Mavericks-Cavaliers Recap

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Dallas Mavericks 95 at Cleveland Cavaliers 111

The Dallas Mavericks entered the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singing a high note, riding a five-game road winning streak including the first two legs of a three-game road trip.

They left singing the blues, as the Mavs fell 111-95 to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for the fourth straight time. The Mavs struggled to rekindle the success from the past two games, finishing up a brutal stretch of four games in five nights including playing on the second night of a back-to-back.

"We're not going to make that excuse," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said about not using the tough schedule as reasoning to explain the play on Saturday night. "Nobody played more than 30 minutes last night (at Indiana), so I don't buy that."

"It was frustrating," big man Drew Gooden said after the loss. "We didn't play our game tonight and they did a great job of getting out on us early. They shot over 50 percent, I believe, for the whole game, and it's tough to win basketball games when you let a team get it going like that."

(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
LeBron James got to the basket easily early

Once again starting a lineup of Jason Kidd, Rodrigue Beaubois, Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki and Gooden, Dallas hoped to complete a sweep of their three-game road trip with a victory over the Cavaliers. The starting unit's top priority was to keep James out of the lane. As it often can be, keeping James away from the rim was a tough task for the Dallas defense, as No. 23 and the Cavs used a 10-0 run midway through the first quarter to take a seven-point lead (19-12).

Dallas answered with sixth man Jason Terry, who came off the bench to provide much needed scoring from the perimeter with three 3-point bombs. But the Cavs showed the Mavericks just why they rank tops in the league in first quarter scoring, taking a 35-26 lead after one behind James' 11 points.

The Mavericks quickly found themselves down 14 in the second quarter, causing Dallas to switch to a zone defense in an attempt to stop the penetration in the lane. Meanwhile, the Mavs got a spark from J.J. Barea, as the smallest man on the court got into the lane at will in the period. With the lane closed down by Dallas' defense, the Cavs began to swing the ball and stroke it from long range.

"(The Mavs' defense) came with double teams, and at times they didn't so we still made the extra pass and that's why our guys were able to get some really good looks," James said after he systematically bisected the Dallas defense. "We are a really, really good team when we do that."

"It (ball movement) was huge for them in knocking down the shots," Gooden said. "It made it even harder to guard. It's tough to beat any team with that."

After Cleveland sprinted out to an 18-point lead, Dallas closed the first half with five unanswered on a Terry jumper and Barea's buzzer-beating 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 68-55 at the break.

"In the first half, we got caught ball-watching too many times," Carlisle said. "Cuts for layups, cuts for catches that led to another pass and a three, it got us behind the eight ball. It was probably as poor a defensive half as we've played all year. And you can't do that against a team that's this good on their home court. It makes it very difficult."

Despite shooting just under 53 percent in the half, Dallas couldn't overcome Cleveland's red-hot shooting, as the Cavs hit on 68 percent from the floor and 7-of-8 from behind the three-point arch. Cleveland also held a decisive rebounding edge with a 23-11 advantage on the glass.

"We needed to be better defensively. Simple as that. You give up 68 percent field goal shooting in the first half, you're going to be behind. We were fortunate to be 13 down at that point," Carlisle said.

Terry led all scorers at the half with 18 points, including 4-of-6 from three. Mo Williams' 17 points paced the Cavaliers, while James seemed on pace for a triple-double with 13 points, 11 assists and five rebounds in the first 24 minutes of play.

Carlisle needed scoring right away as the second half began, so the head man inserted Terry in the lineup for Beaubois at the beginning of the third. The decision quickly paid off as Dallas trimmed the deficit under double-digits, but the Mavs never got closer than seven in the period. Outscoring Cleveland 24-19 in the third, Dallas went into the final period down 87-79.

The Mavericks never got into a good rhythm offensively in the fourth, due in large part to a suffocating Cavalier defense that showcased why it is one of the best in the league. Dallas' inability to protect the ball, while not scoring at a high volume, sealed the Mavs' fate for the night. Cleveland's 24-16 scoring edge in the final period put to bed any chance of a Dallas comeback.

"They were a step quicker," Terry said. "You take your hat off to them. They moved the ball well and found their shooters in rhythm, ready to shoot the ball."

