Random Mavs News & Articles

[EricaLubarsky]

Why Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki is not his normally pessimistic self these days
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dal...these-days.ece

Dirk Nowitzki doesn’t always see the glass as half-empty.
Sometimes, he sees it as completely empty. OK, maybe he’s not that much of a pessimist. Let’s just say he is cautious with his optimism when analyzing any situation.
That means his attitude going into the Mavericks’ new season is proof that an old Dirk can learn new tricks. Or at least allow some good old-fashioned positive vibes to flow through his veins.
With the infusion of new players led by Tyson Chandler, Chandler Parsons and Jameer Nelson, Nowitzki seems genuinely upbeat about his 17th season.
“We got all the talent in the world,” the future Hall of Famer said. “We just got to make it work. The chemistry has got to be there. The top teams in the league are loaded and stacked. We have to work hard during the season and get the highest seed possible, and we’ll go from there.”
For Nowitzki to say the Mavericks have all the talent in the world is either a testament to the job management did this summer or a commentary on years past, when they clearly did not have anything close to all the talent in the world.
Nowitzki arrived for the first day of training camp Tuesday feeling invigorated and healthy. His right knee that required surgery two Octobers ago is pain-free, and he is coming off a 2013-14 season that showed him that he’s still got plenty of game.
He’s even putting his blossoming movie career in the rear-view to concentrate on the season. The documentary about his career that debuted last month in Germany will be released in the U.S. at some point.
But that’s not Nowitzki’s concern now.
At 36, he’s still got a few things he wants to accomplish on the court. And clearly he believes he has the team around him to do some damage.
“Just winning is all it’s really about when you get old,” he said. “When you’re young, making All-Star Games and stuff like that is fun. But once you get old it’s all about being on a winning team.
“Winning is the only thing that matters, so after the championship [in 2011], we had a couple down years. So yeah, we got a good group again this year. We should fit together pretty well. Just going for it and have some fun and win.”
Perhaps most importantly, Nowitzki said he doesn’t feel old. At least not all the time.
“It’s year 17,” he said. “But I still feel good. I had the knee thing a couple years ago where I was struggling, and I didn’t think it was going to get good again. But then last year showed me I can still play at a high level and compete, and it was fun again. We’ll look for more of the same this year. I signed on for three more years. Obviously, I’m looking to complete that contract in three years and then re-evaluate and see how the body is holding up. I’m looking forward to having three good years.”
The return of Chandler, who was the defensive anchor of the 2011 championship team, has everybody’s pulse racing around American Airlines Center. But Chandler said he knows he’s not the head of this snake.
“Absolutely, it’s still his team,” Chandler said of Nowitzki. “Until he hangs his jersey up as a Maverick, it’ll always be his team. I’m here to try to help him, try to make things easier on him, just like I did the first time around.”
Last season, Nowitzki was able to pare his playing time down slightly. He averaged 32.9 minutes per game in 80 games. This season, coach Rick Carlisle will try to shave another precious minute or two off Nowitzki’s workload.
Having an abundance of talent — warriors who will fight, as the saying goes — should help in that endeavor.
“I feel like we got better again,” Nowitzki said. “I think every summer, that should be the franchise’s goal. You never want to stay the same or take a step back, especially in my situation as you get older.
“You want to get better and want to compete like we did in 2011. But we all know how tough the West is. It’s going to be tough to break into the top four. The teams up there are loaded. Staying injury-free, that’s a big part. We’ll see where we end up after 82.”
That tempered enthusiasm is a little more like the glass-half-empty Nowitzki we’ve come to know.

On Twitter: @ESefko

[dude1394]

Tyson cures all ills.

[sefant77]

So Harris and Ellis are both 6-3...i guess im blind...

[Skywalker]

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/ho...ence-playoffs/

[sike]

Originally Posted by Skywalker

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/ho...ence-playoffs/

fantastic and fun read.

[dirt_dobber]

Jameer Nelson: 'I just have to be aggressive'
by: Tim MacMahon
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/mavericks/

DALLAS – Just be Jameer Nelson.

That’s the job description for the new Dallas Mavericks starting point guard in the simplest terms.

