Full-Court Press

Cuban said NYC writer did what NYC writers do

DALLAS _ Mark Cuban said the fact that a big deal has been made about him yelling at forward Lamar Odom during this past Tuesday's 95-85 win over the New York Knicks is a sad commentary about the sports writing business in New York City.

This is the one-liner New York Daily News reporter Frank Isola had in his Wednesday story about an exchange between Cuban and Dallas Mavericks forward Lamar Odom during the Mavs-New York Knicks game.

"Lamar Odom exchanged words with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, who was upset over the forward's failure to hustle,'' wrote Isola.

Both Cuban and Odom took exception to the remark.

"Frank did what all nyc media does,'' Cuban said today via e-mail. "He tries to create a story where there is none.''

Odom, who felt Cuban's wrath after he didn't hustle back up the court on a play, took to his Twitter account to voice his opinion.

"Me and Marc Cuban are cool!,'' wrote Odom. "Frank u can't lie 4 a story. Unethical bro.''

Cuban yells at his players so much during games that no one hardly pays attention any more. Everyone from Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, Vince Carter, Shawn Bradley, Steve Nash, Michael Finley, Erick Dampier, etc., has gotten an earful.

And it's never going to stop. That's just how passionate Cuban is about his team and his players.

With Cuban, he'll yell at his players one minute, and then give him an encouraging pat on the back the next minute.

"I always loudly encourage all my guys,'' Cuban said. "No one hasn't gotten a dose of energy from me.''

-- Dwain Price

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@dwainprice

Mahinmi is the center of attention

DALLAS -- With centers Brendan Haywood (ankle) and Brandan Wright (concussion) sidelined with injuries, Ian Mahinmi has suddenly found himself the center of attention for the Dallas Mavericks.

And the third-year veteran responded in Tuesday's 95-85 win over the New York Knicks with nine points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks in 27 minutes. It was one of those comforting performances coach Rick Carlisle likes to see whenever he puts Mahinmi in the game.

"Mahinmi was terrific (and) very active,'' Carlisle said. "Seemed like he was always coming up with a key rebound or a key defensive play, and he made key buckets.

"There were times when he would do something that would lead to a little momentum for us.''

A flying dunk by Mahinmi came in the midst of a 14-1 run that increased the Mavs' lead to 66-47 midway through the third period.The 6-11 center kept attacking the basket while going against former teammate Tyson Chandler, who finished with six points and eight rebounds.

"We obviously need him,'' Carlisle said of Mahinmi. "The backup situation is a little bit of a coin toss right now.

"We've got different things we can do depending on who we're playing and matchups.''

-- Dwain Price

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@dwainprice

Mavs can't execute down the stretch

OKLAHOMA CITY -- L