Full-Court Press

What to watch tonight: Attack Shaq

Jason Terry provided a little insight this morning about going inside against Shaq tonight. Let's see if the Mavs can take Terry's words and put them into action:

"We know he's back there and he's big, but he's not going to block any shots unless you bring it to him and so we want to attack him all night long. He doesn't want to get in foul trouble and I think that's the big thing with him. But, if you look back there and say, 'Ah, Shaq's back there, I'm not even going in there,' then it's going to be a long night shooting jumpers."

-- Jeff Caplan

 

Nothing new

Mavs coach Rick Carlisle had nothing new to report on Josh Howard's status for Thursday's game against the Suns. Howard has missed six straight games with a sprained left ankle that just doesn't seem to want to get right.

"Game-time decision, nothing new," Carlisle reported.

The team lifted weights and watched film on Wednesday, so Howard had another day to let the ankle rest after he went through his first full practice on Monday. That night he experienced more swelling which sabotaged a potential return Tuesday against the Clippers.

Antoine Wright is also expected to be out Thursday as he nurses a right groin strain.

-- Jeff Caplan

Amazing

The Mavericks trailed almost the entire game but came back to defeat the Clippers, 100-98. The winning shot came on a three-pointer by J.J. Barea with 50.2 seconds left. Barea had 15 points in the victory and played probably his best game as a professional.

-- Jan Hubbard

Wow

With 2:00 left, a baseline drive by J.J. Barea brings the Mavericks to within five. With 1:39 left, a 15-footer by Jason Terry brings Dallas to within three. With 1:15 left, a driving layup by Terry brings Dallas to within one at 98-97. Time out: Clippers.

Can the Mavericks actually steal this game?

-- Jan Hubbard

Too little too late?

The Mavericks scored seven consecutive points to reduce a 12-point deficit to five, but with 2:21 left, the Clippers are hanging on to a 98-91 lead. One of the most significant contributions on the night has come from J.J. Barea, who has already played 22 minutes and has 10 points and six assists. He's been on the floor since late in the third quarter and has been so effective that Rick Carlisle can't take him out.

-- Jan Hubbard

No-mentum

With 5:01 left in the third period, Rick Carlisle has used his second timeout of the quarter. The Clippers are ahead 70-57. I could give you details but let your imagination guide you. It's as bad as it sounds.

-- Jan Hubbard

Second half switch

Jason Terry and DeSagna Diop have replaced Gerald Green and Erick Dampier in the second half starting lineup. Terry may have to go all 24 in the last half.

Eric Gordon just stripped the ball from Dirk Nowitzki and went in for a fast break slam. The Clippers lead by 11 with 8:49 left in the third. The Mavericks, yes, are two players short with Josh Howard and Antoine Wright out, but the team is coasting. Rick Carlisle has called time out and is not happy.

Half bad

The Clippers have a lead at 55-47 at the half and Rick Carlisle is not going to be happy with the defense. But a look at the first half box score is a reminder how much the Mavericks miss Josh Howard. Yes, they have won four of five games since he sprained his ankle. But at the half, only Dirk Nowitzki (13 points) and Jason Terry (11) are in double figures.

The Clippers, meanwhile, have three in double figures -- Zach Randolph (17), Al Thornton (15) and Baron Davis (14). Randolph is proving to be a tough matchup. He is too quick for the big centers and Brandon Bass hasn't had a lot of luck, either. If the Mavericks don't rediscover their defense, this seven-game home stand won't have a happy start.

-- Jan Hubbard

Jet flying again

Jason Terry is the classic streaky shooter and the recent streak has been torrid. He entered the game averaging 23.5 points his last eight games and he's already got nine in his first nine minutes tonight. The Mavericks are showing life, trailing by only four points halfway through the second period, but those pesky Clippers are still giving them problems.

Serious ugly

Well, it's evident that Rick Carlisle is not happy with Erick Dampier. The starting center gave up seven quick points to Zach Randolph and with little more than three minutes expired in the Clippers-Mavericks game, Dampier is on the bench and Diop is out.

Carlisle emphasizes fast starts, but that's not happening tonight. The Clippers got the first nine points of the game before Gerald Green came back with two baskets.

Hey, those 3-13 Clippers have pride, too.

-- Jan Hubbard