do with this play.

From there, Dirk missed a contested post move that bounced on the rim 3 times and we are left feeling rather similar to how we might have felt on Saturday night after Game 1. The Mavericks played well enough to win, but did not make enough plays in the final moments to achieve their victory. Instead, we are rationalizing and breaking down the final few plays and the Thunder are riding high on their way to Dallas for Game 3.

In the words of Rick Carlisle and Dirk Nowitzki, we should not dig too deep when analyzing these games. It is simply a matter of Oklahoma City "making one more play".

And, I think they are right.

But, then again, that is this NBA. That is what separates the winners from the losers every year. That is what made Jordan's Bulls better than Ewing's Knicks. It wasn't 40 point margins. It was 88-87 here, and 103-102 there. The very nature of the NBA game is one more play. Especially in the playoffs. A quick review of last year's championship run will tell the truth. It wasn't an avalanche of Mavericks' domination. It was a single play here and a single play there. And like a hot run in blackjack or your best round of golf ever, when it is over and you no longer have the hot hand, you wonder what has changed. How do you get that advantage back?

Are they too old? Are they too tired? Is it Oklahoma City's time? Did Mark Cuban mess this all up with his decisions before Christmas? Can we still blame Khloe?

Without knowing where the truth fully lies, the Mavericks are left feeling like they played 2 pretty strong and gutty road games and still find themselves in must-win territory on Thursday in Dallas. There is plenty left to improve, but there is also that sinking feeling that last year, they would have won one or both of these games by making that one more play. Last spring, Dirk hits that shot. And then every other talking point and detail does not seem nearly as important.

On the other hand, if Kobe hits that shot at the end of Game 1 last May, maybe the entire narrative of that dream playoff run turns out differently.

Tough to bite the hand of fate, when that hand has fed you so well.

Dust off and keep grinding.

Other thoughts about Game 2 in Oklahoma City:

* Dirk's effort should not be remembered for missing an open 3 late in the game. The fact is that his performance last night was one of his finest efforts. Playing with great determination and defiance. Hitting shots and not taking any garbage from the opposition. It is amazing to know that the NBA once employed the tactics of bullying Dirk and making him shy away from contact. That was a lifetime ago. This Dirk is not backing down from anyone. He isn't impressed by your muscles or scowl or the noise that comes out of your mouth. This Dirk is a ruthless, cold-blooded killer. To appreciate how tough he is now is only possible if you know what 20-year old Dirk played like. The evolution of the player is what makes his story so enjoyable. He has really grown up before our eyes and is now the man that many wondered if it were ever possible. You just love his mentality and wish the results were always as storybook as last spring.

* Which brings us to the moment in Game 2 that will be rerun the most. With 6 minutes to go in the opening quarter, Dirk hit a shot where Serge Ibaka looked to poke him in the eye inadvertently. The referees called nothing and this served to fire up Dirk even more. Next time down, Kendrick Perkins levels Marion with a pick and there is no call. Down on the other end, Dirk hits another shot in Ibaka's face and is looking as angry as ever. On Defense, Dirk is on the post with Perkins, and Perkins starts with the sharp elbow routine on his post move, then barrels in on a rebound attempt on a Durant shot that is more a chance to take a run at Dirk from behind. Dirk is waiting on him, and answers with a sharp elbow of his own and it explodes. Perkins does the normal tough-guy routine where he tries to get away from everyone holding him back while barking at Dirk from behind 5 guys. Dirk stand there and barks back. Rick Carlisle charges across the court and makes it clear to Oklahoma City that he has had it with the goon approach that started last spring with Perkins and Tyson Chandler. Perkins was simply doing his only contributing skill of getting physical and Dirk was answering the bell by showing it wasn't going to change him. In the end, it elongated the 1st Quarter, but the game went on rather peacefully. But, it does show how far the game gets out of hand when the refs completely swallow their whistles.

* And from that point on, there would be no more "prison rules". 54 fouls would be called, up a dozen from game 1, and the constant trips to the free throw line did nothing to help the flow of the game. However, these are two teams that know how to convert the freebies. When the worst-shooting performance from either team was 28-32 (Dallas, 88%), then you see that those points will be converted. Oklahoma City hit 37-39, 95%, and in a tight game like last night we certainly cannot underestimate such a thing.

