Celtics-Mavericks Recap

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Boston Celtics 102 at Dallas Mavericks 93

While every game counts as one more notch in the standings, some matchups definitely do more for a team's psyche than others.

With that said the Dallas Mavericks had Saturday's contest with the Boston Celtics circled on their calender. Although the Mavericks had already claimed a 99-90 win in Boston on Jan. 18, sweeping the season series would have certainly be a confidence booster. Instead the Celtics got their revenge.

(Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)

In a matchup of the Southwest and Atlantic Division leaders, the game came down to the final two minutes of play. This time Boston was the team that made all the right plays down the stretch, leaving the American Airlines Center floor with a 102-93 win.

"Boston is veteran ball club. They understood the importance of this game," Mavs point guard Jason Kidd said. "You tip your hat to them. They were the better team with two minutes left."

"No excuses. We've got to make plays (down the stretch)," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle added. "It's tough when you are taking it out of the opponent's basket to score, and this is one of the best defensive teams. That's going to make it harder. We've got to be better. I'm not going to make any excuses about that."

Boston gave the Dallas squad all it could handle in the opening quarter. Despite Shawn Marion matching Celtics forward Paul Pierce basket for basket, the Mavericks trailed by as much as seven before ending the first quarter down 30-24. The Mavericks' five turnovers in the period greatly assisted the Celtics from the onset.

Behind Dirk Nowitzki and sixth man Jason Terry, the Mavericks rallied in the second quarter. But turnovers continued to haunt the Mavs, as the Celtics took a 48-47 halftime advantage despite a 23-18 second quarter in Dallas' favor.

"Both teams kept battling all night long," Marion said.

Terry led all scorers at the half with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting. Meanwhile, Pierce posted 12 points to pace Boston to the one-point edge. Both teams had trouble finding the bottom of the nets, as the Mavericks' 42 percent shooting was just better than the Celtics' 40 percent. The two teams also combined for 19 turnovers in the first 24 minutes of play.

Ray Allen came out of the intermission with the hot hand, sparking a 13-5 Boston run to begin the third quarter. But Caron Butler's earth-shattering dunk on a baseline drive midway through the period ignited a spark in the stagnant squad from Big D. Meanwhile, Brendan Haywood was patrolling the paint on the defensive end. But it was Kidd's 3-pointer with 1:13 left in the quarter that gave the Mavericks a 70-69 advantage. The lead was short lived, as Pierce powered the Celtics to a 73-72 edge entering the fourth.

(Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)
Nowitzki was the story early in the final quarter, raining in a three to put the Mavericks in front 79-75 with 9:07 remaining. But after the Dallas lead grew to seven, Pierce and Allen rallied their troops with an array of shots to go back ahead. Rajon Rondo got into the mix by attacking the rim, swishing home teardrop layups.

"We built a nice little seven-point lead. Next thing you know, they kept battling. You have to give them credit," Nowitzki said.

"With the exception of the period in the fourth, we were playing from behind for most of the night," Carlisle said. "That made it tough. We got a seven-point lead. You've got to be able to get some stops. We didn't get stops. That was our undoing."

The Mavericks went back to Nowitzki, but after No. 41 cut the deficit to just one, Pierce's three followed by a steal and feed to Rondo had the Celtics in front 99-93 with 1:18 left.

"They all made their share of plays down the stretch. Key stops at certain times would have meant a lot for momentum in the game," the coach explained.

A couple of defensive stops and clutch free throws later, and the Celtics had their retribution from their lost to the Mavericks in January. Boston outscored Dallas 29-21 in the fourth.

"Tonight was a tough loss. We've been winning close games," Terry said.

Boston held a 40-39 edge in rebounding and a 44-36 advantage in points in the paint. Though the Celtics finished the night out-shooting the Mavericks 52 percent to 46 percent, the most telling stat was the points off turnovers. Both teams committed 18 giveaways, with Boston scoring 20 points off Dallas' errors compared to the Mavericks' 18 points off the Celtics' miscues. The Mavericks' turnovers seemed to be more costly by night's end.

