“It’s not the cards your dealt, but it’s how you play the game”
Amen. The Dallas Mavericks are proving this theory true. Down a game and a half back from the Los Angeles Lakers and the final spot in the playoffs, the Mavericks showed that the team chemistry is really coming together, and that they won’t go down without a fight.
In the Mavericks’ 109-102 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Mavericks now find themselves one game back and one win away from shaving those beards.
“We’re fighters,” Mayo said. “We’re going to keep coming. We’re going to keep coming until I guess they say the fat lady sings. We’re going to keep coming, keep trying to get better, keep trying to win ballgames and give ourselves a shot.”
You got that right. The Mavericks have confidence, and anyone can tell you that when that happens they are always going to think they have a chance. It’s the way this franchise operates.
“Our work is not done. … The motivation is clear. This has been a winning franchise for a long time.” – Rick Carlisle
The Mavs had their backs against the walls multiple times last night, and just kept coming back for more. Tied up at 95 a piece with 25 seconds remaining, Chris Paul drove on Marion and got the shot off the glass to go, all but assuring the Mavericks another devastating loss in yet another crucial game.
That was the Mavericks before. Not now. With 5 seconds left on the clock, Mayo tip toed his way on the baseline and got the lay in to fall, eventually pushing this game to overtime. In the extra period, it was vintage Dirk Nowitzki. He went 2-3 from the field and 4-4 from the free throw line, as the Mavericks went on to prevail 109-102.
Some things that stood out to me in this one was the Mavericks scoring inside. The Mavs outscored the Clippers 48-32 in the paint. I ask you all to read that one more time. The Mavs, who aren’t known for their inside presence, seemed to get to the rim time and time again.
Dirk Nowitzki finally started shooting the ball. Look, I’m all for getting everyone else involved, but he has to get some touches. Nowitzki shot 21 times, missing only 9 of them, en route to 33 points on the night. Analysts continue to stay that Dirk is on his decline, but his stats are misleading. A night like last night goes to show the contrary to what the analysts are spitting out. This is Dirk’s team, and he is still capable of putting them on his backs some more.
The road to the final playoff spot is still very bumpy. The Mavericks will need to keep the momentum going along with the new found team chemistry in order to have a shot. Rick said this is a winning franchise first and foremost. Tuesday night, the Mavericks took one more step towards proving it.
What’s On Tap:
@ Pacers (3/27) – The Mavs will be looking for some revenge in this one. Not only are the razors within their grasp, but the Mavs got stomped in Indiana earlier this year, 103-83.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.