The Mavs signed Nelson because they wanted a smart, tough floor leader who could provide some penetration, knock down open shots and get the ball where it needed to go. That’s what Nelson did throughout his 10-year tenure with the Orlando Magic.

But Nelson is in the beginning stages of a major transition. He’s learning the Mavs’ schemes on the fly – and they’ve still installed only about half of their offensive sets – and getting accustomed to operating an offense that features a pair of wings who thrive as pick-and-roll initiators and the sweetest-shooting power forward in NBA history.

“Most importantly, I just have to be aggressive in whatever I do,” said Nelson, who has career averages of 12.6 points and 5.4 assists per game. “I’m going to make mistakes. I’m going to mess some things up, but just staying aggressive will help myself and the team.

“The system is new. Things are different. Learning on the fly is a little tough, but I’m smart enough, picking it up pretty fast and learning guys’ sweet spots on the floor, learning when I need to shoot more. All that stuff will come.”

Coach Rick Carlisle, who raves about Nelson’s intangibles, knows that Nelson is feeling his way in a new system with all new teammates. The feeling-out process is about becoming familiar with when and where teammates want the ball and Nelson can get his scoring opportunities in the Mavs’ movement-intensive offense.

“Get comfortable and give us the right balance of penetration, scoring off pick-and-rolls, scoring off spot-ups and he’s got to give us tough defense,” Carlisle said. “He’s very capable of all those things.”

Breaking in a new starting point guard is becoming old hat for the Mavs. Nelson will be the fourth point guard to start opening night for the Mavs in four years, following the footsteps of Jason Kidd, Darren Collison and Jose Calderon. And who could forget the starting stints for Derek Fisher and Mike James during the 2012-13 campaign? Oh, right, you’d rather forget.

The Mavs very well could be in the market for a premier point guard again next summer, when Rajon Rondo and Goran Dragic should be available in free agency. But Nelson, who has a player option for next season on the two-year, cap-room-exception deal he signed this summer, should be a fine fit to lead a committee that also features veterans Devin Harris and Raymond Felton.

Nelson provides at least reasonable facsimiles of some of the best attributes of the Mavs’ last few opening-night point guards. He’s not among the precious few in NBA history who are on Kidd’s level as a leader, but muscular, 6-foot Nelson provides toughness, a take-charge personality and would score high on any basketball IQ tests. He’s not as quick as Collison, but Nelson has a knack for getting in the lane and finishing or finding a teammate for an easy bucket. Nelson isn’t as accurate a long-range marksman as Calderon, but he has shot better than 40 percent from 3-point range four times in his career.

In other words, the squatty, 6-foot Nelson is capable of doing anything the Mavs ask of their point guards.

“He’s been around for a long time now and he always plays with certain poise,” Dirk Nowitzki said. “He’s a great shooter, so you can never leave him open. And if he gets in there he’s a good passer – I love his penetrations.

“So with the lineup we’ve got out there, he should get his fair share of pick-and-rolls, he should get his fair share of open shots. And if he’s open, I’ll take a shot up any time.”

In summary, here’s what the Mavs need from Nelson: Be aggressive. Be smart. Be tough. Be yourself.

[Kante]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M01_ykXJ3mc

Awesome!

[dude1394]

I love the way the dirkster always gets completely into it, no matter how silly it makes him look.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally Posted by dude1394

I love the way the dirkster always gets completely into it, no matter how silly it makes him look.

Part of that package of being humble and down-to-earth. He doesn't have an ego or persona to defend. He just plays hard and has fun with everything. I'm sure his relationship with Rick and Mark didn't hurt either.

[BGMaverick9]

http://www.mavsoutsider.com/2014/11/...rs-confidence/

Column of Chandler Parsons' mental fortitude.

