Full-Court Press

Carlisle talks about the Mavericks: "The soul of this team is healthy and intact"

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle thoroughly understands NBA basketball in 2011. It's allowed him to guide a very unlikely group of different athletes at different  times of their careers into the NBA Finals.

That was a clear message that came through in Carlisle's interview on Norm Hitzges show Thursday morning on KTCK/1310 AM The Ticket.

Carlisle, an old NBA guard, didn't take off his game face. Asked how he celebrated the Western Conference championship victory over Oklahoma City, Carlisle didn't hesitate: "Well,  there nothing to celebrate yet."

Carlisle noted that he has been in the NBA Finals four times, three times as a player and once as an  assistant coach (winning once, with the Celtics in 1986, losing with the Celtics in '85 and '87, and as an assistant with the Pacers in 2000), and second place, he said, means nothing.

So how did the Mavericks get this far? Among items Carlisle touched on with Hitzges:

"The soul of this team is healthy and intact." There is chemistry, there are no issues in the locker room, Carlisle said.

This team understands that everything is hard, and these Mavs like it that way, Carlisle said. Things are going to look bad at times, but if you understand that, you know how to adjust.

"The game now is a large part a scramble game. You have to have a scramble mentality. And you have to win the scrambles." Calling a play in the fourth quarter of a playoff game, that doesn't work, Carlisle said, given the defensive tenacity. Thus, the Mavericks have gone with the unconventional, as they did late against Oklahoma City, risking defensive rebounds for defensive stops by sending their bigs farther out on the floor.

"If there were more than one ball out there," the Mavericks might be in trouble. They don't put superstar athletes all over the court, but given one basketball, rather than having one-on-one matchups all over the court, rewards those playing team basketball.

Shawn Marion's contribution has been vastly underrated, and he may epitomize what these Mavericks are about. When Marion came to the Mavericks before last season, "he was new to us, we were new to him. ... He had to reinvent his game to some extent." The Mavs didn't know how his skills would fit into their style, Carlisle said. He's become a defensive stopper. And his offense has come to the fore. "If you look at the stats in his career, you'd be shocked at the company he's in," Carlisle said.</li>

-- Vince Langford

Barkley picks the Mavericks again

Charles Barkley is backing the Mavericks again. 

Maybe not as strongly as he did when he picked them against the Los Angeles Lakers. But he likes them in the NBA Finals against Miami. 

“I think the Mavs have a really good chance and I think they’re going to win the series,’’ Barkley said on TNT’s postgame show late Thursday night. “Dirk Nowitzki is in the moment and they are in the Finals. I like this Mavs team. The stuff that the Heat did against the Bulls won’t work (against the Mavericks). They are going to score. They (the Mavericks) aren’t offensively-challenged like the Bulls are.” 

That and a $20-bill will get the Mavericks a Western Conference finals hat and a foam finger, maybe. 

Eddie Sefko
 
 

The NBA Finals are set: Mavericks vs. Miami

An astounding comeback in Chicago pushed the Miami Heat into the NBA Finals tonight. 

The Finals will start on Tuesday at American Airlines Arena in Miami. Game 2 will be Thursday with Games 3, 4 and 5 being in Dallas. 

The Heat served noticed that they are serious about earning a championship with their three-headed superstar monster of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh. 

It will be a rematch of the 2006 NBA Finals that ended badly for the Mavericks, who lost the last four games of the series after taking a 2-0 lead. 

Here’s the official schedule, with all games on Ch. 8: 

Game 1 - Tue May 31 Dallas at Miami, 8 p.m.

Game 2 - Thu June 2 Dallas at Miami, 8 p.m.

Game 3 - Sun June 5 Miami at Dallas, 7 p.m.

Game 4 - Tue June 7 Miami at Dallas, 8 p.m.

Game 5 * Thu June 9 Miami at Dallas, 8 p.m.

Game 6 * Sun June 12 Dallas at Miami, 7 p.m.

Game 7 * Tue June 14 Dallas at Miami, 8 p.m.

 

*--If necessary.

 

Eddie Sefko
 

Caron Butler's return in NBA Finals can't be ruled out

The odds remain against Caron Butler getting back on the court in the NBA Finals, but those percentages aren’t quite as heavily stacked as they have been earlier in the playoffs. 

Coach Rick Carlisle said today that: “It’s unlikely, but I can’t rule it out for sure,’’ that Butler will play in the NBA Finals. 

Reading the tea leaves, it sounds like there is about a 10-percent chance that Butler will return in the Finals, which is more than the zero-percent chance that he was given before the Western Conference finals against Oklahoma City. 

The small forward has been out since New Year’s Day after a serious knee injury that required surgery. He has not been cleared for full-contact practice yet. 

Butler has been a huge inspiration to the Mavericks, particularly during their playoff run, even though he has not been able to scrimmage with the team. 

It’s possible that just suiting up in the Finals, even if the chances of him getting into a game are remote, could provide more positive vibes to a Mavericks’ team that has been heavy on the positivity throughout the playoffs. 

