Full-Court Press

Kaman wants to return to the Mavs

DALLAS --Chris Kaman has his sights set on returning to Dallas Mavericks when he becomes a free agent on July 1.

The Mavs signed Kaman to a one-year, $8 million contract last summer in hopes that he could become their every day starter at center. But Kaman has been in and out of the starting lineup this season because of his inconsistency, and is averaging 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Despite all of that, Kaman believes he and the Mavs are a perfect match.

"I'd love to be back, but I don't know what's going to happen with the organization,'' Kaman said after Friday morning's shoot around at American Airlines Center. "I don't know what's going to happen with the team -- I have no idea.

"It's up to the owners and the coaches and all that -- whoever decides all that stuff. Right now I'm just thinking about finishing strong and we'll see what happens in July.''

-- Dwain Price

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Nowitzki's absence brought about challenges

DALLAS -- In retrospect, the Dallas Mavericks knew they were going to be in a world of trouble when superstar Dirk Nowitzki missed the first 27 games this season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

Trouble, as in, that journey to the playoffs just got a tab bit tougher.

"It's going to bring about challenges, no question,'' coach Rick Carlisle said after Friday morning's shootaround at American Airlines Center. "But we are where we are.

"Through it all there's been some positives that we can take away from it. Going forward we've got to see where we're at this summer and we've got to get the team better.''

The Mavs were 12-15 in those first 27 games Nowitzki missed. They also lost to the Golden State Warriors (100-97) and beat Phoenix (109-99) in two other games Nowitzxki missed later in the season due to a strained right adductor.

Overall, the Mavs have missed the playoffs this year for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.

 

-- Dwain Price

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Nowitzki's absence brought about challenges

DALLAS -- In retrospect, the Dallas Mavericks knew they were going to be in a world of trouble when superstar Dirk Nowitzki missed the first 27 games this season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

Trouble, as in, that journey to the playoffs just got a tab bit tougher.

"It's going to bring about challenges, no question,'' coach Rick Carlisle said after Friday morning's shootaround at American Airlines Center. "But we are where we are.

"Through it all there's been some positives that we can take away from it. Going forward we've got to see where we're at this summer and we've got to get the team better.''

The Mavs were 12-15 in those first 27 games Nowitzki missed. They also lost to the Golden State Warriors (100-97) and beat Phoenix (109-99) in two other games Nowitzxki missed later in the season due to a strained right adductor.

Overall, the Mavs have missed the playoffs this year for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.

 

-- Dwain Price

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Mavs' mindset hasn't changed

DALLAS -- Even with no playoff berth on the line, Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said the team's mindset hasn't been altered.

Therefore, when they entertain the Denver Nuggets at 7:30 tonight at American Airlines Center, the Mavs will approach it as if they had a playoff berth on the line.

"We're trying to win tonight,'' Carlisle said. "We put value in finishing strong and finishing on a positive note.

"And to do that we're going to have four games against tough teams -- teams that have been difficult to play all year long. So we've got to give them their respect and we've got to make sure that we're ready.''

After tonight, the Mavs play the Hornets in New Orleans on Sunday, then host Memphis on Monday and finish the season at home on Wednesday against the Hornets.

-- Dwain Price

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Mavs must rebound better tonight against the Nuggets

DALLAS -- When Rick Carlisle scanned the stat sheet of the 95-94 loss at Denver on Apr. 4, the Dallas Mavericks' coach noticed a glaring weakness that likely cost his team a chance at getting out of town with a victory.

Rebounding.

The Nuggets outrebounded the Mavs, 50-41, in rallying for the win. That includes outrebounding the Mavs on the offensive end, 18-9.

Two of those offensive rebounds came in the game's final 11 seconds when the Mavs were ahead, 94-93.

Wilson Chandler missed a four-footer for Denver, but Kenneth Faried collected the offensive rebound and was fouled by Anthony Morrow. Faried, though, missed both free throws, with his second misfire rebounded by ex-Mavs forward Corey Brewer with nine ticks left.

That directly led to Andre Iguodala strolling down the lane for the game-winning basket with 2.8 seconds left.

Thus, when the Mavs (38-40) host the Nuggets (54-24) at 7:30 tonight at American Airlines Center, Carlisle has stressed to his team that they've got to handle their business on the boards.

"Our rebounding has got to be better -- that was a major part of it,'' Carlisle said of last week's loss to the Nuggets. "We did a lot of good things, we moved the ball well, we scored well.

"It's a tough team, it's a very athletic team, they drive it, so keeping them out of the lane is important. But the rebounding and keeping turnovers down are two big areas.''

-- Dwain Price

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Mavs eliminated from the playoffs

DALLAS -- For the first time since the 1999-2000 season, the Dallas Mavericks won't be one of the 16 teams participating in the NBA playoffs.

The Mavs apparently weren't in the right frame of mind Wednesday night when they were embarrassed by the Phoenix Suns, 102-91, at American Airlines Center. Coupled with the Los Angeles Lakers' 113-106 win at Portland, that offcially knocked the Mavs from playoff contention.