[dude1394]

Nice description of the Mavs offense. A squadron of F-15 Strike Eagles!! I like it!! Some good analysis in chere!.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-...tech-firepower
"
The Dallas Mavericks are a squadron of F-15 Strike Eagles. They are versatile. They are fast, they are durable, and man, alive, do they carry some firepower. After an opening night loss to the defending champs in San Antonio, Dallas has rattled off three straight. Despite losing a game, they're fourth in point differential.
Early on in the season, the numbers don't mean much and the eye test is even shakier than usual. But when the two converge, you start to get a sense for where things are going. And where things are going is the Mavericks may be the best offense in the league, in a league with some killer offensive teams. Lets' start with where the Mavericks rank in various statistical categories. Via NBA.com:"

[drk3351]

Hey Mavs fans, I made a breakdown video of their offense and why it is so good and successful. Let me know what you think of the Mavs offense and thanks for watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQBzwsoymEE

[bigcat]

Originally Posted by drk3351

Hey Mavs fans, I made a breakdown video of their offense and why it is so good and successful. Let me know what you think of the Mavs offense and thanks for watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQBzwsoymEE

wow, what an epic first post. greatly appreciated.

keep it coming...

[dude1394]

I expect they check in this type of case. Maybe not always, but if there is a chance to cheat they might.

[BGMaverick9]

http://www.mavsoutsider.com/2014/11/...doom-november/

Bloom and Doom with MacMahon

[MavsFTR]

Article on Wright:

http://bballbreakdown.com/2014/11/17...inued-success/

[dude1394]

Interesting from over at clutch fans..

http://www.numberfire.com/nba/news/3...storic-offense

The Numbers Behind the Dallas Mavericks’ Historic Offense

The Dallas Mavericks are currently scoring 116.7 points per 100 possessions, which is on pace to be, and pretty easily, the best offense in NBA history. Rounding out the top five is one of Magic’s Lakers squads, an early MJ Bulls team, a Larry Bird-led Celtics group, and Steve Nash run-and-gun Suns. So, yeah, the Mavericks are putting up some impressive offensive numbers.

Let’s take a look at how they’re accomplishing such a feat.

Starting with the offense four factors, the Mavericks are above league average in three of the four categories – effective field goal percentage, turnover percentage, offensive rebound percentage, and free throw rate. In the first two, the Mavericks rank second and third in the NBA, respectively. In general, they’re shooting the lights out.

Look at how their top seven players are shooting so far this year. (
Table and rest of article at the link. Hint...it is GOOD! . )

[tsar]

Man, I feel like this Mavs team is really good, at the very least right now extremely super entertaining. We also have one of the best super stars in sports, ever, who every day just keeps adding even more notches to his illustrious carrier.

I also feel like the local sports media needs to pay a little more attention to us - I know the Cowboys are winning, but this little Mavs team is playing their hearts out and are damn fun to watch.

[mavErika]

Different charts on the same subject:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/f...historic-pace/

[j0Shi]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story...-early-returns

Dallas Mavericks
Record: 9-3
Pythagorean record: 10-2
Schedule: 0.2 (15th)

Don't look now, but the Mavericks have the league's second-best point differential (+10.4 PPG), compiled against a reasonably challenging schedule. Dallas is scoring 6.1 more points per 100 possessions than any other offense, equivalent to the difference between the second-ranked New Orleans Pelicans and league average. And the Mavericks' defense is hovering just outside the top 10. That's a great combination.

Verdict: Contender

[BGMaverick9]

Observation Deck
http://www.mavsoutsider.com/2014/11/...k-november-14/

[Lestat_1795]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Observation Deck
http://www.mavsoutsider.com/2014/11/...k-november-14/

Really great stuff.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Grantland rules.

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/th...las-mavericks/

[Lestat_1795]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Grantland rules.

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/th...las-mavericks/

Yeah, I especially liked this

As Chandler sets that pick, he will scan the floor, making calculations like the Terminator: Are any of these backpedaling suckers ready to help on me?

[BGMaverick9]

My Tyson Chandler column from this week:
http://www.mavsoutsider.com/2014/11/...rt-the-eraser/

[dirt_dobber]

Cuban: Monta Ellis gets no respect from refs
By Tim MacMahon | ESPNDallas.com
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/maver...pect-from-refs

DALLAS – Mark Cuban considers Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis to be kind of like the Rodney Dangerfield of NBA paint attackers.

“Monta gets no respect on his drives ever,” Cuban said. “He gets hit on his body all the time and it’s like nothing. I told him he’s got to flail like all these other guys. I mean, I don’t know how he doesn’t get to the line. It’s crazy.”