After the patellar tendon in his right knee ruptured at Milwaukee, Butler pushed his kneecap back into place and walked off the court on his own power. The usual recovery time for such an injury can be six months, although Butler had said he was hoping to shave time off of that. 

It’s closing in on five months since the injury. 

Eddie Sefko
           

Mavs are back in the NBA Finals after tripping OKC, 100-96

DALLAS _ Someone handed the Western Conference championship trophy to Dirk Nowitzki at midcourt, and he acted like he wanted to pass it off to someone else.

Nowitzki wasn’t trying to be disrespectful. He just knows that winning the West with Wednesday’s 100-96 series-clinching triumph over the Oklahoma City Thunder doesn’t mean anything to him and his teammates.

This piece of hardware is a mere stepping stone to more precious treasures.

The Mavs want more. Much, much more.

Like four more wins. And the NBA championship trophy to parade around town.

“We talked about it, obviously, after the game that this is a great moment and we can enjoy it for a day,’’ Nowitzki said. “But we’ve got one of those trophies already and it didn’t mean anything at the end.’’

That was in 2006, when the Mavs won the West, then lost to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in six games. Now, in getting back to the Finals for the second time in six years, the Mavs would like to complete some unfinished business.

Now, the Mavs have their chance at redemption when they’ll face either the Heat or Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals. Miami leads that best-of-seven series, 3-1, with Game 5 slated for tonight in Chicago.

If Miami wins tonight’s game, the Mavs and Heat will play Games 1 and 2 of the Finals in Miami on Tuesday and June 2, before the series shifts to Dallas for Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) on June 5, 7 and 9.

However, if the Bulls win tonight, the Finals won’t start until June 2 – in either Miami or Chicago -- with the Mavs hosting Games 3-5 on June 7, 9 and 12 (if necessary).

The Mavs, though, didn’t say whether they wanted a payback championship series against the Heat, or a meeting with the Bulls.

“Our goal now is to win four games no matter who we play in the Finals,’’ said Jason Terry, who finished with 12 points. “This time around it’s even going to be more special.

“We’re going to leave it all out there on the floor, and this is what you play for.’’

The Mavs nearly had to play at least one more game before reaching the Finals. Game 5 was that air-tight.

Just like they did in Game 4, the Thunder controlled the tempo for the first 43 minutes. Then, just like they did in Game 4, the Thunder crashed and burned during the game’s most meaningful moments.

Dallas ended the final 5:06 of Game 4 on a 17-2 run to force overtime, where it came away with an improbable 112-105 victory Monday night in Oklahoma City. On Wednesday, the Mavs outscored OKC 17-6 in the final 5:28 to win this series 4-1.

“They played with unbelievable fight and spirit,’’ coach Rick Carlisle said of the Thunder. “All the games I’ve been involved with over the years in the playoffs, this is as hard a game as I’ve ever been involved with just because of some of the adjustments they made and how they attacked.

“Psychologically there was stuff that could have gotten us down, but our guys stayed with it. This is a great moment, but we’ve got a lot of work left to do.’’

With Russell Westbrook (31 points, eight rebounds) and Kevin Durant (23 points, nine boards) paving the way, the Thunder was pure gold when they took a 90-83 lead into the game’s final 5:28. At the time it looked as though this series was surprisingly headed back to Oklahoma City for a gut-check Game 6.

But the Mavs had a surprise of their own. They had veterans like Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd, Nowitzki and Terry who made critical plays at crucial points of the game.

During the Mavs’ game-changing 17-6 run, Nowitzki and Marion each poured in seven points. For Marion, no points were sweeter than a wild sequence when he stole Nick Collison’s pass, sprinted down the court for a flying dunk, was fouled by Durant, then nailed the free throw to widen the Mavs’ slim lead to 98-94 with 48.9 seconds left.

Shortly thereafter, Westbrook banged in a pair of charity tosses as OKC drew within 98-96 with 39 ticks left. Then, after Nowitzki misfired on a 7-footer, Kidd came up with the game’s biggest (offensive) rebound and quickly passed it to Nowitzki, who was intentionally fouled by Eric Maynor with 13.3 seconds left.

With the American Airlines Center fans chanting MVP, MVP, MVP, Nowitzki stepped to the free throw line and sank two of the softest and more memorable free throws he’s ever made.

“I think we had some good steals, some good rebounds and we had some lucky bounces,’’ said Nowitzki, who finished with 26 points and nine rebounds. “One time the ball was in the air – it was up for grabs – and it was a one-point game.’’

The Mavs broke loose for a 12-6 lead, then quickly got sandbagged by the Thunder, who led 27-26 after the first quarter. With James Harden scoring 10 of his 23 points off the bench in the second period, the Thunder toted a 57-52 lead into the half.

A dozen third-quarter points from the hard-charging Westbrook was the impetus OKC used to carry a 76-72 cushion going into the wild, wild fourth period when the Mavs’ pressure and playoff experience paid off.