* Those that refuse to want to revisit the Tyson Chandler decision may want to skip this point. Every time we look for culprits or reasons this team is not as good as last year's edition of the Mavericks, you keep coming back to letting one of your best players leave at the age of 29 for a contract that did not seem excessive (by NBA standards) in both salary and term. And yet, the Mavericks drew a curious line in the sand with Chandler and sent the real leader of this team away with the implied promise of future signings. In the meantime, a title defense and a wasted year of Nowitzki's remaining prime seems to make the decision a poor one. Further, a buyout of the disappointing Brendan Haywood (who gave the Mavericks very, very little) would have made it possible to keep Chandler, defend your title, and still be in the mix for Deron Williams in the summer. Yes, that is all water under the bridge and we should just move on, but when watching your core who worked so hard to get the trophy fighting their tails off, but being exposed because there is a giant piece missing from the puzzle, I keep coming back to it. And I think so do a lot of people who follow this team. It just doesn't make sense that the Mavericks made that decision. I feel like Mark Cuban gets most of his decisions right. But, wow, I have to believe he would privately concede that he screwed that one up. Every time someone tries to get tough with the Mavericks, every time a player drives right down the paint, and every time the Mavericks cannot secure a rebound, it is tough to forget about the greatest center in team history was here and seemed like he wanted to stay. OK. Got that out of my system. Sorry.

* Derek Fisher may be irritating and annoying, but some guys just know how to step up and do things when you need them most. Very impressive. When the Lakers sent him away, I wondered if he would contribute much in OKC. He clearly has, if last night is all he does. That was worth it. Like Peja in Game 2 against Portland last year, if a veteran gives you one playoff win contribution, he is worth the signing. I feel Delonte West may be a similar player before this series is over. He was good in Game 2, but there should be even better soon to come.

* Both teams missed enough open shots from guys who normally knock them down that whoever lost was going to point at that. Just as Dirk did, Kevin Durant missed some looks where he was not guarded by anyone. If the Thunder have a reason to feel great, it is that they are up 2-0, with Durant really struggling to find his offensive efficiency. Dallas knows how to guard him, but he didn't win 3 straight scoring titles without having nights where he cannot be guarded by anyone. If that arrives in Dallas, this could be a really quick series.

In total, Dallas still has a fine chance in this series, but their mulligans are gone. They cannot afford to lose any games in Dallas. Oklahoma City feels an ability to out-last the Mavericks at crunch time. Time is short. The playoff run is already in peril.

They have but one objective on Thursday: One more play.

Read More

The Morning After: Game 1 - OKC 99, Dallas 98 (1-0)

If he is going to make that shot at that moment... Well, sometimes, you might just have to tip your cap and go on to Game 2.

There are many talking points about the Mavericks' first night of playoff basketball since that glorious night in Miami 10 1/2 months ago, but really, like so many games between these teams in this city come down to, there is going to be a shot made at the end of the game - and you just hope there is no time left for the other team to respond.

And last night, the Thunder, like games earlier in the year on this same court between these same teams, survived an effort from Dallas where the Mavericks appeared to have a lead that would get them a victory. Only to be shown a defeat in an excruciating manner.

Kevin Durant did the deed. His shot that caught the left side of the rim, worked its way off the glass, before ultimately falling through was the final blow in a Game 1 win for the Thunder in very dramatic fashion. Shawn Marion was in his face contesting the shot as well as possible, but the NBA's leading scorer three-years-running just hit an exceptional shot with :01.5 seconds left. Dallas was caught with no timeouts and Dirk Nowitzki on the bench, so time expired before a desperation heave could even be attempted.

After the game, Nowitzki said something that seemed to summarize this 2011-12 Mavericks campaign: "I feel like all season long, for some reason, teams are making one more play, one more bounce." And that best captures Game 1.

The Mavericks did so many things well that should have led them to snag Game 1. Jason Terry was on fire and hitting his famous cold-blooded shots all night long. Jason Kidd was back to his playoff form of a season ago with steals and assists and important shots at important times. And Dirk, despite being held in check for large swaths of the evening, delivered 11 points in the 4th Quarter and gave Dallas a lead with :09 to go. Yet, the Thunder made one more play.