Cuban complained about the issue last season. He plans to take another step soon with his lobbying to get Ellis to the line more often.

The Mavs’ video crew, under instruction from Cuban, is putting together a lengthy tape of Ellis drives that the team believes should have resulted in a foul call. Cuban intends to send the tape to the league office with the goal of illustrating that the contact Ellis consistently draws on his drives is more than incidental.

“One off is easy to dismiss,” Cuban said. “When you have a history, it’s more impactful.”

According to the NBA’s player-tracking data, Ellis ranks second in the league in drives with 227 this season. He’s tied for 24th in free throws attempted with 98.

By extreme contrast, Houston’s James Harden has attempted a league-leading 192 free throws – nearly twice as many as Ellis – and driven to the basket 55 fewer times.

Harden’s ratio of 1.116 free throws per drive is by far the highest among the NBA’s top 20 dribble attackers. Ellis’ free throw/drive ratio (.432) ranks 13th in that group and has actually declined significantly since last season (.514).

The list of the league’s most aggressive dribble penetrators who get fewer whistles than Ellis: New Orleans’ Tyreke Evans, San Antonio’s Tony Parker, Oklahoma City’s Reggie Jackson, Charlotte’s Kemba Walker, Philadelphia’s Michael Carter-Williams, Orlando’s Elfrid Payton and New Orleans’ Jrue Holiday.

“I don’t think those guys take on as much contact as he does,” Cuban said. “He looks for contact. I mean, this guy is one of the league leaders in charges taken, and his charges are real. He doesn’t flop.”

Ellis doesn’t flail, either, despite his boss’ advice. So Cuban is looking for other ways to help the Mavs’ leading scorer get to the line more often.

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by dirt_dobber

Cuban: Monta Ellis gets no respect from refs
By Tim MacMahon | ESPNDallas.com
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/maver...pect-from-refs

DALLAS – Mark Cuban considers Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis to be kind of like the Rodney Dangerfield of NBA paint attackers.

“Monta gets no respect on his drives ever,” Cuban said. “He gets hit on his body all the time and it’s like nothing. I told him he’s got to flail like all these other guys. I mean, I don’t know how he doesn’t get to the line. It’s crazy.”

Cuban complained about the issue last season. He plans to take another step soon with his lobbying to get Ellis to the line more often.

The Mavs’ video crew, under instruction from Cuban, is putting together a lengthy tape of Ellis drives that the team believes should have resulted in a foul call. Cuban intends to send the tape to the league office with the goal of illustrating that the contact Ellis consistently draws on his drives is more than incidental.

“One off is easy to dismiss,” Cuban said. “When you have a history, it’s more impactful.”

According to the NBA’s player-tracking data, Ellis ranks second in the league in drives with 227 this season. He’s tied for 24th in free throws attempted with 98.

By extreme contrast, Houston’s James Harden has attempted a league-leading 192 free throws – nearly twice as many as Ellis – and driven to the basket 55 fewer times.

Harden’s ratio of 1.116 free throws per drive is by far the highest among the NBA’s top 20 dribble attackers. Ellis’ free throw/drive ratio (.432) ranks 13th in that group and has actually declined significantly since last season (.514).

The list of the league’s most aggressive dribble penetrators who get fewer whistles than Ellis: New Orleans’ Tyreke Evans, San Antonio’s Tony Parker, Oklahoma City’s Reggie Jackson, Charlotte’s Kemba Walker, Philadelphia’s Michael Carter-Williams, Orlando’s Elfrid Payton and New Orleans’ Jrue Holiday.

“I don’t think those guys take on as much contact as he does,” Cuban said. “He looks for contact. I mean, this guy is one of the league leaders in charges taken, and his charges are real. He doesn’t flop.”

Ellis doesn’t flail, either, despite his boss’ advice. So Cuban is looking for other ways to help the Mavs’ leading scorer get to the line more often.

This burns the shit out of me. So glad Cuban is putting a video together, as Ive been wondering what, if at all, the Mavs were talking to the league about this.

