October 30th 2008
The Rockets were treated to a "W" by the Mavericks after three close quarters.
Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard combined for 61 points, but that was not enough
to fight off Ron Artest and company.
Artest finished the night with 29 points, a steal and 7 rebounds.
Yao Ming was a usual suspect with 30 points. 13 boards and a couple of blocks
Tracy Mcgrady and Aaron Brooks also helped out the big guys scoring wise finishing with
16 and 14 respectively, Jason Terry was the only other Maverick in double digits with 15.
Rockets 112-102
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Dallas Mavericks Annual Fan Jam
As they do every year, the Dallas Mavericks invited fans and friends from around the metroplex to come and watch their favorite NBA team scrimmage against themselves, last year fans got an early of Brandon "Animal" Bass, Trenton Hassell, Darvin Ham before the regular season began.
This year the new faces are already fan favorite Reyshawn Terry, Jajuan Smith, Charles Rhodes, Gerald Green, Cheyne Gadson, James Singleton and Keith Mcleod.. that is a lot of new faces, but no worries, these guys are going to be in good hands, and with a new face by the name of Rick Carlisle as coach, things should be interesting.
This year the new faces are already fan favorite Reyshawn Terry, Jajuan Smith, Charles Rhodes, Gerald Green, Cheyne Gadson, James Singleton and Keith Mcleod.. that is a lot of new faces, but no worries, these guys are going to be in good hands, and with a new face by the name of Rick Carlisle as coach, things should be interesting.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
VS The Pistons Starters... (Notes)
Oh Yeah, I went there...
Anyway, these are just my notes from the game so they may be complete gibberish,
but yet and still here is what I've gathered.
Mavs Vs Pistons 10-16-08
Dallas Mavericks are still on the road and with a record of 3-1,
they head into Detroit ready to get the job done, road games where
unbelievably challenging for the Mavs last season, however though
it is only the preseason the Mavs are looking much more confident on
the road winning 2-3 dropping one last night in Indiana.
One of the Mavericks toughest losses last season was handed out by
Detroit when the Mavs lost 67-90.
So what makes tonight so different? let's try Jerry Stackhouse!
yes, Stack was on the roster last season and the season before, but
this season under Rick Carlisle, Stackhouse has been forced/ or forced
himself to get into shape and in the first half of this game it's showing.
with 5.5 left on the timer, thanks to Richard Hamilton for not being
able to keep his cool and getting a technical called on him, followed
by Stack's free throw a beautiful alley oop inbound pass attempt from
Kidd to Stack sends him to the line for two, the Mavs are up 39-27
at the half led by Stack and Bass with 9 a piece.
Mavericks
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a +/- off def tot ast pf st to bs ba pts
D. Nowitzki F 09:48 3-6 0-0 1-2 -2 0 2 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 7
J. Howard F 16:18 3-5 0-1 0-0 +9 0 4 4 0 1 1 1 0 0 6
E. Dampier C 09:18 0-0 0-0 0-0 +7 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
J. Kidd G 18:12 2-3 2-2 0-0 +15 0 1 1 2 2 0 4 1 0 6
J. Stackhouse G 16:35 2-4 0-0 5-7 +13 2 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 1 9
B. Bass 14:12 3-9 0-0 3-4 +14 1 6 7 0 0 1 0 0 1 9
D. Diop 13:16 0-2 0-0 0-0 +2 1 4 5 1 2 0 0 0 1 0
A. Wright 08:55 0-3 0-0 0-0 +2 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 0
G. Green 06:12 1-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 2
J. Barea 05:48 0-2 0-1 0-0 -3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
J. Singleton 01:26 0-0 0-0 0-0 +3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Starting the 2nd half there was a turnover on Dirk that turned into a FB
for Detroit, but a technical foul was called due to delay of time and Stack drained the foul shot,
followed by a Dampier turn around jumper, Stack with a corner 3. Mavs 44-31
Rasheed Wallace still hates officials, on a Dirk shot attempt Rasheed was called
for a foul to which he responded to the ref
"You're never going to make the playoffs with calls like that"
after Dirk drained both shots, Rasheed was called again on the offensive end
for a loose ball foul, after getting tangled with Dirk again, however it's been a slow night for Dirk, who is fouled again by Amir Johnson with 5:34 in the 3rd Mavs 50-41.