(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

Doing much of their damage at the rim in the first half, the Cavaliers out-shot the Mavs 58 to 47 percent. When the shots weren't falling for Cleveland, the Cavs still managed to grab the rebound, winning the battle of the boards 39-24.

"We were better in the second half, but when we got some stops, we weren't able to convert on offense. So our undoing was the first half when we just didn't do the job we needed to do defensively," Carlisle said.

Nowitzki finished with a game-high 27 points in his 42 minutes of game time, while Terry provided 25 of his own. Marion (12) and Barea (10) were the only other Mavs in double-figures.

James and Williams tied for team-high scoring honors with 25 points apiece, while James dished out 12 assists and grabbed five rebounds.

Cleveland found a way to neutralize what is so often a strength for Dallas, as the Maverick bench was basically played to a draw with the Dallas reserves merely outscoring the Cavs' bench 41-40.

Dallas returns to the American Airlines Center on Monday, when they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers. That game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

"You can't get your head down, you stay confident," Terry said. "We're at home and we have a big game against Philly and our whole focus should be on that game. This one is over with."

The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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

Mavericks-Cavaliers Preview

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Dallas Mavericks (12-4) at Cleveland Cavaliers (11-5)

Both the Dallas Mavericks and the Cleveland Cavaliers came into the 2009-10 season with gold hardware on their brains.

Both squads made blockbuster off-season trades this summer to bring in former All-Stars, as Dallas pulled off a four-team trade to welcome in Shawn Marion and Cleveland acquired Shaquille O'Neal via trade.

(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Both Nowitzki and James are playing like MVPs this season

Essentially, the two teams are in the same place, as both the Mavs and Cavs lead their divisions and have won eight of their last 10 games in pursuit of an NBA title. Both franchises are also faced with the daunting task of building a championship contender while their superstars are still in their prime, as both Dirk Nowitzki, a former league MVP, and LeBron James, the reigning MVP, are each putting up numbers worthy of the honor again this season.

"Cleveland's a top team. They're a top franchise. So is Dallas. It's an interesting matchup," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said before the two teams met in the preseason.

With neither team playing their full compliment of players in the two meetings, Dallas and Cleveland split the pair of exhibition games. Now the two meet, and the game actually counts.

As with any time you square-off with the Cavs, you must try to contain James on the perimeter, while also not allowing O'Neal to dominate in the painted area. If only it was that simple.

"LeBron is one of the best, if not the best player in the league. You just have to try to limit his touches," Mavs point guard Jason Kidd said.

"Shaq is still a great player," Carlisle said though the big man has fought through injuries this season and is getting up in age. "No question. We'll try to play him straight up when we can, but it's very difficult. So, you have to have help ready."

At the other end, the Mavericks will hope to carry over the offensive explosion and high activity that has been on display the last two games, both blowout Dallas wins on the first two legs of a three-game road trip.

"Our activity and our energy were good, and we have to carry it over to Cleveland," Carlisle said of his team's play recently.

The Mavs have averaged 122 points per game in this two-game stretch, which will have to continue if Dallas is going to sweep this road trip with a victory against traditionally one of the best defensive teams in the league.

"Our offense really seems to be clicking," Nowitzki said. "The last two games we've done a good job of swinging the ball and shooting the ball well."

"All around, our offense has been looking better the last couple of games. I like what we’re doing lately."

Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Mavericks hit the court against James and the Cavaliers on Saturday evening, with the game airing locally on KTXA 21 and KTXA HD at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Dallas returns to the American Airlines Center on Monday, when they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers. That game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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

Mavericks-Pacers Recap

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Dallas Mavericks 113 at Indiana Pacers 92

It seems only right that the hard-charging Dallas Mavericks run their road winning streak to five in the city that plays host to the Indy 500.

The run-and-gun and fast-breaking Mavs drove out to a big lead and put it on cruise control to the checkered flag against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, as the Dallas starters watched from the sideline in the fourth with plenty of gas left for the second night of a back-to-back after a 113-92 runaway win.

"We're happy to get out of here alive," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said after the win. "This isn't an easy game. These guys can put a lot of points on the board. But fortunately they were missing some shots tonight and we were active defensively."

