Game 2 Gut Check

You can say a lot of bad things about this band of brothers we know as the Dallas Mavericks, but after the efforts in Game 2 last night in Phoenix, not to mention the comebacks in the Houston series, you can never suggest they don’t fight.



Maybe not every night, but when push comes to shove, this team will not go quietly into the night. I love that. I love that just when things look very, very bad, this team shows a little bit of William Wallace, and charges back into the fight.

Everyone will talk about Erick Dampier and his fine effort last night, but allow me to place focus where I always do, the old man who people bash, Michael Finley. I am sure his critics will selectively remember his contributions, but I am here to remind you.

Dirk picked up his 4th foul with moments to go in the 3rd Quarter, with the Mavs up 72-71. The Suns quickly scored 7 straight to go up 78-72. At that point, the game was getting away, until Finley hit a 3, then another 3, and another 3, and another 3. By this time, midway through the 4th Quarter, Jason Terry and Dirk were ready to join him and make enough plays to get the win. But that stretch can not be ignored. When they needed someone to step up in the worst way, Finley went off for 31.

Meanwhile, Dirk played well enough, and hit the real big shot, but the TNT guys were all over him for his defensive lapses throughout the game after calling out Dampier. I also was not terribly amused with his reluctance to shoot the ball in the 4th Quarter, but with one possession left, and a basket was required, the star did what the stars do, and he buried the game-winner.

Links:

Revo on the scene in Phoenix …

Avery happy with Dampier, but not real happy …

"Am I happy that he had 15 points and 12 rebounds? Yeah. Six-of-7 from the field? Obviously, I'll take it. But I'll be happier if he can string together a couple of these games.

"He has a lot of work to do to please his coach."

Bickley knee-jerks in Phoenix …

So, after imposing their will on the fragile, fraying Grizzlies, the Suns find themselves tested for the first time this postseason. It would've been bad enough to lose a game like they did on Wednesday, when the hosts were trapped, caged and jarred out of their high-flying offense.

They lost their treasured ball movement, getting suckered into a bunch of individual battles. They incurred a stunning violation for not getting the ball across halfcourt in time, which is like a NASCAR driver being cited for driving too slowly.

"We weren't sharp, and then the biggest thing was that I thought we got out of character," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said.

But they lost their poise, too. They lost chances to steal the game near the finish line. Needing a basket to tie on their final possession, the best team in basketball settled for a desperate three-point attempt from Richardson.

Joe Johnson lost for at least Game 3 …

Galloway asks Hicks to help his ailing bullpen …But, that would require Hicks to write a check, so save the effort, Randy…

John Rocker annoys more people …

Blackistone on the NBA schedule …

And it was announced Wednesday that Game 4 in Dallas on Sunday night has been scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m., too, at the earliest.

Now in the playoffs' second round, the NBA doesn't allow one game to commence before the earlier one has concluded. Only if a game requires overtime will the league wave its broadcast rule.

Meanwhile, the Spurs' Game 4 with the Sonics on Sunday has been scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Dallas time. Forget that it's a series that, as mentioned earlier, is all but over. It will be played in Seattle, too.

What a ridiculous television schedule this is for the league and, especially, the Suns-Mavericks series. This is no way to showcase high-scoring basketball that is considered good for the league.

"I don't like it," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said earlier this week, "but it's out of my control."

You can be like Onterrio Smith, order the original Whizzinator …

Napoleon Dynamite and Usher ..

26 miles is a long way …



Phoenix Suns Owner, Robert Sarver, above:

Email #1

Hey Bob, I just heard you and Dan talking about the new owner of the suns. I was watching the end of the game Monday and either right before or right after the end of the fourth you can see this guy dancing like an idiot then realizes he is on camera and starts looking down at the ground playing with his foam finger with failed smile. If you TIVO'd the game I highly recommend checking it out.

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Email #2

Are you gonna talk about Trinidad-Wright on the show or on your blog any? I'm wondering what you think because I think Wright is a darn good fighter and will win in a easy decision, yet he's a 3 to 1 dog.

Thanks for Broadcasting on BaD radio and BFFE,
Fruitdog

Not sure how much I will do on the show about this fight, but I will tell you this much right now: I have a hard time seeing Tito Trinidad losing to Winky Wright. I might be wrong, but Trinidad appears too big and too strong. If Wright wins, I will remember that Fruitdog told me first…