| Off And Running Authored by Jeff Stotts - December 2, 2005 - 8:44 pm
The first month of the season has come and gone and November was a success for Coach Avery Johnson and the Dallas Mavericks. The team rolled to a 10-4 record and the Little General picked up his second Western Conference Coach of the Month award. More impressive, however, has been the manner in which the Mavericks won.
They defeated both teams that went to last year’s Finals with a 118-82 rout over the Pistons and a 103-84 defeat of the Spurs. They fought back from a 19 point deficit to beat the Suns and a 17 point hole against the Nuggets. Wins over the Heat and the surprisingly feisty Hornets were also impressive.
Furthermore, they did all of this without super-sub Jerry Stackhouse who had yet to suit up for the Mavericks. Other injuries have occurred including a dislocated finger that held Keith Van Horn from action, most notably against the Pistons and Nuggets. Perhaps the biggest obstacle the Mavs have overcome has been the failure of the Doug Christie Experiment. Hampered by an ankle injury, Christie never contributed in his seven games with the team and was eventually waived by the Mavericks and is now contemplating retirement.
Even in defeat Dallas has proven their mental toughness and shown they are a dangerous team. The recent losses to both the Bucks and the Spurs were each by a mere two points with both games being decided on the final play of the game. Coach Johnson would be the first to point that moral victories have little value in the NBA but both losses were just that. In both losses Dirk Nowitzki has struggled with his shot, shooting 23% from the field while averaging 16 points. In recent years that would have spelled disaster for the Mavericks but clutch shooting from Jason Terry and Marquis Daniels and a slightly improved defense allowed the Mavs to remain in the games.
More positives from November include DeSagana Diop’s sudden emergence and Quis’s return to form. After a disappointing sophomore season Daniels has fought his way back and is one six Mavericks averaging double digits in points. Also showing signs of improvement has been point guard Devin Harris who has already had career highs in points and assists. The Wisconsin product remains on a short leash but Coach Johnson has shown confidence in Harris giving him the potential game-tying shot against the Spurs.
With all the success several issues still remain. Dirk’s recent shooting slump is a little alarming but even the Wunderkid is prone to a cold streak. Josh Howard’s injury is troubling and came at very bad time for Dallas, as it occurred on the heels of Christie’s departure. Adrian Griffin’s return to Dallas should ease the blow but the quicker Howard returns the better. However most disturbing is how easily opposing point guards are scoring. Tony Parker (30 points), TJ Ford (24 points), Jason Williams (24 points), and Damon Stoudamire (22 points) have all had their way with the Mavericks constantly getting to the basket with little opposition.
Mavericks fans will remember how dangerous Mike Bibby was when he was carving up the Mavs in recent playoffs and this recent trend is troublesome. Fortunately these issues are presenting themselves now and knowing Coach Johnson he will make the necessary adjustments.
November was a good month for the Dallas Mavericks but remember it’s not how you start that matters, it’s how you finish. If Dallas can continue to play this way and get completely healthy then who knows how these Mavs will end up. Here’s to hoping December is just as kind. |