[HopeIsAlwaysThere]

NEW YORK — The Toronto Raptors' Kyle Lowry and the Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge on Monday were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 1, through Sunday, Dec. 7.
Lowry led the Raptors to a 2-1 week behind an NBA-best 29.3 points. He handed out 8.7 assists, grabbed 3.0 rebounds and recorded 1.3 steals as Toronto won road games in Sacramento and Utah on back-to-back nights. On Dec. 3, when the Raptors topped the Jazz 123-104, Lowry recorded a career-high 39 points (13-of-22 field goals) and added five rebounds and four assists.
Aldridge helped the Trail Blazers to a 3-0 week, which included road wins at Denver and New York. He ranked third in the league in scoring (27.0 ppg) and sixth in rebounding (11.7 rpg). Aldridge posted a point-rebound double-double in all three contests, including a 39-point, 11-rebound effort on Dec. 2, as the Trail Blazers beat the Nuggets 105-103.
Here is a recap of the week for Lowry and Aldridge:

Ignore the Lowry part

LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
Dec. 2 @ Denver: Tallied 39 points and 11 rebounds during a 105-103 win over the Nuggets.
Dec. 4 vs. Indiana: Scored 18 points and pulled down 13 rebounds during an 88-82 win over the Pacers.
Dec. 7 @ New York: Posted his third double-double of the week with 24 points and 11 rebounds in a 103-99 win over the Knicks.

[dirt_dobber]

Originally Posted by HopeIsAlwaysThere

NEW YORK — The Toronto Raptors' Kyle Lowry and the Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge....

ummm... how does this pertain to a "Random Mavs Articles Thread"

[Ryan4131]

Originally Posted by dirt_dobber

ummm... how does this pertain to a "Random Mavs Articles Thread"

I think hes saying Monta got robbed. To which I agree.

[dirt_dobber]

Originally Posted by Ryan4131

I think hes saying Monta got robbed. To which I agree.

didn't think of that - GREAT POINT - Love me some Monta

[HopeIsAlwaysThere]

Originally Posted by Ryan4131

I think hes saying Monta got robbed. To which I agree.

Spot on, this is a joke. LA over Monta this week? Hell no

[EricaLubarsky]

Monta was robbed. Absolutely. Sickening really.

28.25ppg, 3.5ast, two gamewinning shots.

[Melonhead]

Monta will never get respect

[LSMF]

Originally Posted by Melonhead

Monta will never get respect

Yup, I'm starting to come to this realization as well. It's like no matter how well he plays he won't get the respect he deserves. It's pretty frustrating. I understand that he's only one out of the many awesome guards in the league, but for him to be this overlooked is a travesty.

[dirt_dobber]

nice!

Official Blog of by Charlie Villanueva #believeincharlie
http://charlievillanueva.sportsblog....t_offense.html

You ever meet someone and instantaneously click? It is quite obvious that all NBA players have at least one thing in common…and that's basketball. Sometimes that one thing, although it is a big thing, is not enough to “click”. Professional basketball, professional sports, competing…you have to go to battle with your teammates and it is important to trust one another, but that doesn’t always mean that there is a click or bond between teammates. I have been on a lot of teams and the only team that I have been on where there was this true "instant" brotherhood and bond was when I was playing collegiate basketball at UConn….until now.

I really can’t explain it nor do I truly understand how it happened so fast, but this Mavericks team is connected from top to bottom. Maybe it is because there a bunch of veterans on the team who are all focused on winning? Maybe because a lot of these guys have played together and won before (from the 2011 team we have the Boricua JJ, Tyson Chandler and Dirk)? Maybe it is because of Mark Cuban or Coach Carlisle? I really don’t know, but it doesn’t even matter because the truth is that we get along…ALL of us. I am not saying it to say it and I think people say it all the time, but the truth is we all get along…we really get along. And I don't want to take away from my past teams. I've developed a special bond with my past teammates as well, but I'm talking about that instant click!

And it is everyone. We have a group text that everyone participates in…and you wont believe it lol, but Dirk is the head honcho. He is as involved in the inside jokes as everyone. Most of the time he is the one clowning on the others. We all click. I think it shows on the court. I think it is why we play so well offensively (I know I have said this before, but I am going to write a post just about the Mavericks offense and I plan on getting real basketball nerdy on it lol). We share the ball. We like each other, on and off the court. We stand for one another.