In a game matching the NBA's sixth and eighth leading scorers, the Mavericks entered Indianapolis hoping to play balanced team basketball, much like they did in Houston en route to a 130-99 blowout win over the Rockets. Dallas accomplished that goal once again, getting another solid effort from the Maverick bench.

(Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Nowitzki sent a message to Granger and the Pacers early

"Our offense really seems to be clicking," Dirk Nowitzki said. "The last two games we've done a good job of swinging the ball and shooting the ball well."

For the second straight game, the Mavericks put out a starting lineup of Jason Kidd, rookie Rodrigue Beaubois, Shawn Marion, Nowitzki and Drew Gooden. As advertised, the two superstars, Nowitzki and the Pacers' Danny Granger, paced their squads early on. No. 41 set the Mavs up for a big first quarter with 11 early points, before J.J. Barea's buzzer-beating 3-pointer gave Dallas a 35-26 lead after one.

With the starters getting rest on the bench and Kris Humphries dominating the glass, the Mavericks' second unit put distance between themselves and the Pacers early in the second period. Pushing the tempo and increasing the lead to as large as 22 in the quarter, Dallas took a 66-54 advantage into the half.

Behind Humphries' 10 rebounds, the Mavs held a 29-17 rebounding edge after the first 24 minutes of play.

Nowitzki led all scorers with 19 first half points, while Jason Terry added 11 points off the Dallas bench to help the Mavericks shoot 50 percent. Meanwhile, Granger's 15 points in the half kept Indiana close.

"My first couple of shots felt good. All around, our offense has been looking better the last couple of games. I like what we’re doing lately," Nowitzki said.

Nowitzki and the Mavs kept coming in the third, as Dallas attacked the rim more aggressively in the period. Scoring easily inside, Dallas began to drive and kick it outside for the long range shot. Following that formula, the Mavericks pushed the lead back up to 26. Scoring the last 11 points of the third quarter, after a Carlisle 20-second timeout with Indiana within 15, Dallas took a 95-69 lead into the fourth.

"They’re aggressive. They have some competitors and are well coached. The third quarter, we protected the ball and kept executing," Nowitzki said.

With the big lead in the pocket, the Mavs' starters sat on the bench and iced in the fourth in preparation for the second night of a back-to-back. The Dallas bench was up for the challenge of finishing the Pacers off for the night, as James Singleton made the hustle plays to put the cap on the eventual 21-point win.

"Singleton gave us great energy," Carlisle said. "We made a good push when he was in, in the first half. "He's just physical and rebounds. He makes a lot of things happen. He was ready to play, and our second unit was good."

Nowitzki led the way with a game-high 31 points without playing a second in the fourth quarter. Terry (17), Marion (13), Humphries (12) and Kidd (11) all scored in double-digits in the victory.

(Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Humphries dominated the glass in the Dallas win

Humphries record a double-double, cleaning the glass with a game-high 11 rebounds (five offensive). Behind the former Minnesota standout, Dallas out-rebounded Indiana 54-33 with 17 boards coming off the offensive glass.

"We did a nice job, particularly on the defensive boards, and with 17 offensive rebounds you should be scoring some points," Carlisle said.

The Mavs' rebounding only enhanced a 45 percent shooting night, while the Dallas defense held the Pacers to 43 percent at the other end.

The Mavericks hit the court again on a quick turnaround on Saturday evening against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The game will air locally on KTXA 21 and KTXA HD at 6:30 p.m. CT.

"Our activity and our energy were good, and we have to carry it over to Cleveland tomorrow," Carlisle said.

Dallas returns to the American Airlines Center on Nov. 30, when they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers. That game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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

Mavericks-Pacers Preview

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Dallas Mavericks (11-4) at Indiana Pacers (6-7)

The Dallas Mavericks displayed a blueprint for how basketball should be played in their 130-99 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Now with the Thanksgiving holiday behind them and the Indiana Pacers staring Dallas in the face, the Mavs hope to prove that the high-tempo, hot-shooting play showcased against the Rockets was no fluke.

"(Dallas' play on Wednesday night) is what makes this league fantastic," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said about the blowout win over Houston. "Our guys bounced back well (after a 111-103 loss to a short-handed Golden State team). Our tempo was perfect. Consistency with our effort and overall team play will be key for this team."