Dallas, a team that won a title last year with the notable ability to make opponent leads disappear with great ease, showed unbecoming generosity in the late stages of this opener in OKC. Dirk hit a shot from 17 feet with 2:30 to go to give the Mavericks a 94-87 advantage. Running down the floor he flashed his sneer at the home crowd and all seemed to point to a gigantic opening game win on the road.

However, the Thunder went on a 12-4 run that included 2 Durant free throws, a Serge Ibaka basket and a foul, a Durant dunk, another Ibaka basketball and a foul, and finally the dagger with less than 2 seconds to play. Meanwhile, the Mavericks possessions were far less efficient. A contested 3-pointer from Dirk that seemed unnecessary, a Dirk turnover, a chaotic possession that somehow ended up in Ian Mahinmi being fouled and hitting 2 free throws, another Dirk turnover, and finally Nowitzki giving the Mavericks the lead with :09 to go.

That particular possession is worth discussing a bit. Nowitzki rebounded a Durant miss and the Mavericks used their final timeout with :24 to play, down 97-96. They would get one possession to win Game 1. Knowing they had no timeouts left, it was imperative that they try to take the clock as far down as possible before going. If they are playing to preserve a plan even if they miss, that is even less likely given the lack of timeouts. They must make this final possession count. And that is why it seemed curious that Dirk would begin his move with about :12 left on Kendrick Perkins. We have seen Dirk on so many occasions wait about five seconds longer, but for whatever reason, he went earlier and drew a foul to give the Mavericks the lead. And honestly, there is no reason to believe that Durant wouldn't have still hit a shot even if the Thunder had the ball at half-court with :03 left instead of :09. But, I wondered about Rick Carlisle's use of his timeouts in this game and Nowitzki's decision to go so early when the Mavericks could have made their possession the final shot of the game.

And that, maybe, is the margin in these playoff games. Dallas did many things correctly, but somehow managed to lose. They are matched up against a team that suits their style about as well as any potential opponent. The Thunder are not a team that will physically dominate them on the glass, and that was demonstrated in Game 1 where Dallas held a rebounding advantage and a rare free throw advantage, as well. They held the NBA's 3-time leading scorer to 25 points on 27 shots. But, he still hit that shot at that moment to get that win.

Certainly, there is no reason for the Mavericks to leave without encouragement. Both teams know that Dallas is not a typical 7-seed and they do have a style that troubles the Thunder. But, as any seasoned NBA viewer knows, these games are exhausting and difficult to win. You cannot play well enough to win too many times without victory and not have an early summer to show for it.

Other notes and thoughts about Game 1:

* The continuing adventures of Rodrigue Beaubois are always notable. Last season, the Mavericks were more likely to use Brad Davis or Derek Harper in a game before they would consider Beaubois. But, there was some belief that he would have to play an important role this season if the Mavericks are to advance a round. And yet, in Game 1, there was another "DNP-CD" for Beaubois as the coach who always prefers the proven veterans, once again preferred the proven veterans.

* Serge Ibaka was sensational in Game 1. 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocked shots, and countless other altered shots. Ibaka plays high above the rim, and seems to have a vertical lift that troubles Dallas in the paint. He blocked 10 Mavericks' shots back in February, and now 21 in the last 3 games against Dallas. He certainly doesn't provide the points of Durant, Westbrook, or Harden, but the 22-year old from Congo is that perfect role player who doesn't need shots to contribute. He can know his role, receive passes under the hoop and then finish with ferocity. The Mavericks' simply must foul him harder so that he is not turning those easy dunks into 3 point plays. And speaking of 3-point plays, how about that shot before the half after the questionable foul on Dirk? Critical and pivotal, to say the least.

* And, speaking of questionable fouls, Carlisle did what coaches who lose in the playoffs always do. He took on the officials' handling of defense on Dirk: “I’ve seen this for four years. Dirk Nowitzki’s the hardest guy in the league to guard because at 22 feet, if you back up and take your hands off him, he’s going to make the shot. So people grab and hold him all the time. I mean, all the time. He shows incredible restraint in those areas.” We shall see what effect this has on Game 2, but in the playoffs, fouls don't get called much. Is he getting defended illegally? Maybe, but it looks like Marion is trying to get physical with Durant, too. I think it is nearly impossible to build the case against officiating this time of year. It seems like they switch to "prison rules" mode quite a bit.