Dirk with a nice fadeaway shot mavs 52-44, kidd for 3 at 3:50 mavs 55-44
3 barrage! Howard with the 3! Dirk with the 3, but he misses.
Dirk to the line 1:30 mavs 62-46 Kidd out Barea in
end of 3rd Mavs 62-49
dallas shooting over 40% while holding Detroit to 27%
JJ took a hard foul from Stuckey and couldn't keep his balance, later collapsing in midcourt Dallas time out taken.
Jajuan Smith, Brandon Bass and Diop enter the game.
Shawne Williams enters the game.
Jajuan Smith with a long range 3 after a backcourt inbounds pass
another long ball 3 from Sith to beat the shot clock
Bass is sent to the line 9:03 Mavs 70-55
*JJ has suffered a right leg injury and will not return.
Another nice move by Wright rolling to the basket for two.
uh oh, Jajuan Smith is starting to panic, chucking up 3's and fouling left and right.
-Gadson in for Smith
Pistons getting too much momentum, Mavericks 75-71
3:30 remaining
Detroit brings in their Starters to compete against Dallas' secondary team.
Wright nails a three 78-73 Mavs.
3 by Pistons Mavs 78-76 2:14 wright wants the ball splitting two defenders
and drawing the foul on what could've been a goal tend, 1-2 from the line.
Prince scores, mavs 79-78
Detroit scores 80-79
Pistons fans are going crazy despite the fact that their star players are
ganging up on a group of kids that might not even make the team.
they're cheering hard, this will be a disappointing loss for them. :)
Detroit 80-79 1:08 left
Mavs ball
Detroit 82-79
Gadson fouled by Wallace (5 pf)
28.7
Gadson misses the 1st, misses the 2nd, Diop rebounds, Gadson turns over the ball
18.1 Pistons 82-79
Jajuan Smith, Bass, Gadson, Green, wright
Bass is fouled on what could've been three point play, Sheed is fouled out.
Makes both baskets.
10.8 left
84-81 Pistons
Billups fouled, hits 1-2.
missed 3 by Wright, Pistons rebound and run out the clock.
85-81 Pistons final.
Mavs 2-4 on the road, 3-5 in the preseason
Still there were smiles from most of the players headed to the locker room,
why you ask? what does it say about this years Mavs team if 4/5 of the
Pistons starters had to play the entire 4th quarter to win against our
secondary and Tertiary players to win by 4 points? way to go Carlisle,
we might not have won, but for those of us that can read between the lines
we learned something tonight, this team has depth again. GO MAVS!
See Ya at the Fan Jam tomorrow!
-B
Mavericks
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a +/- off def tot ast pf st to bs ba pts
D. Nowitzki F 22:38 5-13 0-3 5-6 -3 0 2 2 0 3 0 1 0 0 15
J. Howard F 29:46 4-7 1-2 2-2 +6 0 7 7 1 3 2 1 0 0 11
E. Dampier C 22:08 1-1 0-0 0-0 +6 0 5 5 0 2 0 0 1 0 2
J. Kidd G 28:42 4-6 3-3 0-0 +19 0 3 3 4 3 0 6 1 0 11
J. Stackhouse G 28:35 3-7 0-1 6-8 +14 2 2 4 4 0 0 2 0 1 12
B. Bass 25:22 3-12 0-0 7-8 -1 2 7 9 1 0 1 0 0 3 13
D. Diop 24:08 0-3 0-0 0-0 -12 2 6 8 1 4 0 0 0 1 0
A. Wright 20:55 3-9 1-1 2-4 -15 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 2 9
J. Smith 11:33 2-6 2-5 0-0 -15 0 1 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 6
J. Barea 07:45 0-3 0-1 0-0 -8 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0
G. Green 06:30 1-1 0-0 0-0 -1 0 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 2
S. Williams 06:26 0-0 0-0 0-0 -2 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
C. Gadson 04:06 0-0 0-0 0-2 -11 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0
J. Singleton 01:26 0-0 0-0 0-0 +3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
J. Terry Reason : DND
D. George Reason : DND
K. McLeod Reason : NWT
C. Rhodes Reason : DNP
R. Terry Reason : DNP
Total 240 26-68 7-16 22-30 7 34 41 13 27 3 17 2 81
38.2% 43.8% 73.3% Team Rebs: 9 Total TO: 17
Pistons
