[MavsFanFinley]

Loss to Knicks a showcase for trio

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

NEW YORK – The Mavericks' injury binge has made it impossible to get the playing rotation in a groove. But it's been a blessing for three players.

Derek Hood, Jason Sasser and newly acquired Felipe Lopez know their situation during training camp. It would take a stunning chain of events for any of them to make the final roster. But that doesn't mean preseason games such as Sunday's 102-86 loss to New York aren't meaningful.

"You never know who's watching," Hood said.Hood and Sasser have seen extended playing time in the last three exhibitions because the Mavericks are low on healthy players. Lopez, a four-year NBA veteran who missed all of last season with a major knee injury, is trying to make a comeback.

"I was sitting at home in Miami when the phone rang," Lopez said. "When Don Nelson calls you, he has so much power. Only the president of the United States has more power than him."

That's the way it seems when you're a fringe NBA player fighting to earn a job. The coaches and general managers around the league (and in Europe) are your target audience. To be seen is the most important thing.

The 6-5 Lopez signed his contract less than an hour before the game, then played 13 minutes, getting three points and two assists. Sasser had 14 points and four rebounds, while Hood finished with eight points and four rebounds.

The Mavericks have 16 players with guaranteed contracts for only 15 spots. Doing the math is not hard. There's no room at the inn.

Lopez tested his surgically repaired left knee and was happy with the results. Nelson was just sorry he had to lean on him.

"It was a nightmare for the kid," Nelson said.

But it was unavoidable with all the injuries. And assistant coach Avery Johnson is happy players of this ilk are getting a chance.

"It doesn't matter whether they're getting per diem or flying commercial or on our 757," Johnson said. "They just wanted to be on the train."

Sasser is looking at Spain or Italy if things don't work out with the Mavericks. Hood played last season in Lyon, France. He likely probably will have several offers in Europe if he is released.

For now, they are just trying to capitalize on an opportunity.

Briefly:

They're falling like flies. On Sunday, rookie Devin Harris had to sit out with flu-like symptoms. He joined Michael Finley (hamstring), Marquis Daniels (left ankle), Dan Dickau (left ankle) and Jerry Stackhouse (groin) on the sideline. ... The Mavericks have their first day off of training camp today. ... The Benefactor and the Bachelor sat next to each other most of the game. Owner Mark Cuban took in the action with Chris Harrison, star of The Bachelor.