* Scott Brooks is generally critiqued for his tactics, and in this series, it often revolves around his plans to defend Dirk. Ibaka took some turns and I think Nick Collison is always useful in this match-up. But, down the stretch, it was plenty of Kendrick Perkins on Dirk tight with Ibaka lurking as support help on drives. Not an idea that I would have thought would be effective, but given that Dirk was well under his 32-point average from last year's Western Conference Finals, I imagine Brooks and Perkins are feeling pretty good about the outcome. I am interested in the Mavericks counters on Monday.

* I have mixed emotions about the shot distribution in the 4th Quarter last night for Dallas. Jason Terry was having a wonderful performance through 3 quarters, and yet, only got the ball for 1 shot in the final quarter, despite playing 11:42 of it. Meanwhile, Vince Carter, in just under 7 minutes in the final quarter had 5 shots which made him the only Maverick besides Dirk with more than 2 shot attempts. But, before we get annoyed with Vince, we need to look at how his shots were taken. He was taking the ball hard at the rim and offering the squad some alternatives to the jump shots that normally characterize the offense. If he is going to go hard to the paint and finish inside (could have used one or two more conversions), then that might prove useful in this series. However, I still cannot allow the Thunder to keep Terry from putting his stamp on things. Dirk was determined last night, but I wonder if at times, he was actually too determined - playing his way into some turnovers that might have been avoided late.

* Russell Westbrook, one of the most polarizing players in the NBA, is full of talking points on a nightly basis. But his explosive and decisive play cannot be undersold. And his pull-up jumper with his odd body shape at release, seems pretty reliable. The Thunder as a whole are going to figure this all out at some point soon, and I wonder how close they are to that.

* Beyond all else, to see Kidd, Terry, Dirk, and Shawn Marion doing what they normally do in these playoff games, I have to confess that there was some level of therapeutic healing last night for what must be considered one of the oddest times of Mavericks basketball that I can remember. The nature of this season, full of title defense talk, player chaos, ownership decisions, and the feeling that the priorities for this franchise are far too focused on the future than the present has put many of us into some level of fog about what to think about this current crew. Many of the warriors of this team have in some ways been discarded in the fans' minds already even though they still fight for the team every night. Meanwhile, ideas of what future players might arrive in July has been given too much attention. But, to watch those 4 players in particular, the spine of the championship team that made dreams come true in 2011, fight again together in playoff basketball last night was enjoyable. This current crew might be making their last stand, but you can still see why they are special. They have turned up their game a notch and will most certainly not go quietly into the night. They have, as many in their spot have had before them, the heart of champions. And despite the fact that they may be scattered soon to other franchises, I think last night there was some "Mavericks healing" from watching familiar warriors doing familiar things again. This season isn't about Deron Williams, Dwight Howard, Lamar Odom, or even Mark Cuban. This season, to me, is about those 4 guys, a few muskets, a small reserve of ammo, and enemy forces surrounding them. They know it likely won't end well, but they are going to empty their guns either way.

Can't wait to see them push Oklahoma City hard on Monday Night.

Read More

2011 NBA Finals - Mini Movies

Read More

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

Read More

Mavericks vs Heat 6/12/11 Game 6 ADS

Mavs: 105

Heat: 95

		ADS	ADS+
1st	Dal	12.6	11.5
	Mia	13.5	12.5
2nd	Dal	16.3	15.6
	Mia	12.5	10.5
3rd	Dal	13.9	13.3
	Mia	11.7	9
4th	Dal	16.7	14.5
	Mia	13.9	12.7
Total	Dal	14.8	13.7
	Mia	13	11.3

Side Notes
- Mavs were 11 of 26 from the 2-point line.

- LeBron James still does not have a ring.

- The Cubes can now go fishing off the coast.

- Terry scored game-high 27 points.

Click here to read Bob's Morning After for your World Championship Mavericks.