"It was uncharacteristically high, and then 20 points off of 18 turnovers was another bad part of the game for us," Carlisle critiqued. "You've got to credit Boston. They played a very solid game. They turned it over some, too. But when they had to make plays, they were able to make them and make shots. We struggled."

Nowitzki's 28 points, connecting on 11-of-19 from the field, came in a losing effort. As did Terry's 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting in just his second game since facial surgery on March 5. Marion (16) and Kidd (11) made it four Mavericks that scored in double figures.

Pierce finished the night with a game-high 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Allen pitched in 21 points, while Rondo added a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists.

Now the Mavericks try to get back on the winning track with a testy back-to-back.

"This was a tough loss, but we'll take some things from it that we'll learn from," Marion said.

First, the team travels to New Orleans on Monday night to battle the division rival Hornets. The Mavs lead the season series 2-1 heading into the fourth and final regular season game between the two squads. The Mavs-Hornets matchup will appear nationally on NBA TV and locally on KTXA, airing at 7 p.m. CT.

The Mavericks then return to the American Airlines Center on Tuesday night to host the Los Angeles Clippers. Back on Oct. 31, the Mavs captured a 93-84 win in L.A. in the first of three meetings between the teams. 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.

For up to the minute news on the Dallas Mavericks, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EarlKSneed.

Celtics-Mavericks Preview

(Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Boston Celtics (44-24) at Dallas Mavericks (46-22)

Two teams. Two different conferences. One common goal.

Both the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics consider the season a failure if it doesn't end with a championship. While the Mavericks hope to reach the NBA Finals through the Western Conference, the Celtics have the same mission via the East. The two paths could collide in June, but for now a collision course is set for Saturday night at the American Airlines Center.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

"They've got a great team over there," Mavs sixth man Jason Terry said of the ball club from Beantown. "This is a team you could possibly face in the Finals, so we definitely want to come out and put together a good performance."

The Mavericks are also looking to see how they stack up against the 2008 champs. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle says the Celtics have changed a lot since his team went into Boston and came out with a 99-90 win on Jan. 18.

"(The Celtics) have gotten themselves healthy, healthier than when we played them last," Carlisle said. "They've made a trade and injected some new blood into their situation. They've been playing well and winning games pretty handily, so we know they're going to be a tough matchup."

Now the Mavericks try to defend their home floor, as the Southwest and Atlantic Division leaders face off.

Boston has won three straight, including a 94-87 victory over Houston on Friday night. The Mavericks are determined not to let that streak reach four.

"They're playing very good right now. They've got into a good rhythm, especially the last couple of games," forward Caron Butler said.

"We've beaten them up there, but now I know they're going to remember that and come out here and play hard against us here at home," Terry added. "It's a big one. Any time you play against Boston, as you know their history and the story of their franchise, it's always a big game."

Big games are nothing new to the Mavericks, neither are big scoring outputs.

Dallas has scored 100-plus points in eight of its last 11 games. The team has gone 10-1 during that span. Matching up against one of the league's best defenses will certainly be a test.

"This is a team that is going to be tough, physical and they're going to play a playoff-style defense. And offensively they present a lot of challenges...It's a tough matchup, but it's an opportunity we look forward to," Carlisle said.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Mavs will try to contend with a Boston offense headlined by future Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, while also stopping first-time All-Star Rajon Rondo. The Celtics also added former Mav Michael Finley and Slam Dunk champ Nate Robinson via the wavier wire and a recent trade, only bolstering their offensive arsenal.

"They're always a dangerous team. Any time you've got Hall of Famers like Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, a great All-Star point guard in Rondo, that's a dangerous team," Terry concluded.

The Mavericks will try to end a four-game home stand with a 3-1 record. The Mavs-Celtics matchup will appear on KTXA, airing at 8 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

For up to the minute news on the Dallas Mavericks, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EarlKSneed.

