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kriD · 03-25-2005, 06:59 AM

Johnson is coaching tough

Team working hard to erase image that it's too soft

By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A common criticism of the Mavericks is that they're too soft to go far in the playoffs.

It's just another perception that Avery Johnson has set out to change now that he's the head coach.

In Thursday night's game against Sacramento, Dirk Nowitzki was called for a flagrant foul late in the first half when he knocked Kings forward Kenny Thomas to the court during a layup attempt.

In the win over Golden State on Wednesday, Nowitzki, Josh Howard and Keith Van Horn were slapped with technical fouls in a physical, emotional game. Nowitzki exchanged shoves with the Warriors' Baron Davis in the third quarter and later had words with Jason Richardson.

"Right now, we're not going to back down from any team," Johnson said. "We don't have to get thrown out of the game. But I want my players to hold their ground in these situations."

Six of the 12 technical fouls in Wednesday's game came in the third quarter. It's no coincidence that spirited effort came after the half, when Johnson told his players their defense was unacceptable.

Johnson was upset that the Mavericks gave up so many points (50) in the paint against the Warriors. But only 18 of those points came in the second half.

"I mean, we have to toughen up," Nowitzki said. "We all know that.

"Teams still think we're soft in the paint, especially with Damp [center Erick Dampier] out. We have to come out and be a factor in the paint and be strong and physical down there."

Another first: It didn't take Avery Johnson long to pick up his first win as a head coach. Now he's out of the gate with something else.

His first technical.

Johnson picked up a technical in the second quarter of Wednesday's game when Marquis Daniels drove the basket, appeared to have his arms raked by a defender and nothing was called.

"It happens," Johnson said. "It was just a difference in opinion. I deserved it."

Briefly: The Mavericks' game in Cleveland on April 3 has been moved to a 2:30 p.m. tip-off. The game, originally scheduled to start at noon, will still be televised nationally by ABC. ... Rookie Devin Harris has provided quality minutes off the bench with a total of 24 points and four assists the last two games.

What is Avery Johnson looking for in the final four weeks of the regular season? "We need to find out who the five guys are who can play the best defense for us," Johnson said. "Who can get stops for us? Those are the guys who are going to be finishing games for us." When asked how many of the five he identified, Johnson responded that the only player who will be on the court for sure at the end is Dirk Nowitzki.

03-25-2005, 06:59 AM	#38
kriD Platinum Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 2,039	RE:Mavs displaying a new toughness last night Johnson is coaching tough Team working hard to erase image that it's too soft By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A common criticism of the Mavericks is that they're too soft to go far in the playoffs. It's just another perception that Avery Johnson has set out to change now that he's the head coach. In Thursday night's game against Sacramento, Dirk Nowitzki was called for a flagrant foul late in the first half when he knocked Kings forward Kenny Thomas to the court during a layup attempt. In the win over Golden State on Wednesday, Nowitzki, Josh Howard and Keith Van Horn were slapped with technical fouls in a physical, emotional game. Nowitzki exchanged shoves with the Warriors' Baron Davis in the third quarter and later had words with Jason Richardson. "Right now, we're not going to back down from any team," Johnson said. "We don't have to get thrown out of the game. But I want my players to hold their ground in these situations." Six of the 12 technical fouls in Wednesday's game came in the third quarter. It's no coincidence that spirited effort came after the half, when Johnson told his players their defense was unacceptable. Johnson was upset that the Mavericks gave up so many points (50) in the paint against the Warriors. But only 18 of those points came in the second half. "I mean, we have to toughen up," Nowitzki said. "We all know that. "Teams still think we're soft in the paint, especially with Damp [center Erick Dampier] out. We have to come out and be a factor in the paint and be strong and physical down there." Another first: It didn't take Avery Johnson long to pick up his first win as a head coach. Now he's out of the gate with something else. His first technical. Johnson picked up a technical in the second quarter of Wednesday's game when Marquis Daniels drove the basket, appeared to have his arms raked by a defender and nothing was called. "It happens," Johnson said. "It was just a difference in opinion. I deserved it." Briefly: The Mavericks' game in Cleveland on April 3 has been moved to a 2:30 p.m. tip-off. The game, originally scheduled to start at noon, will still be televised nationally by ABC. ... Rookie Devin Harris has provided quality minutes off the bench with a total of 24 points and four assists the last two games. What is Avery Johnson looking for in the final four weeks of the regular season? "We need to find out who the five guys are who can play the best defense for us," Johnson said. "Who can get stops for us? Those are the guys who are going to be finishing games for us." When asked how many of the five he identified, Johnson responded that the only player who will be on the court for sure at the end is Dirk Nowitzki.