Mavericks FGM/A ADS ADS+ Barea 7/12 12.5 12.5 Cardinal 1/1 23 23 Chandler 2/4 2.3 2 Kidd 2/4 23.8 19.2 Mahinmi 2/3 13.7 13.7 Marion 4/10 6.6 5.3 Nowitzki 9/27 15.9 15.9 Stevenson 3/5 24.8 24.8 Terry 11/15 17.6 15.6 Team Total 41/81 14.8 13.7

Heat FGM/A ADS ADS+ Anthony 0/2 3.5 3.5 Bosh 7/9 9.9 7.7 Chalmers 5/12 15.8 12.8 Haslem 3/8 5.6 4.7 House 3/7 22.8 22.8 Howard 0/1 7 4 James 9/15 13.7 13.7 Miller 0/1 25 25 Wade 6/15 12.1 10.2 Team Total 34/70 13 11.3

ADS ADS+ Barea 12.6 12.2 Mahinmi 9 7.7 Chandler 1.8 1.6 Haywood 3 2 Kidd 21.1 20.1 Stojakovic 23.8 23.8 Marion 6.3 5.8 Terry 16.8 14.9 Nowitzki 13.3 12 Stevenson 24.3 22.5 Cardinal 24 24 Team Total 13.15 11.76 Opp. Total 12.83 11.56

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

Thank you all for reading all season long, hope you enjoyed our little project called ADS.

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

Mavericks vs Heat 6 /9/11 Game 5 ADS

Mavericks: 112
Heat: 103

		ADS	ADS+
1st	Dal	11.2	10.2
	Mia	13.5	12.3
2nd	Dal	12.1	11.5
	Mia	13.4	12.2
3rd	Dal	16.7	16.7
	Mia	13.8	13
4th	Dal	11.4	9.1
	Mia	10.7	8.7
Total	Dal	13.1	11.9
	Mia	12.9	11.5

Side Notes

- Dirk had a game-high 29 points.

- LeBron ends the night with a triple double (17pts, 10 boards, 10 ast).

- Wade and James shot a combined 16.7% from 15ft plus.

Some key ADS notes/trends that Adam has noticed through out this series.

GM5 Make/Miss Series Make/Miss
Heat 8.8/17.5 10/15
James 5/16.5 8.9/16.4
Wade 7.8/14 7.3/13.9

Mavs 11.4/13.7 11.2/13.8
Nowitzki 10.4/16 11.8/12.9
Terry 17.5/21.5 14.9/17.7


Also, LeBron's struggles shooting are bad. If you ever wonder why is a low ADS so important for some players, look at Lebron:

GMs 3-5 Series
At the Rim 11/17 (64.7%) 18/26 (69.2%)
Beyond 3FT 6/27 (22.2%) 16/49 (32.7%)
Beyond 10FT 3/22 (13.6%) 12/42 (28.6%)
Beyond 16FT 2/19 (10.5%) 9/34 (26.5%)

Basically for the series LeBron's FG percentage is 45.3%....But really he is dunking at 69.2% and shooting just 29.6%.

Mavericks FGM/A ADS ADS+ Barea 6/11 15.4 15.4 Chandler 5/7 1.3 1.3 Kidd 4/6 17 17 Cardinal 1/1 25 25 Marion 4/11 6.3 6.3 Nowitzki 9/18 14.1 11.7 Stevenson 1/2 23 15.7 Terry 8/12 18.8 18.8 Mahinmi 1/1 1 1 Team Total 39/69 13.1 11.9

Heat FGM/A ADS ADS+ Anthony 1/1 5 5 Bibby 1/2 20.5 20.5 Bosh 6/12 11 8.5 Chalmers 3/5 24 24 Haslem 5/8 6 6 James 8/19 11.7 11.7 Miller 3/5 23 23 Wade 6/11 10.6 7.6 Howard 3/3 10.3 10.3 House 0/2 23.5 23.5 Team Total 37/68 12.9 11.5

ADS ADS+ Barea 12.6 12.1 Mahinmi 2 1.7 Chandler 1.8 1.5 Haywood 3 2 Kidd 20.8 20.2 Stojakovic 23.8 23.8 Marion 6.3 5.9 Terry 16.5 14.7 Nowitzki 12.5 11 Stevenson 24.1 21.9 Cardinal 24.5 24.5 Team Total 12.76 11.33 Opp. Total 12.79 11.61

What is ADS? Read the FAQ and find out.

Thanks to Adam Rosen and Heath Huston for the data.

Read More

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