Mavericks Practice Report (03/19/10)

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Mavericks prepare for the Celtics' invasion

(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Dallas Mavericks don't believe in referring to games with the NBA's perennial playoff powers as "statement games." But there's no question that Saturday's home contest against the Boston Celtics is a measuring stick for the squad from Big D.

The intensity level at the Mavericks' Friday practice reflected the magnitude of the matchup. Although a 99-90 win over the Celtics in Boston on Jan. 18 made a loud statement to the entire league, the Mavericks want to send yet another message: That was no fluke.

Still, the Mavs are shying away from calling their second matchup with the Celtics a benchmark game. That's because Mavs coach Rick Carlisle and the team view every game as a measurement. With his team concluding a four-game home stand, Carlisle says the second meeting with Boston is just another opportunity for the Mavericks to grade themselves against their own standards and expectations.

"(The Celtics) have gotten themselves healthy, healthier than when we played them last," Carlisle said. "They've made a trade and injected some new blood into their situation. They've been playing well and winning games pretty handily, so we know they're going to be a tough matchup.

"This is a team that is going to be tough, physical and they're going to play a playoff-style defense. And offensively they present a lot of challenges...It's a tough matchup, but it's an opportunity we look forward to."

Sixth man Jason Terry echoed his coach's sentiments, as basketball's most storied franchise enters the American Airlines Center.

"We've beaten them up there, but now I know they're going to remember that and come out here and play hard against us here at home," Terry said. "It's a big one. Any time you play against Boston, as you know their history and the story of their franchise, it's always a big game.

"They've got a great team over there. This is a team you could possibly face in the Finals, so we definitely want to come out and put together a good performance."

But Terry is also looking at the contest with the Celtics from a personal perspective. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year returned to action on Wednesday night in the Mavericks' 113-106 win over a shorthanded Chicago Bulls squad. Terry had been sidelined since undergoing facial surgery on March 5 to repair a fractured orbital bone on the left side of his face. He returned to score nine points on 4-of-10 shooting in just under 25 minutes.

Because of the injury, No. 31 has been forced to wear a custom-fitted protective mask. Saturday's game is just another opportunity for the sharpshooter to get used to his new head gear.

"It's a steady progression. I think I'll do much better in this next game, especially finishing the game. I pride myself on fourth quarter performance, and last game I went 0-for (the fourth quarter). So, this will be a much better performance for me hopefully against a tough Boston team," Terry said.

Terry and the Mavericks try to end their home stand with a 3-1 record when they host the Celtics. The game will appear on KTXA, airing at 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the matchup are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

For up to the minute news on the Dallas Mavericks, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EarlKSneed.

Mavs - Bulls Recap NBA.com Exclusive

Mavericks 113, Bulls 106
Mavs hand Bulls ninth straight loss, longest skid since 2004
Dave Ivey, for NBA.com

DALLAS (NBA.com exclusive) – The seriously short-handed Bulls are overdue for some good fortune, but their green uniforms didn’t bring much luck on St. Patrick’s Day and their losing streak reached nine with a 113-106 defeat in Dallas.

Caron Butler scored 27 points and Dirk Nowitzki added 26 for the Mavericks, who won for the 14th time in 15 games. Acie Law led Chicago with 22 points off the bench, including 16 in the second half as the Bulls sliced a 25-point deficit down to seven with 5:49 remaining.

The Bulls’ longest skid since dropping the first nine games of the 2004-05 season moved them 2½ games behind Toronto for the East’s final playoff spot. Chicago has lost 12 of its last 13 trips to Dallas, and 21 of the last 24 meetings overall.

The Mavericks led 32-20 after one quarter and 64-44 at the break after shooting 66 percent during the first half. The Bulls missed their first eight 3-point shots in the half and fell behind 60-35 on a 3-pointer by J.J. Barea at the 2:00 mark.