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a +/- off def tot ast pf st to bs ba pts
A. Johnson F 19:11 4-8 0-0 2-4 -7 3 4 7 2 1 2 1 1 1 10
T. Prince F 33:09 2-8 1-2 7-8 +18 0 4 4 2 4 0 1 0 0 12
R. Wallace C 28:11 2-9 0-1 4-4 +4 5 4 9 1 6 2 0 1 0 8
C. Billups G 30:51 5-14 2-5 4-5 +5 0 2 2 7 2 1 2 0 0 16
R. Hamilton G 37:32 6-15 1-3 4-5 +1 1 4 5 1 2 0 3 0 0 17
A. McDyess 22:17 1-6 0-0 2-2 -2 3 5 8 1 4 1 2 0 0 4
R. Stuckey 21:34 3-9 0-1 6-7 +2 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 12
A. Afflalo 21:25 2-8 0-1 0-0 -10 0 4 4 2 0 2 1 0 1 4
J. Maxiell 19:56 1-4 0-0 0-0 +13 4 4 8 0 2 0 0 5 0 2
K. Brown 05:54 0-1 0-0 0-0 -4 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
A. Acker Reason : DNP
W. Bynum Reason : DNP
C. Samb Reason : DNP
W. Sharpe Reason : DNP
W. Herrmann Reason : DND
Total 240 26-82 4-13 29-35 16 32 48 16 23 9 12 8 85
31.7% 30.8% 82.9% Team Rebs: 14 Total TO: 13
Technical Fouls
DET 2nd Qtr:2 Richard Hamilton
Scoring
Lead Changes : 4
Times Tied : 2
Anyway, these are just my notes from the game so they may be complete gibberish,
but yet and still here is what I've gathered.
Mavs Vs Pistons 10-16-08
Dallas Mavericks are still on the road and with a record of 3-1,
they head into Detroit ready to get the job done, road games where
unbelievably challenging for the Mavs last season, however though
it is only the preseason the Mavs are looking much more confident on
the road winning 2-3 dropping one last night in Indiana.
One of the Mavericks toughest losses last season was handed out by
Detroit when the Mavs lost 67-90.
So what makes tonight so different? let's try Jerry Stackhouse!
yes, Stack was on the roster last season and the season before, but
this season under Rick Carlisle, Stackhouse has been forced/ or forced
himself to get into shape and in the first half of this game it's showing.
with 5.5 left on the timer, thanks to Richard Hamilton for not being
able to keep his cool and getting a technical called on him, followed
by Stack's free throw a beautiful alley oop inbound pass attempt from
Kidd to Stack sends him to the line for two, the Mavs are up 39-27
at the half led by Stack and Bass with 9 a piece.
Mavericks
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a +/- off def tot ast pf st to bs ba pts
D. Nowitzki F 09:48 3-6 0-0 1-2 -2 0 2 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 7
J. Howard F 16:18 3-5 0-1 0-0 +9 0 4 4 0 1 1 1 0 0 6
E. Dampier C 09:18 0-0 0-0 0-0 +7 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
J. Kidd G 18:12 2-3 2-2 0-0 +15 0 1 1 2 2 0 4 1 0 6
J. Stackhouse G 16:35 2-4 0-0 5-7 +13 2 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 1 9
B. Bass 14:12 3-9 0-0 3-4 +14 1 6 7 0 0 1 0 0 1 9
D. Diop 13:16 0-2 0-0 0-0 +2 1 4 5 1 2 0 0 0 1 0
A. Wright 08:55 0-3 0-0 0-0 +2 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 0
G. Green 06:12 1-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 2
J. Barea 05:48 0-2 0-1 0-0 -3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
J. Singleton 01:26 0-0 0-0 0-0 +3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Starting the 2nd half there was a turnover on Dirk that turned into a FB
for Detroit, but a technical foul was called due to delay of time and Stack drained the foul shot,
followed by a Dampier turn around jumper, Stack with a corner 3. Mavs 44-31
Rasheed Wallace still hates officials, on a Dirk shot attempt Rasheed was called
for a foul to which he responded to the ref
"You're never going to make the playoffs with calls like that"
after Dirk drained both shots, Rasheed was called again on the offensive end
for a loose ball foul, after getting tangled with Dirk again, however it's been a slow night for Dirk, who is fouled again by Amir Johnson with 5:34 in the 3rd Mavs 50-41.
