J-E-T Or maybe eight guys need to do something, anything, any little thing to get wins. The Mavericks got just that tonight in an 84-81 win over the Portland Trailblazers.
It was a mix of gritty defense, big golden-balled shots, elbow grease on the boards and a semi-inspired effort from the bench that got them this one. It's the kind of win that makes you feel half decent about this team.
Jason Terry hit a monster 20 footer with 13 seconds left that capped off a 12-point fourth quarter. This after he couldn't toss a beach ball into the ocean for three quarters.
The team gutted up and allowed just 41 percent shooting from the field.
Tyson Chandler showed up huge against the big bodies of Lamarcus Aldridge and Marcus Camby scoring 14 and grabbing 13 rebounds. The Mavericks matched the Blazers rebound for rebound, 46-46.
The Mavs benched put forth a most-inspired 18 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two turnovers. Brendan Haywood took off his tutu and scored eight and got six rebounds in a mere 16 minutes. And DeShawn Stevenson looks as valuable as any dude on the roster.
Things all aren't right, aside from the injuries. Jason Kidd's in a continual season-long slump. Quiet literally, his shooting percentage is down seven points and his three-point percentage is down eight points.
Terry's fourth helped us forget the last three weeks. Haywood's still a mess. What J.J. Barea was half decent at providing (energy and offense) he is not providing any longer.
There's a ton of basketball to go. But tonight makes you feel better that this team has some heart.