Chicago flipped the script in the second half, shooting 62 percent and dominating Dallas in the paint (32-18) and on the break (13-3). The Bulls scored on 11 of their first 12 possessions in the fourth quarter to tighten things up at 100-93, but Barea answered by scoring 10 straight points for the Mavs and buried two big 3-pointers to end the threat.

Chicago played its ninth straight game without Joakim Noah (left foot), its fourth straight without Luol Deng (right calf) and third straight without All-Star Derrick Rose (left wrist) due to injuries. The only regular starters in action were rookie Taj Gibson and Kirk Hinrich, who returned from a one-game suspension for contact with an official.

“There’s never been a team that at some point wasn’t short-handed,” center Brad Miller said. “That’s just physically impossible in this league. We’re just obviously not playing good. A lot of new parts, a lot of big parts out, but nobody’s going to feel sorry for us. We’ve just got to try to get better with the guys we’ve got playing.”

Law was 7-for-8 from the field and 7-for-7 at the line to lead Chicago, with Hakim Warrick (13) and Flip Murray (12) also reaching double figures off the bench. Miller and Gibson each had 12 and rookie James Johnson scored 11.

Chicago returns home from its 0-4 road swing and will try to halt its slide against East-leading Cleveland on Friday. The Bulls have allowed 100-plus points in 12 consecutive contests, their longest streak since a 25-game stretch in 1985-86. “

We’ve got to tighten up some things defensively,” Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro said. “That’s how we won early in the season. We can’t control the paint and we’re not controlling penetration as well as we’d like. We just have to keep trying to find ways to improve.”

The Mavericks improved to 14-2 since the All-Star break. They are 19-1 when shooting 50 percent from the field and 11-1 when scoring at least 60 first-half points.

Nowitzki scored 17 of his 26 in the first half and finished with seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Butler was 14-for-16 at the line and Dallas remained unbeaten (5-0) when both players score at least 20. Barea was 3-for-4 behind the arc and logged 15 points.

“We were struggling a little bit in the fourth quarter to score, so I started going underneath on the pick-and-rolls and got my shot going,” Barea said. “I felt confident and when they left me alone, I just pulled up and shot it.”

Jason Kidd, who turns 37 next week, rested the entire second and fourth quarters and was held scoreless. He was also 0-for-4 from 3-point range, snapping a streak of 30 straight games with at least one triple.

“He’s had some soreness the last couple days,” said head coach Rick Carlisle. “About a minute or two into the fourth, he asked if he could ice down. At that point, he was done.”

Sixth man Jason Terry returned after missing five games following facial surgery to repair a broken orbital bone, suffered when he was struck by Minnesota guard Corey Brewer’s inadvertent elbow on March 3. Wearing a protective mask – and accompanied by the theme from “Phantom of the Opera” – he knocked down his first four shots, but then missed his next six.

“He went 4-for-5 in the first half. That was great,” Carlisle said. “In the second half, he’s a factor on the floor because of all the attention he draws. He changes the geometry of the rest of the players. Even when he’s not scoring, he’s a factor.”

Dave Ivey nba.com - mavs.com - NBA Exclusive

Bulls-Mavericks Preview

Chicago Bulls (31-35) vs. Dallas Mavericks (45-32)

3-17-10

After a disappointing home loss against the New York Knicks on Saturday, the Dallas Mavericks hope to begin a new win streak tonight as they face the Chicago Bulls. The Dallas Mavericks reeled off 13 straight wins, tying the third-longest win streak in team history, before faltering against New York, 128-94.

Perhaps the biggest lucky charm the Mavericks have on their side tonight is the return of Sixth Man of the Year Jason “The Jet” Terry. Terry is slated to return to action after missing five games due to facial surgery. Wearing a custom-designed plastic mask, he may look a little different to Mavericks’ fans tonight. After practice yesterday, Terry said he has no feeling on the left side of his face following his surgery and the doctors told him to wear the mask for the rest of the season. However, Terry, the most superstitious player on the team, hinted the mask may come off a little sooner.