"After the Golden State game, we got refocused," big man Drew Gooden said after the Mavs' Friday morning shootaround. "At Houston, we went on a run, got deflections, got back on defense and got into a good rhythm. It was a good effort for us and got us back on track for the road trip."

The effort was certainly live and in living color on Wednesday night, and the team play as well, as Dallas' bench posted 68 points led by sixth man extraordinaire Jason Terry and the versatile Tim Thomas. Dallas will need another team effort, meaning another big night from the bench, if the Mavs want to move to 2-0 on their current three-game road trip.

"We have guys on the bench that have been around and know how to play the game," Thomas said.

Now the Mavs will attempt to duplicate their last performance against a very game Pacer squad, that always plays its best ball against the elite teams in the league.

(Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Two of the league's best scorers showdown in Indy on Friday


The Pacers are expected to have Mike Dunleavy back after missing 10 months with a right knee injury. Indiana should also have the NBA's eighth leading scorer, Danny Granger, back on the court after the forward sat out the team's 86-73 win over the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday night due to a knee sprain. Granger averages 25.2 points per game, but the Mavs' Dirk Nowitzki sits sixth in the league in scoring, posting 26.9 points every time he's laced up his sneakers.

Nowitzki and Granger headline the Mavericks-Pacers matchup, which will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7 p.m. CT.

Dallas returns to the American Airlines Center on Nov. 30, when they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers. That game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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

Mavericks-Rockets Recap

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Dallas Mavericks 130 at Houston Rockets 99

It's amazing how things can change in a 24-hour span.

The Dallas Mavericks lacked both energy and effort in their 111-103 loss to Golden State on Tuesday night. As with any team, the Mavs' energy level was directly correlated to their shooting just a night later, as Dallas shot lights-out against the Houston Rockets in the first matchup of a three-game road trip.

On a night in which Jason Kidd continued to cement his place in NBA immortality, the Mavericks shot a season-high 65.5 percent and showed just why they are so thankful for their depth and bench play this holiday season, as the Dallas reserves outscored their Houston counterparts 68-44 to lift Dallas to a 130-99 road win. With the victory, the Mavs have claimed the first two meetings of the season against the Southwest Division rival.

"Nights like last night are tough and tonight is what makes this league fantastic," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said after the win. "Our guys bounced back well. Our tempo was perfect. Last night, we played a very unintelligent game. We were much more aggressive tonight. Consistency with our effort and overall team play will be key for this team."

(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kidd moved into second place on the all-time assists list in the win

While the Mavs were snatching away the win from the Rockets' grasp, Kidd was dishing out assists as he has his entire career, moving past Mark Jackson into second on the all-time assists list.

"The big thing was we knew it was going to happen," Kidd said of the accomplishment. "The stats will take care of themselves and after my career is over I will reflect on them."

Dallas came into Houston hoping that the return of Shawn Marion would be just what the doctor ordered, as the high-flying forward returned to the court after a sprained left ankle kept him out of the last three contests. With Quinton Ross (lower back injury) not traveling with the team, Marion joined Kidd, rookie Rodrigue Beaubois, Dirk Nowitzki and Drew Gooden in the starting lineup.

But not even Marion was enough to inject life into the struggling Mavericks early, as Dallas quickly found themselves down 13 (17-4) in the first quarter as Chuck Hayes and Luis Scola dominated the paint at the onset.

"Houston scored on their first nine possessions of the game," Carlisle said. "Our start was horrendous. The rest of the game was great. We battled back and were very active defensively."

"Defensively, we couldn't get a stop to start the game and they came out hot," Nowitzki said. "Our bench was great and we stepped up on defense and that turned the game for us."

Behind Kidd and sixth man Jason Terry, the Mavs responded with outside shooting to end the quarter on a 32-8 run, taking a 36-25 lead at the end of one.

Terry's 13-point first quarter was instrumental, as the Mavs came back from a double-digit deficit much like the first meeting between the two squads, when Dallas overcame a 17-point deficit to win in a route.