Thus, this is the first full season since Mark Cuban bought the Mavs that this franchise will watch the playoffs from the sidelines. Cuban purchased the Mavs from Ross Perot Jr. on Jan. 4, 2000, and starting with the 2000-'01 campaign, the Mavs had advanced to the playoffs every single season.

Until now.

The horrific loss to a Suns' squad that came in toting a 10-game losing streak sort of summarizes the issues the Mavs have encountered this season. The Suns have the third-worst record in the entire NBA and the worst record in the Western Conference, but played with so much poise against the Mavs.

“We were just not good enough from start to finish,’’ coach Rick Carlisle said. “It was a decisive win for them, and we played poorly.

“Give them their due. They played a really good game.’’

The Suns (24-55) rushed out to a 28-14 lead late in the first quarter, saw the Mavs tie it at 63-all early in the third period, then went on an immediate 12-0  run to go back up 75-63. A Dirk Nowitzki basket helped the Mavs rally within 93-89 with 2:03 left in the game.

But a little over a minute later the Suns were ahead, 98-89, after PJ Tucker tallied five straight points. 

“Our mindset was good coming out of halftime,’’ Carlisle said. “We mounted a charge, we built it around good defense, but when they answered it we didn’t respond well.''

And because the Mavs didn't respond well, they now are only playing for pride, and for the opportunity to keep their streak of finishing the season with a winning record to 13 years in a row.

“This is definitely a tough loss,’’ guard Mike James said. “You can’t give any team, regardless of their record, any confidence.

“They were hitting shots early, and even when we went on a run they were able to maintain the lead. It’s unfortunate, because we had a chance to do something good tonight and we’ve got to regroup and prepare ourselves for the next game and end this season on a good note.’’

-- Dwain Price

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Suns snap 10-game losing streak, beat Mavs, 102-91

DALLAS -- Apparently, the Phoenix Suns wanted it more than the Dallas Mavericks.

With nothing but pride to play for on Wednesday night, the lowly Suns strolled into American Airlines Center and snapped their 10-game losing streak by claiming a 102-91 victory over the stunned Mavs. That crucial loss dropped the Mavs to 38-40 as they missed out on their third opportunity since Mar. 28 to reach the .500 plateau.

More importantly, at press time the Los Angeles Lakers (41-37) were playing on the West Coast at Portland. If the Lakers defeat the Trail Blazers, that would officially eliminate the Mavs from the playoff race.

The Suns came in with the worst record in the Western Conference, the third-worst record in the NBA, and had lost in Houston on Tuesday, 101-98, on a goaltending call at the buzzer. But the Suns put all that baggage behind them en route to shocking a Mavs squad that still had some postseason aspirations.

Phoenix led by 14 late in the third period, but the Mavs got within 93-89 with 2:02 remaining in the game following a jumper by Dirk Nowitzki. However, shortly thereafter, Luis Scola barely got off a scoop shot as the shot-clock expired and PJ Tucker cleaned it up by scoring via an offensive rebound.

OJ Mayo then missed a three-point field goal, and Tucker scored again -- this time with his own three-pointer -- and the Suns went up 98-89 with 1:01 left in the game.

Shawn Marion led the Mavs with 22 points and nine rebounds, Nowitzki had 21 points and eight boards, and Vince Carter finished with 18 points and six rebounds.

Phoenix jumped out to a 28-14 lead with 1:24 left in the first period

Goran Dragic paced the Suns with 22 points and 13 assists, Tucker had 17 points and 10 rebounds, Wesley Johnson and Jared Dudley scored 17 points apiece, Markieff Morris added 12 points and seven rebounds, and Scola added 11 points and a season-high 15 rebounds.

Dallas shot 40 percent from the field, while Phoenix shot 42 percent. The Mavs won the battle of the boards, 49-48.

With just four games left, the Mavs host the Denver Nuggets on Friday.

-- Dwain Price

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@dwainprice

Mavs can't take Suns for granted

DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks will host a Phoenix Suns' squad tonight that has the worst record in the Western Conference, the third worst record in the entire NBA, and a team that has lost their last 10 games.

Easy game for the Mavs, right?

"Anybody around here who's taking any games for granted this year is a (expletive deleting) idiot,'' coach Rick Carlisle said after Wednesday morning's shootaround. "We've been in a position all year where we can't take anything for granted.''

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center with the Mavs (38-39) just one win away from getting back to .500 for the first time since Dec. 12, when they were 11-11.

A .500 record means the Mavs will finally get to cash in their commitment to shave off their beards. But that hot-button promise appears to have simmered a bit lately.

"It's another opportunity to get back to even,'' Carlisle said. "We've had three of those in the last 10-12 days, and it's been tough.

"We've got to work the game from start to finish -- simple as that. And we've got to stay in the present.''

Staying in the present for the Mavs means focusing on themselves and not worrying about what's going on around them. Still, the Mavs know if they win their last five games, and if the Los Angeles Lakers go 2-2 or 1-3, and if the Utah Jazz finish 1-2 or 0-3, then Dallas will secure the No. 8 playoff seed out West.

