Mavs Practice Report - Oct 16th 2009

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com (10/16/09)

Mavs Practice Report

Not taking any time to relax after their third straight preseason win, the Dallas Mavericks hit the practice court looking to improve as a battle with a perennial Eastern Conference power looms.

With LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal and the Cleveland Cavaliers on the horizon, the Mavs looked back at their 113-88 win against the Detroit Pistons as a learning lesson. After looking mediocre in the first half Thursday night, according to Mavs coach Rick Carlisle, the Mavericks will try to duplicate the success from the third quarter of the win.

Dallas outscored the Pistons 36-23 in the third period, using a formula of turning turnovers into transition offense. It is a formula that Carlisle hopes to continue Saturday night when the Cavs come to the American Airlines Center.

“It’s a mindset that we have to keep working on,” Carlisle said. “To start games, we’re going to have to play at the same level that we did to start the third quarter. Ironically, third quarters were overall our worst quarters last season and it was our best quarter the other night. But establishing real consistency is one of things that you have to do to be a championship-caliber team.”

One of the big reasons for the Mavs turnaround Thursday night was the play of the reserves. With forward Shawn Marion out with a mild strain to his right calf and Josh Howard still rehabbing from off-season ankle and wrist surgeries, the depth of Dallas is proving to be a strength in 2009-10.

“One of the things about being a good team in the NBA is you have to have some weapons off of the bench. We know what (Jason Terry) is going to bring us. Now is an opportunity for us to see where Drew Gooden, Kris Humphries, Quinton Ross, J.J. Barea and Rodrigue Beaubois fit into the equation. We have three more games to size it up, but hey, I like the team.”

One reason for the depth on the Mavericks bench is the ability of Gooden to bring starter-like ability to the reserve lineup. Thursday night, Gooden’s 16 points and seven rebounds brought stability to the frontline of the Mavs’ second unit.


“I really like the way that Drew played last night. He’s a guy that’s used to starting, and he’s going to be a starter at times for us, obviously,” Carlisle said.

“I’ve been in so many situations that I kind of adopt to whatever situation I’m in,” Gooden said. “Whatever time I get, or whatever position I’m in, I’m going to make the best of it.”

The former Cav is looking forward to the challenge of matching up with a new-look Cleveland team, and specifically O’Neal down low.

“(Cleveland) is a tough team. Now with Shaq and couple of more athletic wing players. It’s going to be a new team, and they’re going to be tough,” Gooden said.

On an interesting note, James, the league’s reigning MVP, is expected to make the trip to Dallas after missing Cleveland’s last preseason game with flu-like symptoms. He has also been tested for the H1N1 virus, though test were negative.

The Mavs and Cavs square off Saturday night at the American Airlines Center, tipping off at 7:30 p.m. CT and airing locally on KTXA. It is the Dallas’ final preseason home game. For ticket information call (214) 747-MAVS.

Dallas has also introduced the “MavsU” program, designed to offer college and university students an opportunity to attend Mavs games at a discounted rate. The Mavericks and Genghis Grill have teamed to offer discounted tickets to students for many upcoming games.


To purchase any MavsU ticket and receive a coupon for a free bowl at Genghis simply call 214-747-MAVS or visit Mavs.com.

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