(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
Thomas was a much-needed spark off the Mavs' bench Wednesday night


Behind newcomer Tim Thomas' touch from 3-point range and his ability to score in the paint, the Dallas advantage grew to 17 (46-29) in the early minutes of the second quarter. Nowitzki's face-up jumper with 3:17 left in the half put the Dallas lead at 18 (60-42), before the Mavericks closed the first half up 68-51.

"We had to get ourselves going after the way the game started," Thomas said. "We have guys on the bench that have been around and know how to play the game. I have a high confidence level and I’m trying to get a feel for everything."

"He (Thomas) brings a playoff mentality to our team. He has worked hard and has been impressive. He came here for a chance to win a championship and he took a substantial pay cut for this opportunity. I’m proud of him and the way he plays," Carlisle said.

Nowitzki, Terry and Thomas combined to score 43 of the Mavs' 68 first half points. Dallas shot a staggering 69 percent in the first half, while hitting 5-of-7 from behind the 3-point arch. Meanwhile, after the abysmal start, the Dallas defense held Houston to 44 percent shooting and just 4-of-13 from long range.

The Mavericks were hoping those trends continued in the second half, and continue they did.

At the 10:52-mark of the third quarter, the Mavericks were a part of history, as Kidd moved ahead of Jackson and just behind John Stockton on the assists charts with a beautiful alley-oop lob pass to Beaubois for the above-the-rim finish. As for the third quarter, it was just business as usual for the Mavs, leading by as much as 20 before taking a 91-77 advantage into the fourth.

"Some records are meant to stay where they are and the all-time assist number of John Stockton is going to stay there for a long time," Kidd said. "When you are talking about the all-time great guards you can’t omit John Stockton. He has to be up at the top of the list."

Dallas made quick work of the Rockets in the final period, leading by as much as 35 while outscoring Houston 39-22 in the period.

Terry led the way for Dallas with a game-high 27 points (on 10-of-11 shooting), adding 10 assists as well for the double-double. Meanwhile, Nowitzki (25), Thomas (23), Marion (12) and Gooden (10) made it five Mavericks in double-figures. Kidd finished with nine points and seven assists on the night, giving the point guard 10,337 dimes for his career.

In a losing effort, Carl Landry led Houston with 24 points.

In addition to the Mavs' hot shooting, the Dallas defense forced 17 turnovers and held the Rockets' sharpshooters to just 5-of-20 from 3-point range.

The Mavericks continue on their road trip, touching down in Indianapolis on Friday night to battle the Indiana Pacers. The Mavericks-Pacers matchup will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7 p.m. CT.

Dallas returns to the American Airlines Center on Nov. 30, when they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers. That game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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

Mavericks-Rockets Preview

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Houston Rockets (8-6) at Dallas Mavericks (10-4)

The Jekyll and Hyde personality of the Dallas Mavericks showed itself again on Tuesday night, as the Mavs were out-worked and flat out-played by a short-handed Golden State Warriors ball club.

Though the banged up Warriors only played six players, taking the court without their head coach, they still mustered up enough energy to outscore Dallas 24-7 the last 7:18 of the fourth to take the 111-103 victory and halt the Mavs' five-game winning streak dead in its tracks.

"They made shots and we didn't get stops," point guard Jason Kidd said after the loss. "We were up seven with five minutes left and normally we'll get stops even if we don't get baskets, but tonight we just didn't get it done."

(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dallas will try to out-work the Rockets on Tuesday night


Now the Mavs have to find a way to get it done on the second night of a back-to-back against the team that sits just below them in the Southwest Division standings and arguably the hardest working squad in the NBA, the Houston Rockets.

Earlier in the season, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said no team in the league would out-work the Rockets, with Tracy McGrady (knee) and Yao Ming (foot) both out for the division foe. Houston proved him right, as the Rockets built a 17-point first half lead on the Mavs at the American Airlines Center with a workman-like effort before Dallas stormed back to blow out Houston 121-103 in their Nov. 10 meeting.

"The way we looked down the stretch (against Golden State), a day off wouldn't be bad," Nowitzki said. "We didn't make the schedule. We have to go down to Houston, they're waiting on us. They're also a high-energy team, with a bunch of young guys that move a lot in the Rick Adelman offense. So, we'll try to get some rest tonight and during the day and be ready for tomorrow."

