Full-Court Press

Spurs here tomorrow; how do Mavs respond?

I watched last night's game from the home front and was stunned at the Mavericks' response (or lack thereof) against the Thunder. Just one night before, following their victory over the Toronto Raptors, several Mavs were asked about the Thunder, about how tough they played the Mavs here. Every Mavs player said they knew they had to be ready, knew that it was going to be trickier in Oklahoma City's building.

And yet, that's what the Mavs did up there last night. Owner Mark Cuban was upset at the performance. So was coach Rick Carlisle. Understandable. The Mavs had an opportunity to do a number on the Thunder, especially with Kevin Durant and Jeff Green out. Instead, well, we all saw it.

So now the Mavericks play the Spurs tomorrow night; yeah, the same Spurs who, missing Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan last week still beat up on the Mavs. Duncan is back, Ginobili is still out. This is a night when the Mavs need to come out strong and focused. They need this one bad.

So... considering all that's happened in the last 24 hours, how do the Mavs respond tomorrow night?

-- Tracey Myers

Those hanging-on-the-rim calls

OK,

I'm watching the Mavs game from home and saw the James Singleton technical a few minutes ago. Is it just me, or was that a big overreaction by the officials? He hung up there for a second, and only because he thought the guy was below him. Pretty minor, as far as I'm concerned.

But I will say this... Singleton didn't do himself any favors by throwing his hands up in the "I'm innocent" manner at the end. I don't care if it's football, basketball or hockey. You do that, I think officials, right or wrong, perceive it as guilt.

-- Tracey Myers

How 'bout some more?

Once again, it's been a while since we've had Mavs drama in this building. I'm sure the Mavs would've liked to avoid this, considering they had the five-point lead with 26.6 remaining.

Who would've thought that wouldn't be safe?

-- Tracey Myers

It's happy times again

That's what a 12-0 run will do for you... the Mavericks have tied this one up, courtesy of James Singleton's put-back just moments ago. Now it's the Thunder's turn to go cold.

-- Tracey Myers

Fans are a-groanin

Well, that was before Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha hit a 3-pointer. Now they're also a-booin...

The Mavericks have gone cold on their end (Brandon Bass had the last basket at the 8:50 mark this quarter). Meanwhile, the Thunder have outscored the Mavericks 14-2 since the 9:34 mark. And I'm sure the fans are well aware that there is no Kevin Durant, and hasn't been since the first quarter.

The fans are happier now because they're getting free T-shirts thrown their way.

-- Tracey Myers

Too close for comfort?

Well this is a departure from the last two Mavs games in this building, ay? The Thunder aren't going away.

So far in this one, there have been nine lead changes and 15 ties. Finally, some drama. And Josh Howard just picks up his fifth foul after just coming back in.

-- Tracey Myers

Howard looks frustrated

Josh Howard just came out after taking his fourth foul of the evening. He had that mixed look of perplexed frustration on his face. He's had a tough night from the field, too, 4 of 13 at the moment.

-- Tracey Myers

Durant out?

Kevin Durant is out right now (he apparently had his foot stepped on; he went out at the 4:21 mark of the first quarter).

That could change things a bit, eh?

-- Tracey Myers

Dirk's hot start and Jaws

I believe Mr. Eddie Sefko said Dirk Nowitzki gets his groove back against the Thunder. Lo and behold, there's Dirk with 11 already, and there's six minutes remaining in the first.

Also amused that when the Jaws theme music was playing during a recent Thunder possession, the music reached its fearsome crescendo just as the shot clock was winding down. Talk about a hint that there's not much time remaining.

-- Tracey Myers