Dirk with a nice fadeaway shot mavs 52-44, kidd for 3 at 3:50 mavs 55-44
3 barrage! Howard with the 3! Dirk with the 3, but he misses.
Dirk to the line 1:30 mavs 62-46 Kidd out Barea in
end of 3rd Mavs 62-49
dallas shooting over 40% while holding Detroit to 27%
JJ took a hard foul from Stuckey and couldn't keep his balance, later collapsing in midcourt Dallas time out taken.
Jajuan Smith, Brandon Bass and Diop enter the game.
Shawne Williams enters the game.
Jajuan Smith with a long range 3 after a backcourt inbounds pass
another long ball 3 from Sith to beat the shot clock
Bass is sent to the line 9:03 Mavs 70-55
*JJ has suffered a right leg injury and will not return.
Another nice move by Wright rolling to the basket for two.
uh oh, Jajuan Smith is starting to panic, chucking up 3's and fouling left and right.
-Gadson in for Smith
Pistons getting too much momentum, Mavericks 75-71
3:30 remaining
Detroit brings in their Starters to compete against Dallas' secondary team.
Wright nails a three 78-73 Mavs.
3 by Pistons Mavs 78-76 2:14 wright wants the ball splitting two defenders
and drawing the foul on what could've been a goal tend, 1-2 from the line.
Prince scores, mavs 79-78
Detroit scores 80-79
Pistons fans are going crazy despite the fact that their star players are
ganging up on a group of kids that might not even make the team.
they're cheering hard, this will be a disappointing loss for them. :)
Detroit 80-79 1:08 left
Mavs ball
Detroit 82-79
Gadson fouled by Wallace (5 pf)
28.7
Gadson misses the 1st, misses the 2nd, Diop rebounds, Gadson turns over the ball
18.1 Pistons 82-79
Jajuan Smith, Bass, Gadson, Green, wright
Bass is fouled on what could've been three point play, Sheed is fouled out.
Makes both baskets.
10.8 left
84-81 Pistons
Billups fouled, hits 1-2.
missed 3 by Wright, Pistons rebound and run out the clock.
85-81 Pistons final.
Mavs 2-4 on the road, 3-5 in the preseason
Still there were smiles from most of the players headed to the locker room,
why you ask? what does it say about this years Mavs team if 4/5 of the
Pistons starters had to play the entire 4th quarter to win against our
secondary and Tertiary players to win by 4 points? way to go Carlisle,
we might not have won, but for those of us that can read between the lines
we learned something tonight, this team has depth again. GO MAVS!
See Ya at the Fan Jam tomorrow!
-B
Mavericks
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a +/- off def tot ast pf st to bs ba pts
D. Nowitzki F 22:38 5-13 0-3 5-6 -3 0 2 2 0 3 0 1 0 0 15
J. Howard F 29:46 4-7 1-2 2-2 +6 0 7 7 1 3 2 1 0 0 11
E. Dampier C 22:08 1-1 0-0 0-0 +6 0 5 5 0 2 0 0 1 0 2
J. Kidd G 28:42 4-6 3-3 0-0 +19 0 3 3 4 3 0 6 1 0 11
J. Stackhouse G 28:35 3-7 0-1 6-8 +14 2 2 4 4 0 0 2 0 1 12
B. Bass 25:22 3-12 0-0 7-8 -1 2 7 9 1 0 1 0 0 3 13
D. Diop 24:08 0-3 0-0 0-0 -12 2 6 8 1 4 0 0 0 1 0
A. Wright 20:55 3-9 1-1 2-4 -15 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 2 9
J. Smith 11:33 2-6 2-5 0-0 -15 0 1 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 6
J. Barea 07:45 0-3 0-1 0-0 -8 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0
G. Green 06:30 1-1 0-0 0-0 -1 0 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 2
S. Williams 06:26 0-0 0-0 0-0 -2 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
C. Gadson 04:06 0-0 0-0 0-2 -11 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0
J. Singleton 01:26 0-0 0-0 0-0 +3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
J. Terry Reason : DND
D. George Reason : DND
K. McLeod Reason : NWT
C. Rhodes Reason : DNP
R. Terry Reason : DNP
Total 240 26-68 7-16 22-30 7 34 41 13 27 3 17 2 81
38.2% 43.8% 73.3% Team Rebs: 9 Total TO: 17
Pistons
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a +/- off def tot ast pf st to bs ba pts
A. Johnson F 19:11 4-8 0-0 2-4 -7 3 4 7 2 1 2 1 1 1 10
T. Prince F 33:09 2-8 1-2 7-8 +18 0 4 4 2 4 0 1 0 0 12
R. Wallace C 28:11 2-9 0-1 4-4 +4 5 4 9 1 6 2 0 1 0 8