"If I miss the first shot, it might be coming off. Take a good look now because it might be the last you see of it," Terry said. "Hopefully, I'll have enough feeling on the left side to wear it one game and get rid of it."

The Mavericks have definitely missed his 17.0 points a game during his absence, especially on Saturday night. Terry believes he can come in and bring energy off the bench like he has done all season.

"I'm feeling good, no pain," Terry said. "The body is good and well-rested and hopefully I'll be able to provide a spark for us. When I went out, I was performing at a high level and I want to maintain that level."

Head Coach Rick Carlisle agreed and is ready to welcome Terry back to the floor.

“It is a great lift for us (having Jason back) both basketball-wise and spiritually too. He is one of our inspirational guys,” Carlisle said. “It was a tough two weeks with out him. But he is a guy that is absolutely essential to any success we are going to have.”

The Chicago Bulls enter tonight’s game with much to play for. They are right in the thick of the race for the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final Playoff spot. However, more than that, the Bulls will be looking for revenge for the events of a week ago when the Mavericks traveled to the Windy City and defeated the Bulls on their homecourt, 122-116.

Outmanned and seemingly overmatched, the Mavericks, on the second half of a back-to-back, played only eight players as they out-hustled and out-played a well-rested Chicago squad. In that game, the Mavericks were without the services of Terry (facial surgery), Brendan Haywood (lower back tightness) and Erick Dampier (right middle finger surgery).

The Mavericks shot 56.3% as a team and got 20 or more points from Dirk Nowitzki (27 points), Caron Butler (24 points) and rookie Rodrigue Beaubois (24 points). Derrick Rose was the lone bright spot for the Bulls as reigning Rookie of the Year recorded 34 points on 15-for-22 shooting from the field.

“They are going to be a desperate team,” Carlisle said. “They have lost some games and we are not exactly sure who is going to play for them but it’s got to be more how we are going to play-our disposition we have both defensively and offensively. We got to get back on track and get another win streak started.”

Tonight’s game will air locally on TXA21 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The team concludes their four-game home stretch against Boston on Saturday. Tickets for both games are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

Mavericks Practice Report (03/16/10)

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
From JET to the Jedi

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is ready to unveil his new look to the NBA world.

Sporting a custom-fitted mask, Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry went through his third straight team practice on Tuesday. Terry, who underwent facial surgery on March 5, hasn't played since the final minutes of a 112-109 home win over Minnesota just two days before the procedure. It was in the third quarter of that game that Terry suffered injuries to the left side of his face, catching an elbow from Wolves swingman Corey Brewer square. Now the sharpshooter says he is ready to return to game action on Wednesday night, as the Mavericks welcome in the Chicago Bulls.

"I'm doing good and feeling good," Terry said. "It's a blessing. I got really lucky because I didn't break my nose. I actually just broke my cheek bone."

"(Terry) has always come back (from injuries) earlier than expected. He's a guy that plays hurt and has played with pain a significant number of times," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. "Fortunately, the injury was serious but it was a lower timetable than it could have been. It could have been several weeks."

But while Terry will undoubtedly be suiting up again, he is concerned that it will take some time to get back into the flow of playing basketball at full speed. The star reserve has gone through full-contact drills, so the physically doesn't bother him. It's the conditioning of the game may be a factor early on, Terry said.

"Full-out practice today. My conditioning was good. Just being out there was even better...Getting back on the court was the main thing," the veteran added.

The Mavericks' go-to bench scorer, who has averaged 17.0 points in his 62 games played this season, will also try to get back into the groove after coming out of the All-Star break on a tear before the injury. Terry's quick-trigger scoring will be needed during the team's stretch run, so too is the versatile guard's ability to produce automatic offense.

"We're looking forward to him coming off of the bench again, giving us instant offense, explosive scoring, spreading the floor for us and stuff that he's been doing all of his career," forward Dirk Nowitzki said.