When Monta hit that game winner in Milwaukee (I had an argument with my boy on whether it was a travel or not, no shot that was) we all went NUTS! The things that were done and said while celebrating on the court showcases how much we care and like one another. Yo think about this... we have our franchise owner in sweats and a hoodie, jumping around with the rest of us....how crazy is that? Who does that? Our boss does that! Our leader Dirk, in a nice suit I'll add, was going NUTS too! It shows how strong our bond is….

And I am the new guy who is still trying to fit in. I am still waiting my turn. Going early, leaving late, shooting as much as possible. Mentally trying to prep myself for when Coach calls my number. There is a lot of that going on, but truthfully I am so blessed and happy to be here. I did have other opportunities. I don’t know how the locker room and team atmosphere is with the Clippers, I'm sure is great, but I don't know that. I think I would have played more minutes had I signed with the Sixers, but then again...honestly this is a great fit for ME in more ways than one. Did I tell you guys my financée is from Dallas...her parents live not too far from us now. She's so happy about that. And I am grateful to be a part of an atmosphere as sincere as this one. Go Mavs!!!

Sincerely,

Charlie Villanueva

[dude1394]

Very nice.. Thanks for the post.

I guess the dirkster was trying to do the guerilla ball walk out there when monta hit that game winner. It was something allright.

Originally Posted by dirt_dobber

nice!

Official Blog of by Charlie Villanueva #believeincharlie
http://charlievillanueva.sportsblog....t_offense.html

You ever meet someone and instantaneously click? It is quite obvious that all NBA players have at least one thing in common…and that's basketball. Sometimes that one thing, although it is a big thing, is not enough to “click”. Professional basketball, professional sports, competing…you have to go to battle with your teammates and it is important to trust one another, but that doesn’t always mean that there is a click or bond between teammates. I have been on a lot of teams and the only team that I have been on where there was this true "instant" brotherhood and bond was when I was playing collegiate basketball at UConn….until now.

I really can’t explain it nor do I truly understand how it happened so fast, but this Mavericks team is connected from top to bottom. Maybe it is because there a bunch of veterans on the team who are all focused on winning? Maybe because a lot of these guys have played together and won before (from the 2011 team we have the Boricua JJ, Tyson Chandler and Dirk)? Maybe it is because of Mark Cuban or Coach Carlisle? I really don’t know, but it doesn’t even matter because the truth is that we get along…ALL of us. I am not saying it to say it and I think people say it all the time, but the truth is we all get along…we really get along. And I don't want to take away from my past teams. I've developed a special bond with my past teammates as well, but I'm talking about that instant click!

And it is everyone. We have a group text that everyone participates in…and you wont believe it lol, but Dirk is the head honcho. He is as involved in the inside jokes as everyone. Most of the time he is the one clowning on the others. We all click. I think it shows on the court. I think it is why we play so well offensively (I know I have said this before, but I am going to write a post just about the Mavericks offense and I plan on getting real basketball nerdy on it lol). We share the ball. We like each other, on and off the court. We stand for one another.

When Monta hit that game winner in Milwaukee (I had an argument with my boy on whether it was a travel or not, no shot that was) we all went NUTS! The things that were done and said while celebrating on the court showcases how much we care and like one another. Yo think about this... we have our franchise owner in sweats and a hoodie, jumping around with the rest of us....how crazy is that? Who does that? Our boss does that! Our leader Dirk, in a nice suit I'll add, was going NUTS too! It shows how strong our bond is….

And I am the new guy who is still trying to fit in. I am still waiting my turn. Going early, leaving late, shooting as much as possible. Mentally trying to prep myself for when Coach calls my number. There is a lot of that going on, but truthfully I am so blessed and happy to be here. I did have other opportunities. I don’t know how the locker room and team atmosphere is with the Clippers, I'm sure is great, but I don't know that. I think I would have played more minutes had I signed with the Sixers, but then again...honestly this is a great fit for ME in more ways than one. Did I tell you guys my financée is from Dallas...her parents live not too far from us now. She's so happy about that. And I am grateful to be a part of an atmosphere as sincere as this one. Go Mavs!!!