C. Billups G 30:51 5-14 2-5 4-5 +5 0 2 2 7 2 1 2 0 0 16
R. Hamilton G 37:32 6-15 1-3 4-5 +1 1 4 5 1 2 0 3 0 0 17
A. McDyess 22:17 1-6 0-0 2-2 -2 3 5 8 1 4 1 2 0 0 4
R. Stuckey 21:34 3-9 0-1 6-7 +2 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 12
A. Afflalo 21:25 2-8 0-1 0-0 -10 0 4 4 2 0 2 1 0 1 4
J. Maxiell 19:56 1-4 0-0 0-0 +13 4 4 8 0 2 0 0 5 0 2
K. Brown 05:54 0-1 0-0 0-0 -4 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
A. Acker Reason : DNP
W. Bynum Reason : DNP
C. Samb Reason : DNP
W. Sharpe Reason : DNP
W. Herrmann Reason : DND
Total 240 26-82 4-13 29-35 16 32 48 16 23 9 12 8 85
31.7% 30.8% 82.9% Team Rebs: 14 Total TO: 13
Technical Fouls
DET 2nd Qtr:2 Richard Hamilton
Scoring
Lead Changes : 4
Times Tied : 2
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
A Deer in the Headlights pt 5: UberMan
Sitting outside of the door marked "TNT" I sat and talked to JJ Barea for a while, he was also sitting on the floor outside the door waiting for whatever was going on behind the door to finish, it kind of reminded me of sitting in the hallway at school talking to my friends, waiting for the morning bell to sound off, and as the bell rang the most popular kid in school steps out and looks dead at me, of course in this case the most popular kid at school is German Uberman, and Dallas MVP Dirk Nowitzki, the man that I've raved on about, and cheered for many years now is standing in front me, and I managed to ask for a quick interview, to which he gracefully responded "Sure"
He was being led by two women who were ushering him off to another room, I could tell by the look on their faces that I had just interrupted "The Schedule" one of them asked if I was able to "Walk and talk" with them, is she kidding? this is Dirk Nowitzki I would skateboard alongside his car going 90 on 75! "absolutely" was my answer.
After Dirk spent a few minutes speaking with someone from ESPN we were on our way.
I had to get the "fan girl" out of my system, I told him how tall he was, asked him to give a German shout out to my younger brother, then it was business! -_- <= Business Face
Bathory: Ok Dirk, real quick I just wanted to talk about one of my favorite moments this season, which was the only game I was able to make it to, the game versus the Utah Jazz back in April, 2-3 seconds left on the clock, you managed to get the ball from Eddie Jones and hit that major 3, right after Deron Williams.
DIRK: Right, to win it!
Bathory: How good was that feeling?
DIRK: You know I haven't really had a lot of those over my career so, that was a special moment, you know that game, was a great game, we went back and forth, and they had tied it right before, and we were able to come down and win on the last second, it was definitely a fun moment, you know everytime the ball or the game is down the wire, and you're able to come through for your team and win with the last second shot it's a good feeling.
Bathory: And then you know we have to talk about the MVP trophy, how great was that?
DIRK: Well, you know it was definitely one of the proudest moments of my NBA career, I was obviously really sad that we lost that year in the first round, but looking back in whatever twenty or thirty years it's still going to be one of the greatest things I accomplished, and nobody can take that away from me. My mom actually has it at home, I gave her the trophy, so I saw it all summer at home, at my parents place, so it was definitely a great accomplishment.
Bathory: And of course the competing in the olympics this year?
DIRK: Yeah, that was my dream, I've worked on it for ten or eleven years now and we were never able to make it, we always fell short, and being able to make this year was a dream come true, I had a blast, I got to know so many other athletes, and hangout, and the opening ceremony was amazing you know, me walking down with the flag, I was leading my nation into the stadium, so it was amazing, I was so happy.
