Full-Court Press

Mavs can't take Suns for granted

DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks will host a Phoenix Suns' squad tonight that has the worst record in the Western Conference, the third worst record in the entire NBA, and a team that has lost their last 10 games.

Easy game for the Mavs, right?

"Anybody around here who's taking any games for granted this year is a (expletive deleting) idiot,'' coach Rick Carlisle said after Wednesday morning's shootaround. "We've been in a position all year where we can't take anything for granted.''

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center with the Mavs (38-39) just one win away from getting back to .500 for the first time since Dec. 12, when they were 11-11.

A .500 record means the Mavs will finally get to cash in their commitment to shave off their beards. But that hot-button promise appears to have simmered a bit lately.

"It's another opportunity to get back to even,'' Carlisle said. "We've had three of those in the last 10-12 days, and it's been tough.

"We've got to work the game from start to finish -- simple as that. And we've got to stay in the present.''

Staying in the present for the Mavs means focusing on themselves and not worrying about what's going on around them. Still, the Mavs know if they win their last five games, and if the Los Angeles Lakers go 2-2 or 1-3, and if the Utah Jazz finish 1-2 or 0-3, then Dallas will secure the No. 8 playoff seed out West.

"It's not about getting back to .500,'' point guard Mike James said. "So many times we put so much focus and emphasis on getting to .500 where that's not really a big accomplishment or a big achievement.

"Mathematically, we're still not out of the playoff hunt. Guys got to lose every game, which is possible the way the standings are -- they've got some tough games -- so our focus is ending the season on a strong note.''

And not taking teams like the Suns for granted. The Mavs they've done that way too many times this season, which is why they're in their current predicament.

Meanwhile, Phoenix showed its not just playing out the string as it fought the Houston Rockets down to the very last second Tuesday night. But the Rockets won, 101-98, on a very weird play when Suns forward Jermaine O'Neal was whistled for goaltending on a three-point shot by James Harden at the buzzer.

"They played great (Tuesday) night,'' Carlisle said of the Suns. "They've been going through some tough times.

"I know they had some guys speak up about their situation. They showed pride and resolve (Tuesday) night and I'm sure they're going to do the same thing again tonight, so we're going to have to be ready.''

The Mavs play four of their final five games at home, which should give them an edge. But they've still got to show up and play for 48 minutes.

"It's always good to be back home -- we've been playing pretty well here, '' center Brandan Wright said. "We always get energy from the fans, so it's always good to be here in a comfort level.

"We're going to have the arena behind us, and we play a little better here.''

-- Dwain Price

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@dwainprice

 

 

 

 

Mavs can't take Suns for granted

DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks will host a Phoenix Suns' squad tonight that has the worst record in the Western Conference, the third worst record in the entire NBA, and a team that has lost their last 10 games.

Easy game for the Mavs, right?

"Anybody around here who's taking any games for granted this year is a (expletive deleting) idiot,'' coach Rick Carlisle said after Wednesday morning's shootaround. "We've been in a position all year where we can't take anything for granted.''

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center with the Mavs (38-39) just one win away from getting back to .500 for the first time since Dec. 12, when they were 11-11.

A .500 record means the Mavs will finally get to cash in their commitment to shave off their beards. But that hot-button promise appears to have simmered a bit lately.

"It's another opportunity to get back to even,'' Carlisle said. "We've had three of those in the last 10-12 days, and it's been tough.

"We've got to work the game from start to finish -- simple as that. And we've got to stay in the present.''

Staying in the present for the Mavs means focusing on themselves and not worrying about what's going on around them. Still, the Mavs know if they win their last five games, and if the Los Angeles Lakers go 2-2 or 1-3, and if the Utah Jazz finish 1-2 or 0-3, then Dallas will secure the No. 8 playoff seed out West.

"It's not about getting back to .500,'' point guard Mike James said. "So many times we put so much focus and emphasis on getting to .500 where that's not really a big accomplishment or a big achievement.

"Mathematically, we're still not out of the playoff hunt. Guys got to lose every game, which is possible the way the standings are -- they've got some tough games -- so our focus is ending the season on a strong note.''

And not taking teams like the Suns for granted. The Mavs they've done that way too many times this season, which is why they're in their current predicament.

Meanwhile, Phoenix showed its not just playing out the string as it fought the Houston Rockets down to the very last second Tuesday night. But the Rockets won, 101-98, on a very weird play when Suns forward Jermaine O'Neal was whistled for goaltending on a three-point shot by James Harden at the buzzer.

"They played great (Tuesday) night,'' Carlisle said of the Suns. "They've been going through some tough times.

"I know they had some guys speak up about their situation. They showed pride and resolve (Tuesday) night and I'm sure they're going to do the same thing again tonight, so we're going to have to be ready.''

The Mavs play four of their final five games at home, which should give them an edge. But they've still got to show up and play for 48 minutes.

"It's always good to be back home -- we've been playing pretty well here, '' center Brandan Wright said. "We always get energy from the fans, so it's always good to be here in a comfort level.