Sincerely,

Charlie Villanueva

[BGMaverick9]

http://www.mavsoutsider.com/2014/12/...the-pump-fake/

[Skywalker]

https://sports.vice.com/article/mont...ericks-machine

Monta Ellis and the Dallas Mavericks Machine

Written By: Patrick Redford
Contributor

The Mavericks are locked in a close game with New Orleans when Monta Ellis checks in for Devin Harris half-way through the fourth quarter. Last night, Ellis hurt his elbow and went 1-11 as Memphis muscled the Mavericks aside without resistance, but here he is despite doctor's orders. Tonight, Anthony Davis is his usual unguardable self, Jrue Holiday is coming alive, and the Mavs look tired and in trouble, caught between the burly Grizzlies and Davis's inscrutable athleticism. Ellis could stand to have a day off to rest his tweaked joint, but instead he gets a squirrelly team desperately trying to stay on playoff pace. The NBA schedule is merciless like that.

But Ellis's niche, his habitat, is exactly this type of mucky situation, and after New Orleans cuts it to three with four minutes left, he comes alive. Davis switches onto him, and instead of navigating away from danger, he elects to take the overland route and sinks a stand-up three right in his face. Next time down the court, he runs a give-and-go with Dirk, pinballs into and through traffic, and switches hands right at the rim for a layup. Warning lights are flashing, sirens are going off. Monty Williams is yelling "STAY AWAY FROM OPEN WINDOWS!" but Monta keeps on ripping. By the time the dust settles, Ellis has scored 13 in a row and won the game singlehandedly.

Conceptually, "Monta Ellis: Dallas Maverick" doesn't make sense. Rick Carlisle has constructed the team to play off Dirk Nowitzki in a clean, orderly manner. Their 2011 title team was the less talented one in every playoff series, but they were an overwhelmingly coherent testament to the idea that chemistry matters. Ellis has a reputation, unfairly or not, as a voluminous and inefficient gunner. The idea that his talents and disposition are detrimental to winning basketball games has dogged him his whole career.

In Golden State, Ellis carried himself like a superstar but seldom produced like one. The excesses and failings of the "We Believe"-era Warriors were pinned on Ellis more than anyone and he made himself into an Oakland pariah. Ellis was the organizational rot that had to be cleared out in order for Steph Curry to ascend to MVP-level. For all his scoring ability and style, he led too many shitty teams and so became a sharp edge to be rounded off by a new ownership group. It doesn't help that the trade that exiled him to Milwaukee turned the Warriors into title favorites three years later.

His year in Wisconsin was boring and uneventful. The Bucks got swept by the Heat, he compared himself to Dwyane Wade, and shared a backcourt with Brandon Jennings, a louder, shittier carbon copy of Ellis's worst tendencies. At that point, Ellis looked like next in a long, semi-anonymous line of players who, despite their obvious talents, deflated when they got to new teams. Josh Smith, for example, is putting on a depressing slide into irrelevance clinic this year. As for Ellis, his game wasn't a good fit for the new era of passing offenses, analytics, and tall combo guards, so the narrative doomed him to the margins of the NBA.

But Ellis abruptly got his career back on the rails with an unlikely team without having to compromise his anarchic tendencies. Dallas is an ornate origami crane, where every player fits in a specific role within Carlisle's offense. They are routinely efficient because Nowitzki has refused to erode and management surrounds him with the right type of player. Shooters on the perimeter, a lockdown small forward, and elite rebounding post players. It's all very wholesome and sensible, which seems like the least Monta team ever constructed, but Dallas has a 17-7 record and the best offense in the league.

The trick is creating an ecosystem where Ellis's scoundrel nature elevates everyone. The Mavericks need him to take chances and create weird angles because it kickstarts their machine-like offense into a higher gear. Their normal placid efficiency becomes unpredictable and scary when Ellis takes the reigns. In a historically competitive Western Conference, every elite team has their systems and they will stick to them, so matchups become vitally important. What makes Dallas suited for the playoffs is Ellis's ability to go rogue and spin the offense into motion. They're a machine that learned to feel, and Monta Ellis is their heart.

[Skywalker]

Awesome video

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=12049965