Bathory: And can we expect more triple doubles this year?
DIRK: Oh wow, well you know I only have one for my career, I'm definitely going to work on it, but you know since we have Kidd, he's such a great basketball player you know, he needs to have the ball in his hands most of the time so he's going to be doing most of the passing, and I'm going to do most of the scoring.
Bathory: Absolutely, that's what you're great at!
Triple Doubles or not for Dirk there is no denying that he's the main piece for this team, the glue that holds the team together, despite what many critics say, Dirk Nowitzki is an MVP, a National Leader and an inspiration and no one can take that away from him!
He was being led by two women who were ushering him off to another room, I could tell by the look on their faces that I had just interrupted "The Schedule" one of them asked if I was able to "Walk and talk" with them, is she kidding? this is Dirk Nowitzki I would skateboard alongside his car going 90 on 75! "absolutely" was my answer.
After Dirk spent a few minutes speaking with someone from ESPN we were on our way.
I had to get the "fan girl" out of my system, I told him how tall he was, asked him to give a German shout out to my younger brother, then it was business! -_- <= Business Face
Bathory: Ok Dirk, real quick I just wanted to talk about one of my favorite moments this season, which was the only game I was able to make it to, the game versus the Utah Jazz back in April, 2-3 seconds left on the clock, you managed to get the ball from Eddie Jones and hit that major 3, right after Deron Williams.
DIRK: Right, to win it!
Bathory: How good was that feeling?
DIRK: You know I haven't really had a lot of those over my career so, that was a special moment, you know that game, was a great game, we went back and forth, and they had tied it right before, and we were able to come down and win on the last second, it was definitely a fun moment, you know everytime the ball or the game is down the wire, and you're able to come through for your team and win with the last second shot it's a good feeling.
Bathory: And then you know we have to talk about the MVP trophy, how great was that?
DIRK: Well, you know it was definitely one of the proudest moments of my NBA career, I was obviously really sad that we lost that year in the first round, but looking back in whatever twenty or thirty years it's still going to be one of the greatest things I accomplished, and nobody can take that away from me. My mom actually has it at home, I gave her the trophy, so I saw it all summer at home, at my parents place, so it was definitely a great accomplishment.
Bathory: And of course the competing in the olympics this year?
DIRK: Yeah, that was my dream, I've worked on it for ten or eleven years now and we were never able to make it, we always fell short, and being able to make this year was a dream come true, I had a blast, I got to know so many other athletes, and hangout, and the opening ceremony was amazing you know, me walking down with the flag, I was leading my nation into the stadium, so it was amazing, I was so happy.
Bathory: And can we expect more triple doubles this year?
DIRK: Oh wow, well you know I only have one for my career, I'm definitely going to work on it, but you know since we have Kidd, he's such a great basketball player you know, he needs to have the ball in his hands most of the time so he's going to be doing most of the passing, and I'm going to do most of the scoring.
Bathory: Absolutely, that's what you're great at!
Triple Doubles or not for Dirk there is no denying that he's the main piece for this team, the glue that holds the team together, despite what many critics say, Dirk Nowitzki is an MVP, a National Leader and an inspiration and no one can take that away from him!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
A Deer in the Headlights pt 4: JJ Barea
Just Friday I got a chance to see JJ Barea outside of this Mavs uniform, but he was still playing ball (VolleyBall) but today was all Mavs business so I wanted to ask JJ a few question to see what he's been up to, and get his opinion on a few things.
Bathory: Hey J.J., I don't know if you remember me or not, but I met you Friday at the Brandon Bass volleyball tournament on Friday.
JJB: Oh yeah, I thought I recognized you.
Bathory: Yeah, so how fun was that for you? playing in the tournament?
JJB: It was a good time, it was better than what I thought it was going to be, it was a lot of fun, and I think even the players had fun so, it was good.
Bathory: Had you ever played volleyball before?
JJB: Yeah, I played volleyball throughout highschool and stuff.
Bathory: Yeah, you were pretty good.
JJB: Thank you.
Bathory: So what are you looking forward to this year?
JJB: It's my third year here with Dallas, and I think it's going to be a really good year for us, we're more relaxed, and we're going to have a lot more fun, and try to make the best out of it.
Bathory: So what does Coach Carlisle bring to the table that Avery Johnson didn't?