Now as Terry prepares to dawn his new head gear, the shooting assassin affectionately known by Dallas fans as "JET" is being called a new nickname by teammates.

"I've heard 'Jedi Warrior,'" Terry joked. "I only plan on wearing it for one game. The doctors say keep it on for the rest of the season. But if I miss my first shot, it might be coming off."

The Mavs may call upon the power of the Jedi when they try to start up a new winning streak, after suffering a 128-94 home loss on Saturday night to the New York Knicks and snapping a 13-game victorious stretch. The final two matchups of a four-game home stand could be the start that the Mavericks desire.

First the squad plays host to the Bulls on Wednesday night, with the game airing locally on KTXA and HD NET at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Mavericks escaped Chicago with a 122-116 road win on March 6.

The home stretch concludes on Saturday night against the Boston Celtics. That game will also appear on KTXA, airing at 8 p.m. CT. The Mavericks went into Boston and handed the Celtics a 99-90 loss on Jan. 18 in the first meeting between the teams. Tickets for both games are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

For up to the minute news on the Dallas Mavericks, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EarlKSneed.

Mavericks Practice Report (03/15/10)

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images)

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
JET practices, Kidd rests

Coming off of one of the most disappointing losses of the season, the Dallas Mavericks returned to the practice court Monday in high spirits.

Though a 128-94 loss to the New York Knicks on Saturday night still has a sour taste in the team's mouth, the Mavericks are trying to look at the positive. Sure the loss snapped the Mavs' 13-game winning streak, but it just gives the squad another opportunity to tally up consecutive wins.

"We've just got to start another streak," forward Dirk Nowitzki said.

Fortunately for the Mavericks, relief might be on the way, as sixth man Jason Terry eyes a return to the court after facial surgery on March 5. Terry went through his second straight practice while wearing a new, custom-fitted mask to protect him from further damage to injuries sustained from Corey Brewer's swinging elbow in the Mavericks' 112-109 win over Minnesota on March 3. There's a possibility that the reigning Sixth Man of the Year will be ready to play in the squad's Wednesday night matchup with the Chicago Bulls.

(Photo By Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

"(Terry) went through practice today, and we have Tuesday, and then we'll see where we are come Wednesday," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said.

But while Terry looks to return to game action, point guard Jason Kidd got a little time awhile from full-contact drills. The 36-year-old veteran arrived to the team's facilities early, lifted weights and then sat out of the team's scrimmages to rest for the upcoming playoff push.

"We thought Kidd deserved a rest," Carlisle simply said.

"J-Kidd is about to turn 37, so it's good for him to have some days in between games to rest," Nowitzki added. "It's good for all of use to get some rest, because we had a tough stretch coming out of the All-Star break."

Now with the team 13-2 since the All-Star festivities, the focus has shifted towards playoff positioning. But even after tying the NBA's longest winning streak of the season, and briefly sitting second in the Western Conference standings, Saturday's loss dropped the Mavs behind the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets for postseason seeding.

Still, the Mavericks are not focus on what the Lakers and Nuggets are doing nightly. Instead the team is keyed in on getting back to playing winning basketball.

"Our guys are not scoreboard watching or standings watching," Carlisle said. "But our guys are well aware of things."

"It's our own fault. We had a pretty bad month of January...But if we continue playing well, we'll end up in a good spot," Nowitzki said.

The Mavs are hopeful that they can conclude the final two matchups of a four-game home stand in winning style. First the Mavericks welcome in the Bulls on Wednesday night, with the game airing locally on KTXA and HD NET at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Mavericks escaped Chicago with a 122-116 road win on March 6.

The home stretch concludes with an 8 p.m. CT date with the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. That game will also appear on KTXA. The Mavericks went into Boston and handed the Celtics a 99-90 loss on Jan. 18 in the first meeting between the teams. Tickets for both games are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.

For up to the minute news on the Dallas Mavericks, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EarlKSneed.