"It's not about getting back to .500,'' point guard Mike James said. "So many times we put so much focus and emphasis on getting to .500 where that's not really a big accomplishment or a big achievement.

"Mathematically, we're still not out of the playoff hunt. Guys got to lose every game, which is possible the way the standings are -- they've got some tough games -- so our focus is ending the season on a strong note.''

And not taking teams like the Suns for granted. The Mavs they've done that way too many times this season, which is why they're in their current predicament.

Meanwhile, Phoenix showed its not just playing out the string as it fought the Houston Rockets down to the very last second Tuesday night. But the Rockets won, 101-98, on a very weird play when Suns forward Jermaine O'Neal was whistled for goaltending on a three-point shot by James Harden at the buzzer.

"They played great (Tuesday) night,'' Carlisle said of the Suns. "They've been going through some tough times.

"I know they had some guys speak up about their situation. They showed pride and resolve (Tuesday) night and I'm sure they're going to do the same thing again tonight, so we're going to have to be ready.''

The Mavs play four of their final five games at home, which should give them an edge. But they've still got to show up and play for 48 minutes.

"It's always good to be back home -- we've been playing pretty well here, '' center Brandan Wright said. "We always get energy from the fans, so it's always good to be here in a comfort level.

"We're going to have the arena behind us, and we play a little better here.''

-- Dwain Price

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@dwainprice

 

 

 

 

Mavs can't take Suns for granted

DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks will host a Phoenix Suns' squad tonight that has the worst record in the Western Conference, the third worst record in the entire NBA, and a team that has lost their last 10 games.

Easy game for the Mavs, right?

"Anybody around here who's taking any games for granted this year is a (expletive deleting) idiot,'' coach Rick Carlisle said after Wednesday morning's shootaround. "We've been in a position all year where we can't take anything for granted.''

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center with the Mavs (38-39) just one win away from getting back to .500 for the first time since Dec. 12, when they were 11-11.

A .500 record means the Mavs will finally get to cash in their commitment to shave off their beards. But that hot-button promise appears to have simmered a bit lately.

"It's another opportunity to get back to even,'' Carlisle said. "We've had three of those in the last 10-12 days, and it's been tough.

"We've got to work the game from start to finish -- simple as that. And we've got to stay in the present.''

Staying in the present for the Mavs means focusing on themselves and not worrying about what's going on around them. Still, the Mavs know if they win their last five games, and if the Los Angeles Lakers go 2-2 or 1-3, and if the Utah Jazz finish 1-2 or 0-3, then Dallas will secure the No. 8 playoff seed out West.

"It's not about getting back to .500,'' point guard Mike James said. "So many times we put so much focus and emphasis on getting to .500 where that's not really a big accomplishment or a big achievement.

"Mathematically, we're still not out of the playoff hunt. Guys got to lose every game, which is possible the way the standings are -- they've got some tough games -- so our focus is ending the season on a strong note.''

And not taking teams like the Suns for granted. The Mavs they've done that way too many times this season, which is why they're in their current predicament.

Meanwhile, Phoenix showed its not just playing out the string as it fought the Houston Rockets down to the very last second Tuesday night. But the Rockets won, 101-98, on a very weird play when Suns forward Jermaine O'Neal was whistled for goaltending on a three-point shot by James Harden at the buzzer.

"They played great (Tuesday) night,'' Carlisle said of the Suns. "They've been going through some tough times.

"I know they had some guys speak up about their situation. They showed pride and resolve (Tuesday) night and I'm sure they're going to do the same thing again tonight, so we're going to have to be ready.''

The Mavs play four of their final five games at home, which should give them an edge. But they've still got to show up and play for 48 minutes.

"It's always good to be back home -- we've been playing pretty well here, '' center Brandan Wright said. "We always get energy from the fans, so it's always good to be here in a comfort level.

"We're going to have the arena behind us, and we play a little better here.''

-- Dwain Price

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@dwainprice

 

 

 

 

Mavs hold off the Blazers, 96-91

PORTLAND – Chris Kaman poured in a season-high 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks ended their four-game road trip Sunday with a 96-91 win over the Portland Trail Blazers before a sellout crowd of 20,228 at the Rose Garden.

The Mavs are now 38-39 on the season going into Wednesday's home game against the Phoenix Suns.

Dallas led by as much as 26 points (79-53) late in the third period, only to see the Blazers get within 94-91. But Damian Lillard missed a driving layup for the Blazers in the waning seconds, and Shawn Marion scored an uncontested layup at the buzzer.

Besides Kaman, the Mavs got 20 points and seven rebounds from Shawn Marion, 14 points from Vince Carter, and 12 points and nine boards from Brandan Wright.

Will Barton led Portland with 22 points, LaMarcus Aldridge popped in 18 points and rookie Damian Lillard had 15 points. Portland (33-44) has now dropped eight straight games.

-- Dwain Price

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@dwainprice