Mavs Practice Report (10/22/09)

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com (10/22/09)
Mavs Practice Report

It’s been a mystery all preseason long, but in Thursday’s practice it became a reality.

For the first time the projected starters for the Dallas Mavericks were all together, as both Josh Howard and Shawn Marion joined Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki and Erick Dampier in the team’s scrimmage. It was also the first time the team got a glimpse of how explosive the lineup is in actuality and not merely on paper.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
Marion could be flying high for Dallas again Friday night

“We’ve got a lot of weapons out there on that floor,” Marion said. “It’s just a matter of everybody just playing off of each other and just playing and having fun with each other.”

“We have a lot more options out there (with Marion and Howard both in the lineup). We’re very big and very athletic, and we’re going to be a very good defensive team this year. With everybody pressuring the ball a little bit more, getting active with their hands out there, you can see it.”

Howard has recently returned to practicing after off-season ankle and wrist surgeries, and Marion missed 10 days with a mild strain to his right calf.

While the goal is still for Howard to return to game action by the season opener on Oct. 27, Marion says he is ready to go and he expects to see time in Dallas’ final preseason game against the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Though practice is one thing, the two former All-Star players with resembling attributes may be learning how to play together on the fly once the regular season tips.

“Those guys are going to be playing a lot together this year and it’s work,” Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. “From what I saw today, it’s definitely something that we can be successful with for periods of time, but it’s hard evaluating it on just one day.”

“Guys need to play together to get a real feel for each other, but we have a veteran team and these guys all have a pretty good feel for the game and what they can all do individually. We’ll make it work. I’m extremely optimistic and we’re just sorting out our health issues.”

For now, the sight of both Marion and Howard in a Dallas uniform is just a pipe dream as the Mavs prepare for there final preseason test.

After resting the key rotation players against Cleveland in a 30-point slashing Tuesday night, the Mavericks are expected to play all of their healthy players against the Rockets in a final tune-up before the season opener.

“We’re trying to win the game. There’s one left before the regular season and I’m sure Houston will be trying to win it as well, so it will be a good test for us,” Carlisle said.

Not looking pass Friday night’s contest, Nowitzki is hoping the team can put forth an impressive showing with the season and home opener on the horizon. After getting off to a 2-7 start to last season, the Mavericks’ leading scorer says the final exhibition game could be key to getting off to a quicker start.

“Obviously, we would love to have a good game tomorrow and get everybody involved and have everybody feel good about themselves. But Tuesday is when it starts and that’s when we have to be sharp. I think it’s good that we’re are starting at home to get the home crowd into it,” Nowitzki said in anticipation of the season opener.

The Mavs and Rockets meet Friday night, with the game airing on KTXA 21 and KTXA 21 HD at 7:30 p.m CT.

The regular season tips for the Mavs at home against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 27, and tickets remain available. 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.

Follow Mavs.com’s Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EarlKSneed.