Guns It was an odd game. As the Trailblazers were making their comeback in the third and fourth quarters, I sat there and thought, "Why aren't the Blazers winning by 10?" or "Why are the Mavericks in this game?"
For the most part, I thought the Blazers outplayed the Mavericks. If not for runs fueled by Jason Kidd (did you know he's 38 years old?) and then Dirk Nowitzki in the fourth quarter, the Mavericks would have been screwed.
With that said, if the Mavericks play another game like they did tonight, they will lose. It's a win and it counts. But the standard is not one win.
Thoughts on a win:
1. Love this for Dirk Nowitzki. Played huge in that fourth quarter despite a pretty bad first three quarters.
2. The Mavericks telecast is awful. Nothing against Mark Followill, Derek Harper and Jeff Wade or anything. I know that hometown telecasts are overly biased. But this is awful. Granted, they probably can't say anything negative (or positive for the opponent) wihtout getting fired. I had to mute the TV at points.
3. The Mavericks have zero answer for LaMarcus Aldridge. Most teams don't, however.
4. The big Portland guards ate the lunches of the smaller Dallas guards. I can't imagine Rick Carlisle going with J.J. Barea and Jason Terry much at all.
5. Was someone bitching about Nowitzki not getting calls? The Blazers attempted 13 free throws.
6. The Barea-Terry-Peja-Dirk-Haywood line-up on the court should never see the light of day again. Ever.
7. Love Nic Batum.
8. Tyson Chandler had nine rebounds in 32 minutes. Marcus Camby had 18 boards in 29 minutes.
9. Mavs bench: 6-21 from the field.