After not matching the Warriors' energy level and seeing first-hand what the Rockets are capable of, the Mavericks know they can't enter Houston with tired legs.

"Houston is not going to get any easier," sixth man Jason Terry said. "They're a tough team. They always play tough at home and we have to get a win."

Dallas could receive an energy boost from forward Shawn Marion, who will once again be listed as a game-time decision as he attempts to return from a sprained left ankle. Marion has missed the last three games for the Mavs since suffering the injury on the first play of the game against Milwaukee on Nov. 16.

The Mavericks-Rockets matchup will air locally on Tuesday night on KTXA 21 and KTXA HD at 7:30 p.m. CT. It is the first game of a three-game road trip for the Mavs.

Dallas returns to the American Airlines Center on Nov. 30, when they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers. That game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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

Mavericks-Warriors Recap

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Golden State Warriors 111 at Dallas Mavericks 103

The Dallas Mavericks have made a living out of winning hard-fought games in the fourth quarter with effort and energy.

The stage was set up for a repeat clutch performance in the fourth quarter Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors, but on this night it would be the Warriors who were the more energetic squad late, as Golden State staged a late-game comeback to end the Mavericks' five-game winning streak on Dallas' home floor, as the Mavs fell 111-103.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
Monte Ellis' 37 points, mostly at the rim, downed the Mavs


"If you leave teams hanging around all the time, it's going to come around and hurt you one of these games," Dirk Nowitzki said. "We were fortunate a couple of times to win some games probably earlier that we should have lost and this was the other way around."

Despite matching up against a Warriors team that played only six players, while missing Coach Don Nelson (pneumonia), and regardless of Dallas' nine-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, the Mavs were outscored 33-21 in the decisive period.

"It's just very disappointing to work so hard to get a lead and then lose it, especially at home," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. "It's a very tough loss. I think we'll look back and point to a lack of attention to detail in terms of our effort."

"There were too many breakdowns. It was as simple as that -- mental and physical. We've had too many of these games at home, where we have lost focus. We've been able to win the majority of them but tonight we left too much to chance in the last six minutes."

With members of the armed forces lining the American Airlines Center on Military Appreciation Night, the Mavericks came in ready to do battle with the Warriors. And a battle is certainly what they received.

With the Warriors short-handed, the Mavs were hoping to knock the wounded Golden State squad on the ropes early. But Dallas had health issues of its own, as Erick Dampier (illness), Josh Howard (surgically-repaired left ankle) and Shawn Marion (sprained left ankle) sat and watched in street clothes from the sideline. Marion, who was listed as a game-time decision before the tip, didn't participate in pregame warm-ups.

Once again starting a lineup of Jason Kidd, Rodrigue Beaubois, Quinton Ross, Nowitzki and Drew Gooden, the Mavs sprinted out to a quick 10-3 advantage. Golden State hung tough behind Monte Ellis' quick trigger, as Dallas' sloppy play in the first quarter gave Golden State life. Using a three-guard lineup of Kidd (later subbed by J.J. Barea), Beaubois and Jason Terry, the Mavs took a 27-25 lead at the end of one.

"We knew they had dangerous weapons, and Monte Ellis is probably one of the best slasher-drivers we have in this league right now," Nowitzki said. "He got to the basket whenever he wanted, it seemed like."

The Mavericks had a hard time keeping up with and defending the Warriors' fast-pace offense early in the second, as Golden State surged ahead. Not even Kris Humphries' block on Anthony Randolph's finger-roll, sending the shot into the first row seats, was enough to energize a stagnant Mavs squad.

As expected, when Nowitzki came to life, so too did the Mavs offense. Nowitzki's 17 first half points (12 in the second quarter) powered Dallas to a 54-50 lead heading into the break.

"Maybe we got a little carried away and ran with them a little bit too much in the first half and didn't have enough down the stretch," Nowitzki said.

Despite being out-shot 44 to 42 percent in the first half, Dallas forced 12 Golden State turnovers, scoring 11 points off of those giveaways to gain the slight advantage.