JJB: I think he's more like a player's coach, he's going to let us play a little more freely, and we're going to run a little bit more, and I think he's better for the team.
Bathory: Well one of the things being said, is that a lot of the players stopped listening to Avery, that he couldn't get through to anyone anymore, why do you think that is?
JJB: Avery is an intense coach, he's really intense, he wants to get the best out of the players, and I think he just got tired, towards me he was a great coach, he was always good to me.
One argument of mine concerning Avery and JJ was that Barea was rarely brought into a game when he could have been a difference maker, JJ has the talent and makings of an all star player, but hasn't really been given the chance to show it, there were times when Devin Harris was hurt mainly that JJB was able to show a glimpse of what he could, maybe now that only he and Jason Terry are on the roster as backups for JKIDD, JJ can start to flourish, if that's the case, Carlisle really is what the doctor ordered.
-B
Bathory: Hey J.J., I don't know if you remember me or not, but I met you Friday at the Brandon Bass volleyball tournament on Friday.
JJB: Oh yeah, I thought I recognized you.
Bathory: Yeah, so how fun was that for you? playing in the tournament?
JJB: It was a good time, it was better than what I thought it was going to be, it was a lot of fun, and I think even the players had fun so, it was good.
Bathory: Had you ever played volleyball before?
JJB: Yeah, I played volleyball throughout highschool and stuff.
Bathory: Yeah, you were pretty good.
JJB: Thank you.
Bathory: So what are you looking forward to this year?
JJB: It's my third year here with Dallas, and I think it's going to be a really good year for us, we're more relaxed, and we're going to have a lot more fun, and try to make the best out of it.
Bathory: So what does Coach Carlisle bring to the table that Avery Johnson didn't?
JJB: I think he's more like a player's coach, he's going to let us play a little more freely, and we're going to run a little bit more, and I think he's better for the team.
Bathory: Well one of the things being said, is that a lot of the players stopped listening to Avery, that he couldn't get through to anyone anymore, why do you think that is?
JJB: Avery is an intense coach, he's really intense, he wants to get the best out of the players, and I think he just got tired, towards me he was a great coach, he was always good to me.
One argument of mine concerning Avery and JJ was that Barea was rarely brought into a game when he could have been a difference maker, JJ has the talent and makings of an all star player, but hasn't really been given the chance to show it, there were times when Devin Harris was hurt mainly that JJB was able to show a glimpse of what he could, maybe now that only he and Jason Terry are on the roster as backups for JKIDD, JJ can start to flourish, if that's the case, Carlisle really is what the doctor ordered.
-B
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Josh Howard: Too Late to Apologize?
Bandwagon fans, sports critics, patriots and "Couch Potato" sports critics have had enough of Josh Howard, over the past year his on and off the court antics have washed away his one time all star status, they'd heard enough of the excuses, his ways were no longer acceptable despite losing his Grandmother that raised him, his coach that taught him, and his good friend and team mate Devin Harris due to the Jason Kidd trade, Josh Howard's bad actions had/have begun to outweigh the good a ton to one, but during media day Josh grabbed the shovel and gloves and once the season starts he's going to dig his way back into the hearts of all of those that believed in him and repay those who have never stopped.
How does he plan to do that? you might ask.
Well first off Josh apologized to his fans, team, and everyone else, referring to himself as an "Idiot" for his youtube hit video on which he said some less than flattering things about the National Anthem.
JHO: I know that's not me
I love this country. If it wasn't for this country, I wouldn't be out here playing basketball. For me to have that opportunity is the greatest.
Apparently J-HO knows that we are tired of seeing his stepback jumpers, let's see what he does to alleviate the situation... all of it.
How does he plan to do that? you might ask.
Well first off Josh apologized to his fans, team, and everyone else, referring to himself as an "Idiot" for his youtube hit video on which he said some less than flattering things about the National Anthem.
JHO: I know that's not me
I love this country. If it wasn't for this country, I wouldn't be out here playing basketball. For me to have that opportunity is the greatest.
"That's not me. That's not Josh Howard. That was an idiot."
I wouldn't call him an idiot so much as a young kid who maybe a bit lost, money an fame doesn't not make a immature person mature, they still have to go through that process as you and I, and by owning up to his mistakes (whether by force of Cuban, and Carlisle or not) Howard has taken a step in the right direction. JHO: I apologize to everybody I've offended.
