Tonight at 8:30, the Mavs play Golden State in a game that has serious playoff implications. Currently, the Mavs are a full game ahead of G.S. and a half game ahead of Denver, which currently holds the 8th spot in the West. Dirk is a game time decision but Stackhouse is out. Due to the remainder of Dallas schedule, as well as the schedules of both Denver and Golden State, if the Mavs somehow don’t win tonight, I think I’m prepared to say that they will be on the outside looking in when the playoffs start later this month. So really, this is a MUST WIN.
The last few years, the Warriors have been a tough match up for the Mavs. Everyone remembers last Spring (who could forget?) and this year the Warriors have a 2-1 advantage in the series. However, if Dallas has any shred of pride they will nut up, show up and beat up the Warriors tonight…Dirk, or no Dirk. I know that last sentence is super cheesy, but it’s the truth. Dallas is well rested, playing at home (where they are fairly difficult to beat) and Golden State is playing the second game of a back-to-back (they played the Spurs last night and lost by 24 points). Since the Kidd trade, Dallas has yet to beat a team in playoff contention in the West but that HAS to end tonight.
A win for Dallas means a couple of things. For one, they put more distance between themselves and Golden State/Denver for the playoffs. Two, they can prove to themselves that they not only can play with but can beat a quality team. The Mavs have been able to hang with the playoffs teams from the West but they just can’t seem to get over the hump and come up with a “W” against any of those teams. And three, a win tonight might jump start this team so they can build some sort of momentum going into the playoffs. I may just be dreaming about that though.
I never in a million years thought, at the beginning of this season, that Dallas wouldn’t make the playoffs. I have to admit, I haven’t watched much of the past few games and probably won’t watch much of tonight’s game. Not because I’m a fair weather fan or any less of a Mavs fan now than I was a few months ago. I just can’t take getting emotionally suckered much more. I want the Mavs to make the playoffs and do well. But getting emotionally invested in an important game only to get my guts stomped on at the end is not my idea of an enjoyable time.
This team is soft, no two ways about it. But I want the team to get mad. I want them to play with emotion. I want them to come out and play physical ball…plant Stephen Jackson’s butt on the court if need be (I hate that guy)…but do something, ANYTHING, to prove to this city as well as the league that they aren’t going anywhere and stories of their demise have been prematurely written. Forget taking 18 foot jump shots or hiding behind the 3 point arc. Take the freaking ball to the basket and make a freaking statement with it!
Otherwise, go get your shine box, your golf clubs and start making your off season plans because you aren’t going anywhere. We’ll see if Dallas can answer the bell or if they will cower down like that have done the past month. Hopefully it will be the former and not the latter.
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