The second half began with Terry inserted in the lineup, after the Mavs lost Ross for the night due to soreness in his lower back. With the defensive specialist out, one of the league's best shooters, Anthony Morrow, torched the smaller Dallas lineup by shooting over shorter guards from behind the 3-point arch. But what they missed in stature, the Mavs made up with determination and gritty play, as Terry and Nowitzki spearheaded a 16-5 run (14 unanswered) starting at the 5:30-mark and running through the end of the third quarter to lift Dallas to an 82-78 advantage heading into the fourth period.

The Mavs led by as much as nine early in the fourth, but the Warriors didn't fade away, using a 7-2 run to draw to within two (98-96) with 5:06 remaining. The rookie Stephen Curry then put Golden State on his back, tying the game at 98-all with a jumper. With the game knotted at 100-100, the rookie took a veteran shot, nailing a 3-pointer from the wing to put the Warriors up three with 2:21 left on the game clock. The Mavs returned fire with Terry, who drained a three of his own, before Curry came right back with a running bank shot at the other end. The Mavs then found themselves in an even deeper hole after Ellis' layup with 28.9 seconds left put the Golden State lead at 109-103. Curry then secured the Warriors' win at the foul line.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

"Down the stretch we looked a little lost. We didn't run back, and they do a good job -- they keep coming, they keep pushing, make or miss," Nowitzki said.

"We've got to play better defense," Gooden said. "We're giving up too many easy baskets. It's all fine and dandy to give up baskets like that, but in the fourth quarter when we've got a lead like that, we must get defensive stops and if we don't get the stops we're not going to pull out the game."

The Warriors outscored the Mavs 24-7 the last 7:18 of game time, from when Dallas held a 96-87 lead.

"They are never out of a game," Carlisle said. "They can be down double-digits and be back in the game within a minute and a half, just by running it up on you and hitting threes and driving it."

"It was a tough loss for us and it's kind of what has been happening to us lately by having the lead and then having a nail-biter, and tonight it finally came back and bit us," Gooden said.

Nowitzki led Dallas with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Terry pitched in 21 points off the bench. Gooden tallied up his fourth double-double since entering the starting lineup, with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Ellis finished with a season-high 37 points to lead all scorers, while Morrow added a season-high 27 points by connecting on a career-best six 3-pointers. Curry scored 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors dominated the Mavs in the paint, outscoring Dallas 54-36 in the interior. While Golden State's 48 percent shooting was just better than Dallas' 46 percent, the Warriors 10-of-21 shooting from behind the 3-point arch proved to be deadly when compared to the Mavs' 4-of-15 from long range.

Things don't get any easier for the Mavs, as they head to Houston to play the Southwest Division rival Rockets on the second night of a back-to-back. The game will air on KTXA 21 and KTXA HD at 7:30 p.m. CT. It is the first game of a three-game road trip for the Mavs.

Dallas returns to the American Airlines Center on Nov. 30, when they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers. That game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.



The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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

Mavericks-Warriors Preview

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Golden State Warriors (4-8) at Dallas Mavericks (10-3)

Tuesday night's matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors has all the ingredients necessary for a "trap game," but the Mavs insist that will not be the case.

Golden State enters Dallas with a 4-8 record, and will play without Warriors coach Don Nelson, who will miss two games with pneumonia. The Warriors are also expected to be short-handed with an injury-riddled squad.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)


"I think they only know one way," point guard Jason Kidd said. "With Nellie or not with Nellie, I think they're going to put a small lineup out there and stretch you on the 3-point line and try to take you one-on-one, and try to figure out what matchup fits them best to go at. I don't think there's going to be any shot clock violations on their part."

Still, Golden State's high-tempo play figures to give the Mavs a run for their money and should have their full attention. That is if the Mavs aren't looking past the Warriors to the Thanksgiving holiday and their next opponent, the Southwest Division rival Houston Rockets.

"I hope not," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said about his team possibly overlooking Golden State. "They (the Warriors) just had a great win against Portland three nights ago, and they're just extremely dangerous because of their quickness, shooting ability and the tempo that they generate. We're just going to have to play our game. We're going to have to play an aggressive but smart game. It's a challenging situation for sure."