"We're going to have the arena behind us, and we play a little better here.''

-- Dwain Price

Follow me on Twitter

@dwainprice

 

 

 

 

Mavs hold off the Blazers, 96-91

PORTLAND – Chris Kaman poured in a season-high 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks ended their four-game road trip Sunday with a 96-91 win over the Portland Trail Blazers before a sellout crowd of 20,228 at the Rose Garden.

The Mavs are now 38-39 on the season going into Wednesday's home game against the Phoenix Suns.

Dallas led by as much as 26 points (79-53) late in the third period, only to see the Blazers get within 94-91. But Damian Lillard missed a driving layup for the Blazers in the waning seconds, and Shawn Marion scored an uncontested layup at the buzzer.

Besides Kaman, the Mavs got 20 points and seven rebounds from Shawn Marion, 14 points from Vince Carter, and 12 points and nine boards from Brandan Wright.

Will Barton led Portland with 22 points, LaMarcus Aldridge popped in 18 points and rookie Damian Lillard had 15 points. Portland (33-44) has now dropped eight straight games.

-- Dwain Price

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@dwainprice

Brand a game-time decision for tonight

PORTLAND -– Elton Brand left the Dallas Mavericks’ shoot around Sunday morning with a ice
pack neatly taped around his huge right calf.

It’s that calf that has been sore for quite some time and has forced Brand to miss the past two games. But whether or not the 6-9, 255-pound center will be able to play in tonight’s 8 o’clock game at the Rose Garden against the Portland Trail Blazers is anybody’s guess.

“I don’t know if he’s going to be available for tonight,’’ coach Rick Carlisle said. “He did a little bit of stuff today.

“I hope he (can play), but I’m not sure.’’

As he left the Rose Garden, Brand said his status for tonight is the proverbial game-time decision.

-- Dwain Price

Follow me on Twitter

@dwainprice

 

Brand a game-time decision for tonight

PORTLAND -– Elton Brand left the Dallas Mavericks’ shoot around Sunday morning with a ice
pack neatly taped around his huge right calf.

It’s that calf that has been sore for quite some time and has forced Brand to miss the past two games. But whether or not the 6-9, 255-pound center will be able to play in tonight’s 8 o’clock game at the Rose Garden against the Portland Trail Blazers is anybody’s guess.

“I don’t know if he’s going to be available for tonight,’’ coach Rick Carlisle said. “He did a little bit of stuff today.

“I hope he (can play), but I’m not sure.’’

As he left the Rose Garden, Brand said his status for tonight is the proverbial game-time decision.

-- Dwain Price

Follow me on Twitter

@dwainprice

 

Blazers will be flinging kitchen sinks?

PORTLAND -- The Portland Trail Blazers have lost their last seven games and are owners of a subpar 33-43 record.

But that doesn't mean they're disinterested in the final six games of the season. Especially tonight's game at 8 at the Rose Garden against the Dallas Mavericks.

"Right now they need to win a game,'' coach Rick Carlisle said after Sunday morning's shootaround. "So they’re going to come out here with cans blasting and guns blazing and kitchen sinks being flung.

"It’s a weird time of year. They’ve gotten a lot of experience for the younger guys, they’ve won a lot of games and they’ve had a better year than expected by a lot of people, and tonight we’re getting to get the best game they’ve got.''

-- Dwain Price

Follow me on Twitter

@dwainprice

Mavs upend the Kings, 117-108

SACRAMENTO -- The Dallas Mavericks got 25 points and 12 rebounds from Shawn Marion and defeated the Sacramento Kings, 117-108, Friday night at Sleep Train Arena.

It was the 15th time in their last 16 meetings that the Mavs (37-39) have beaten the Kings. Unfortunately, with Utah (41-37) upending New Orleans on Friday, the Mavs were unable to pick up any ground on the Jazz in the race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers -- also in the hunt for the No. 8 playoff spot -- played a home game against Memphis late Friday night.

The Mavs are now 1-2 on this four-game road trip which concludes Sunday night at 8 in Portland before they return home to host Phoenix on Wednesday.

After a very slow start against the Kings, the Mavs woke up in the second quarter and started being more offensive-minded. Dallas trailed following the first period, 27-18, but scored 41 points in the second quarter and added another 33 points in the third period to take a 92-81 lead into the final quarter.

Besides Marion, Brandan Wright scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds, Darren Collison had 18 points and eight assists, Dirk Nowitzki finished wiht 16 points and six rebounds,and OJ Mayo collected 13 points and six assists.

Isaiah Thomas led the Kings wuth 29 points, and Tyreke Evand added 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

-- Dwain Price

Follow me on Twitter

@dwainprice

 

 

Mavs upend the Kings, 117-108

SACRAMENTO -- The Dallas Mavericks got 25 points and 12 rebounds from Shawn Marion and defeated the Sacramento Kings, 117-108, Friday night at Sleep Train Arena.

