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It helps if you send in a great email, like the one I got a couple days ago from a Cindy H. You know who you are Cindy.

Anyway, she had this to say about the Mavericks:

"I hope that in an article you might consider ''calling out the players for lack of effort.

"Considering the economy and the fact that many people are truly suffering through tough times, the least people should be able to expect when watching or attending a professional sporting event is for overpaid and over-privileged athletes to give their best effort - EACH AND EVERY TIME THEY PLAY A GAME. People need to be entertained at least given a bit of distraction from the tough times many are experiencing.

"That does not mean win every game but it does mean play your best. I am so very tired of seeing a team with the 2nd highest payroll in the NBA put up lackluster and lazy performances. Not only is it insulting to the fans but it is a poor example to be setting for young people who really look up to the players.''

Actrually, her email came in right after Mark Cuban did exactly that -- call out the players.

Since then, the Mavericks have played hard, winning against San Antonio and losing against New Orleans.

If they show that kind of pride and passion in their work the rest of the season, I believe Mavericks' fans will be happy with what they get -- which will be at least some fun in the playoffs.

--Eddie Sefko

Comments

[Pasaway]

Lack of effort especially in defense!!! CP3 burned the Mavs over and over again! They ran almost the same play. They used the switch so that Dirk or a slower guy will take CP3. Isolation and then boom! Alley oop dunk or a jumper by CP3! Didn't you notice that Rick Carlisle??? Dirk was mad at his teammates for not playing defense one time. But look at who's defender got to the basket? It was Dirk's! He's only watching them shoot and not challenging them.

Their offense is very predictable. You can't win if you're a jumpshooting team. You need to drive and take it strong to the basket. Or at least take 10 feet jumpers, where you have better chances of converting it. I love Dirk but he makes his own problem by shooting those fadeaway jumpers. Take SIMPLE and WIDE OPEN Jump shots and not those fadeaway jumpers. Take it to the hoop! You practiced dunking without your shoes before but you don't even dunk that much in a game.

I've been a fan for 6 years now and Cuban's right. This team's efforts are not there. Looks like another early vacation for the Mavs this time.

I hope they trade Dampier next season! He's too old and too slow. Think about the idea of having a low post threat and an outside threat.