I'm upset with myself and the way I've acted. It was just me joking around. I just wasn't using my head. I learned that words really do hurt and you are held accountable for what you said.
I went to military school. I have friends that serve in the military. I know how it is to wake up and salute the flag. In the national anthem every game, I have my hand over my heart. It was just me not thinking.
Howard plans to "Do whatever it takes" to win his fans back one at a time, if he goes back to being the Josh Howard that attacked the basket relentlessly instead of taking jump shots, then there is no reason Josh can't win those fans back just as quickly as they turned on him.
Apparently J-HO knows that we are tired of seeing his stepback jumpers, let's see what he does to alleviate the situation... all of it.
Deer in the Headlights pt 3: Gerald "Cupcake" Green.
Before even meeting Jason Kidd, Gerald Green was one of the first Mavericks that I came across, and at first he looked just as lost and nervous as I did, after my interview with Kidd I figured I'd ask him a few questions and try to get acquainted with one of the newest Mavericks.
Bathory: Ok, so Gerald Green, this is going to be your first season here with Dallas, but you were actually born here, or near by?
GGREEN: Yeah, I was born in Houston, Texas.
Bathory: How does it feel to be back in Texas?
GGREEN: It feels good, I was here in Texas with the Rockets last season, but here in Dallas is a great opportunity for my family and friends to see me play.
Bathory: I know there are a lot of fans that were excited to here you had signed here, and they're really excited to see you play partly due to your success in the Slam Dunk Competition, a lot of us, myself included have been waiting a while to see someone in Mavs uniform compete in the SlamDunk competitons, do you think you'll participate this year?
GGREEN: I don't really know at the moment, my biggest thing is to try to bring a championship here, I'm not saying that I'm the answer or anything, but I know if i go out there and do what I can, do what I know I can do, and listen to the coach, and listen to the veterans of the team, play my role, I think I'll be okay.
Bathory: How did you like playing in the Summer League this year?
GGREEN: It was great, I loved it, I feel like we did pretty good as a team, we could've done a lot better, but there's always room for improvement, the coaches helped me out a lot, I loved playing with the young guys on the team, it was real fun.
Bathory: So who of your new team mates are you looking forward to playing with?
GGREEN: Aw man, I'm looking forward to playing with everybody, Dirk, J Kidd, Josh Howard, Jet, Damp, Gana, I'm looking forward to playing with everybody, Stack, I can't wait to play with everybody.
Bathory: Can we expect a lot of high flying maneuvers this season?
GGREEN: Oh you can expect a lot of that, a lot of that!
You can start expecting to see Cupcake's high flying act starting October 7th when the Mavs play their season opener against the Washington Wizards.
Bathory: Ok, so Gerald Green, this is going to be your first season here with Dallas, but you were actually born here, or near by?
GGREEN: Yeah, I was born in Houston, Texas.
Bathory: How does it feel to be back in Texas?
GGREEN: It feels good, I was here in Texas with the Rockets last season, but here in Dallas is a great opportunity for my family and friends to see me play.
Bathory: I know there are a lot of fans that were excited to here you had signed here, and they're really excited to see you play partly due to your success in the Slam Dunk Competition, a lot of us, myself included have been waiting a while to see someone in Mavs uniform compete in the SlamDunk competitons, do you think you'll participate this year?
GGREEN: I don't really know at the moment, my biggest thing is to try to bring a championship here, I'm not saying that I'm the answer or anything, but I know if i go out there and do what I can, do what I know I can do, and listen to the coach, and listen to the veterans of the team, play my role, I think I'll be okay.
Bathory: How did you like playing in the Summer League this year?
GGREEN: It was great, I loved it, I feel like we did pretty good as a team, we could've done a lot better, but there's always room for improvement, the coaches helped me out a lot, I loved playing with the young guys on the team, it was real fun.
Bathory: So who of your new team mates are you looking forward to playing with?
GGREEN: Aw man, I'm looking forward to playing with everybody, Dirk, J Kidd, Josh Howard, Jet, Damp, Gana, I'm looking forward to playing with everybody, Stack, I can't wait to play with everybody.
Bathory: Can we expect a lot of high flying maneuvers this season?
GGREEN: Oh you can expect a lot of that, a lot of that!
You can start expecting to see Cupcake's high flying act starting October 7th when the Mavs play their season opener against the Washington Wizards.
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