"It's always a tough game because it's a getaway game and the holidays are this week so guys have to stay focused. This is a big game for us to keep this thing going in the right direction," Kidd said.

As they do against all opponents, the Mavs will look to run. But against the Warriors, Dallas has to be cognitive of when they push the tempo and when they slow things into their halfcourt sets. The Warriors' ability to dictate the flow of the game through speedy play and rugged offense gives Carlisle great concern.

"We're a running team, but we just have to play a smart game. A rat race game is going to favor them. A game where we're taking advantage of opportunities and moving the ball, playing inside-out as much as possible is going to be good for us," Carlisle said.

"There's a contrast in style somewhat, but make no mistake, we still want to run and get great shots in transition whenever we can."

Dallas' style of play will certainly be impacted by who can line up on the court. Playing recently without three starters, the Mavs have managed to win five straight with Erick Dampier (illness), Josh Howard (surgically-repaired left ankle) and Shawn Marion (sprained left ankle) all in street clothes for much of the streak. The Mavs could get a boost with Marion listed as questionable for Tuesday night. Also, Dampier returned to light practice Tuesday, leaving the media in anticipation for his return by exiting the practice court and simply saying: "I feel better."

The Mavs host the Warriors at 7:30 p.m. CT, as Dallas goes for its sixth straight win. The game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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

1-on-1 with The JET

Earl K. Sneed sits down with Mavs sixth man Jason Terry to talk Golden State and the Mavericks' underdog approach to the season.

Mavericks Practice Report 11/23/09

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Mavs Practice Report 11/23/09

Old wounds don't heal easily.

The Dallas Mavericks still feel a sting in the scar left over from their first round exit in the playoffs at the hands of the Golden State Warriors in 2007. That year, the Mavs came into the playoffs winners of a franchise-best 67 games and owners of the top seed in the Western Conference.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)


"Every time I think about Golden State, I think about the year we had 67 wins and they knocked us out of the first round," Mavs sixth man Jason Terry said. "Regardless of who's in those uniforms, it doesn't change -- the feeling, how we feel about them and what this game means to us."

Though many of the faces have changed for both squads since that epic series, the feeling of the loss still lingers for veterans like Terry and Dirk Nowitzki. So while the Mavs' matchup with the Warriors on Tuesday night doesn't measure in magnitude when compared to the early playoff exit, the opportunity to hang a loss on the board for the Warriors is always a welcomed sight.

This season, Dallas is off to the second best start in franchise history at 10-3. But while the regular season success of the 2006-07 season would be nice to duplicate, Dallas has an eye on a golden ball at the end of the rainbow.

For Dallas to compete for an NBA title, the Mavs must succeed against teams that can send out multiple lineups. No team puts out as many different combinations of players as Warriors coach Don Nelson.

With the announcement coming down Monday that Nelson will miss Tuesday night's game after being diagnosed with pneumonia, the Mavericks are still anticipating seeing a multitude of lineups with Golden State's "small ball" system.

"A lot of things come in to play (when defending the Warriors)," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. "You have to contain and take away threes. A lot of what happens in the game depends on how efficient you are on offense. It's a challenging game."

"You're going to be playing a lot of different lineups before it's over. The key thing is to understand the things that will lead to some success. It's going to be efficiency with the ball and then you have to have solid rebounding at both ends."

One thing is certain, the Mavericks are a much more efficient team and a better rebounding squad when forward Shawn Marion is on the court. The Mavs' newcomer is hoping to return to game action against the Warriors after missing two games with a sprained left ankle. Marion's return should only enhance a Dallas squad that has won five straight.

"This is one of those things that you never can tell at times," Marion said of the ankle injury. "It definitely feels better. It made it through practice today, and I was in pain at times, but I am trying to move as quick as possible."

"It's still tender, but at the same time, I'm just trying to fight through it. I'm just trying to get out here (on the court). I hate conditioning on the side -- swimming and riding the bike. I want to be on the court, but there's some things you have to do to get ready and stay ready, so that's what I'm doing."

After a three-day break, the Mavs are hoping that Marion and the staff have done enough to have the high-flyer ready to play when Dallas hits the court on Tuesday night to start a stretch of four games in five nights.

The Mavs host the Warriors at 7:30 p.m. CT. The game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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