It was the 15th time in their last 16 meetings that the Mavs (37-39) have beaten the Kings. Unfortunately, with Utah (41-37) upending New Orleans on Friday, the Mavs were unable to pick up any ground on the Jazz in the race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers -- also in the hunt for the No. 8 playoff spot -- played a home game against Memphis late Friday night.

The Mavs are now 1-2 on this four-game road trip which concludes Sunday night at 8 in Portland before they return home to host Phoenix on Wednesday.

After a very slow start against the Kings, the Mavs woke up in the second quarter and started being more offensive-minded. Dallas trailed following the first period, 27-18, but scored 41 points in the second quarter and added another 33 points in the third period to take a 92-81 lead into the final quarter.

Besides Marion, Brandan Wright scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds, Darren Collison had 18 points and eight assists, Dirk Nowitzki finished wiht 16 points and six rebounds,and OJ Mayo collected 13 points and six assists.

Isaiah Thomas led the Kings wuth 29 points, and Tyreke Evand added 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

-- Dwain Price

Follow me on Twitter

@dwainprice

 

 

Mavs upend the Kings, 117-108

SACRAMENTO -- The Dallas Mavericks got 25 points and 12 rebounds from Shawn Marion and defeated the Sacramento Kings, 117-108, Friday night at Sleep Train Arena.

It was the 15th time in their last 16 meetings that the Mavs (37-39) have beaten the Kings. Unfortunately, with Utah (41-37) upending New Orleans on Friday, the Mavs were unable to pick up any ground on the Jazz in the race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers -- also in the hunt for the No. 8 playoff spot -- played a home game against Memphis late Friday night.

The Mavs are now 1-2 on this four-game road trip which concludes Sunday night at 8 in Portland before they return home to host Phoenix on Wednesday.

After a very slow start against the Kings, the Mavs woke up in the second quarter and started being more offensive-minded. Dallas trailed following the first period, 27-18, but scored 41 points in the second quarter and added another 33 points in the third period to take a 92-81 lead into the final quarter.

Besides Marion, Brandan Wright scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds, Darren Collison had 18 points and eight assists, Dirk Nowitzki finished wiht 16 points and six rebounds,and OJ Mayo collected 13 points and six assists.

Isaiah Thomas led the Kings wuth 29 points, and Tyreke Evand added 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

-- Dwain Price

Follow me on Twitter

@dwainprice

 

 

Mavs bracing for the Nuggets, and the high altitude

DENVER -- If the Dallas Mavericks thought they had a tall order in trying to beat the Lakers in Los Angeles this past Tuesday, tonight's challenge at the Pepsi Center against the Denver Nuggets is even taller.

The Nuggets have the NBA's best home record at 33-3 and just simply make mincemeat of anyone who dare to walk into their building and even think they have a chance to win. Throw in that mile high altitude that the city of Denver is known for, and this is a recipe for disaster for any opponent.

"They're a very good team on the one hand here,'' coach Rick Carlisle said. "On the other hand we're a mile high here.

"Those are two of the reasons they've won 18 in a row here, so we respect that and we've got to handle it the right way.''

The Mavs won both of the games they played at the Pepsi Cenetr last year. This is their only appearance here this season tonight at 8 against a Nuggets squad that's 51-24 and seeded third in the Western Conference.

And make no dobut about it. The altitude will play a role in whether the Mavs can get out of here with a victory.

"It'll be a lie to say it's not a factor, but it can be managed,'' Carlisle said. "We have to understand the dynamics of it.

"We've got to rotate guys in a little quicker, and generally in the second half of games guys seem to adjust to it.''

Rookie Jae Crowder heard all the horro stories about the mile high altitude and tried to take matters into his own hands earlier Thursday morning.

"I came over here early and tried to run and tried to get tired early, so when that I run in the game it won't be too much of a factor,'' Crowder said. "But I'm aware of it.

"I got tired quick -- quicker than normal. It went well, but I just felt the tightness in my chest. But I've never played in an atmosphere like this before.''

Forward Dirk Nowitzki acknowledged that the high altitude doesn't particularly affect his game.

"I've actually had good games here, I don't mind it,'' Nowitzki said. "I think usually the burn in the first quarter is tough.

"The first timeout everybody comes huffing and puffing. But once you get over that first timeout it's a fun place to play, the atmosphere is always great here, they're behind their team 100 percent and we've had some battles in here.''

Carlisle likes the fact that the Mavs arrived in Denver very early Wednesday morning and got a chance to adjust to the high altitude. He also totally respects what the Nuggets have been able to achieve on their home court.

"What they've done here is they've built their team with a strength in numbers philosophy, which is very smart given their geography, the fact that they're in altitude,'' Carlisle said. "They hit you with numbers of guys -- that's one of the reasons they're very, very good.

"They've got it going, there's no doubt about that. They’re playing at a high level at home and on the road, and so we’re going to have to play our game extremely well.''

-- Dwain Price

Follow me on Twitter

@dwainprice