“We came up short,’’ Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “It’s unfortunate, but I have nothing but praise for our team.

“I give Dallas a lot of credit. They’re a very good basketball team.’’

Marion was 10-of-17 from the field and finished with 26 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Meanwhile, JJ Barea had 14 points and five assists and again ate up the Thunder’s defense on the pick-and-roll.

Also for the Mavs, Kidd played a solid floor game and collected seven boards and 10 assists. And Tyson Chandler finished with nine points, nine rebounds and two blocks before fouling out.

All in all, the Mavs shot 41 percent from the field to 42.7 percent for the Thunder. It all added up to another trip to the Finals for the Mavs, who want nothing better than to correct what happened in 2006.

“Like I said this is nice for a day,’’ Nowitzki said. “But we set our goals in October for us to win it all, so we haven’t done that yet.’’

-- Dwain Price

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Mavericks happy to sit and wait again, will enjoy the rest

With another clinching victory, capping a short series, the Mavericks get the benefit of the some much needed rest while awaiting an opponent for the NBA Finals.

The finals will start next Tuesday or Thursday, depending on how long the Eastern Conference Finals series lasts between the Heat and the Bulls.

If the Heat, who lead 3-1, closes it out Thursday night, the finals will start next Tuesday in Miami.

If the series goes six or seven games, the finals will start next Thursday in either Miami or Chicago.

The veteran-laden Mavericks, the oldest team left in the playoffs, will kick back and watch it play out.

Dallas has won 10 of their last 11 games. The beat Oklahoma City 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals after sweeping the Lakers in the second round.

The Mavericks will now will take Thursday off before getting back to work on Friday.

“Any time you get rest this time of the year is a bonus,” guard Jason Kidd, who at 38 years old needs the rest the most.

“Not have to go back to Oklahoma City and close it out here was huge. It shows the team is going in the right direction.”

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

 

No celebrating for Mavs: Nowitzki and Terry says conference title means nothing with NBA title

 The Mavericks enjoyed a small celebration on the court during the Western Conference Title trophy presentation, but there was no champagne or partying in the postgame locker room.

The series clinching victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night was satisfying that it allowed the Mavericks to continue  on their journey and reach the NBA Finals. But that’s all it was: a step not the destination.

The Mavericks are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since coming up short against the Heat in 2006.

This time second place is not an option, according to guard Jason Terry and forward Dirk Nowitzki, the only two players left from the 2006 team.

“We said to each other, let’s go finish our business,” said Terry of the talk in the post game locker room. “We finally got back. It’s been while. Now let’s see what happens.

“Don’t look at my face and think I’m mad. I’m happy we got this over with. But this was just step along the way. It’s show time now. It’s our time to seal the deal.”

Asked he enjoyed the moment, Nowitzki was even more distant and finals focused: “Not really. We talked about it obviously after the game. But we got one of those trophies already and it didn’t mean anything in the end. Once you get to the finals, there is no second place. Our goal is to win it all and we haven’t done that yet.”

Clarence Hill

Terry has a big claw to show for his effort

As he sat in his locker answering questions about the
Mavericks’ Western Conference finals victory over Oklahoma City, Jason
Terry had a huge bandage wrapped around his right forearm.
 
“I think I hurt it on that last dunk,’’ he
said. “I was trying to rip the rim down.’’
 
Terry was joking, we think. But he clearly had to have some
attention to the arm. He’s been an ironman when it comes to playing
through pain and with at least five more days before Game 1 of the NBA Finals,
Terry doesn’t expect any problems from the arm.
 
Eddie Sefko
 

Scotts pregame chatter

Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks talked with the media before Game 5. The Thunder had a late fourth-quarter meltdown in Game 4, allowing the Mavs to grab a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Brooks didn't spend too much time dwelling on the collapse with his team, saying they were ready to move past it.

"Our guys have an incredible spirit about them, and they’re a resilient group," Brooks said. "So we always focus on the other game, and you have to play in the moment. If you look at the big picture, it becomes overwhelming. The spirit of this team is good, we’re going to play as hard as we can tonight. There’s never a doubt in my mind that it’s not going to happen."

-- Drew Davison

Carlisle pregame chatter

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle met with the media before Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday night. The Mavs will try and close out the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 after a dramatic come back in Game 4.

On tonight’s game: “It’s an opportunity. It was a very unlikely opportunity in our last game, we pulled off a miracle really to be in this position. The thing we do understand is we’ve got guys who have been at this level, getting to that next step is extremely difficult. Getting by these guys tonight is going to take a tremendous effort, and we’re going to have to put together 48 minutes of good basketball.”

On the Mavs window closing: “That’s talk that’s been going on for years. It doesn’t concern us.”

On age talk used as motivation: “We’re immersed in the moment. That fact that some of our guys have been tantalizingly close to the next step is reason enough we don’t need to talk about it.”

-- Drew Davison