[MavsFanFinley]

Mavericks Head Coach Don Nelson

We played a terrible first half and a great second half. We didn’t have enough to win the game. We played really well in the second half on both ends of the floor. We had a little trouble scoring the ball. It turned into being a good game. I have no complaints about anything. I wish we would have made a shot or two that rolled out. They are a hot team right now. The best team in the West, record-wise. On a back-to-back night, to beat San Antonio one night and us the other, is pretty strong credentials. Between them and Phoenix, they are the two standouts in the West so far and we knew we were going to have to play a great game and we didn’t. We didn’t rise up like we needed to in the first half.

On Finley’s play after being out:

It was good to have him out there. He will get stronger as he plays. There were some lapses, but he wasn’t the only one.

Mavericks Guard Darrell Armstrong
Both teams seemed to be really sharp in the first quarter?

The tone was great. Unfortunately, they (Sonics) were just hitting shots. We started out ahead 8-2. The biggest thing was that we continued to lead most of the first quarter, but they continued to fire at us too. They're a difficult team to play because they have so many weapons from outside. They cause a lot of switches and advantages for them. Marquis (Daniels) was getting to the basket late and also finding guys for shots. It became difficult for them too, but it didn't hurt that they were missing shots in the second half.

Talk about coming all the way back in the fourth and then unable to pull out the win?

We really fought to get back into the game and take the lead and the crowd got back into the game, but it just seemed liked they (Sonics) hit big shot after big shot. You've got to give them a lot of credit. They found a way to take the lead and keep it the rest of the night.

Mavericks Forward Marquis Daniels
What did you think of Michael (Finley) being back in?

It's great for him to be back out there. He still had a little rust on him, but he played very well tonight. He played better than most guys who are not injured. He's a great leader and he brought a lot of emotional leadership to this team. Just to know he's out there gives us another scoring threat along with Dirk and the other great scorers we have on this team. He knows this whole system and knowing where everyone suppose to be helps out a lot.

Talk a little about losing so many close games early this season at home?

We haven't really played Mavericks basketball. We still have guys with injuries nagging guys. Once everyone gets healthy, the skies the limit for us. We're not very concerned right now. We know that we have to pick it up and play four quarters as opposed to just a half.