GDT: Bobcats at Mavericks 12-3-2013 - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

dirt_dobber · 12-03-2013, 09:45 AM

Bobcats-Mavericks Preview

By PAUL DIGIACOMO
NBA.com http://www.nba.com/games/20131203/CH...fo.html?ls=slt

The Dallas Mavericks are enduring their worst stretch of the season, and a visit from the Charlotte Bobcats would appear to give them a good chance to get back on track.

Charlotte, though, is playing pretty well on the road, and it just took the two-time defending NBA champions down to the wire on their own court.

Dallas tries to improve to 10-0 all-time at home against the Bobcats and avoid a fifth loss in six games Tuesday night.

The Mavericks (10-8) lost two in a row for the third time this season Saturday when they fell 112-106 at home to Minnesota. Monta Ellis scored 26 points and Dirk Nowitzki had 23 for Dallas, which lost 88-87 at Atlanta on Friday night after blowing a 17-point lead in the second half and losing starting point guard Jose Calderon to a bone bruise on his right ankle.

Calderon, averaging 11.1 points and 4.9 assists, didn't play against the Timberwolves and will be a game-time decision Tuesday.

"We're going to learn about our team right now," coach Rick Carlisle said. "Lose four out of five, have a tough loss like last night and then another tough one like tonight - it's going to test the togetherness and the collective will."

Carlisle is upset with his team's defensive play. The Mavericks rank near the bottom of the league with 103.0 points allowed per game and a 47.0 defensive field-goal percentage.

"A lot of work defensively," Carlisle told the team's official website while summing up Monday's practice. "You know, keeping people out of the paint is a real priority right now, and we got hurt with that badly against Minnesota. It's been our most consistent challenge defensively, and we're working hard on that. It's got to be a collective group challenge that we take on."

Dallas hasn't had much trouble stopping Charlotte (8-10) when it comes to town. The Mavericks have held the Bobcats to an average of 90.4 points on 42.1 percent shooting in taking all nine meetings, and they were 16-0 in the series before a 101-97 overtime loss Nov. 10, 2012.

Charlotte visited Miami on Sunday and owned the lead for a stretch of 23:21 before the Heat went ahead with 1:20 left and held on for a 99-98 win.

Kemba Walker scored 27 points, Gerald Henderson had 17 and Al Jefferson finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds for Charlotte.

"It's disappointing because I felt we had them. We outplayed them," Henderson said. "They just came up with the plays at the end of the game that championship teams tend to do."
Charlotte fell to 4-4 on the road after going 6-35 away from home last season, and the Bobcats are one of the top defensive teams in the league with 91.8 points allowed per game while holding opponents to 42.9 percent shooting.

However, they couldn't stop Miami from scoring 34 points in the final 8:20.

"It started with us," coach Steve Clifford said. "Instead of playing possession by possession, we made mistakes. They started going to the basket and we couldn't get them under control."

Nowitzki didn't play in either matchup against Charlotte last season after averaging 28.6 points in the five previous meetings.

dirt_dobber · 12-03-2013, 09:47 AM

Dirk Nowitzki calls game against Charlotte Bobcats a 'must win' for slumping Dallas Mavericks

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dal...-mavericks.ece

EDDIE SEFKO Staff Writer esefko@dallasnews.com

It’s never too early in an NBA season to be throwing out terms like “must win,” especially when you’re slumping like the Mavericks are.

Dirk Nowitzki trotted out that line Monday, and given all the circumstances, he’s on target.

The Mavericks are facing one of the have-nots from the Eastern Conference — and that’s a crowded group. The Charlotte Bobcats that visit American Airlines Center on Tuesday are one of 13 teams in the East that woke up Monday at .500 or worse. Only Miami and Indiana qualify as winning teams, and they are benefiting from the near-nightly feast they get with all the lightweights in their conference.

The Mavericks know these are games no legitimate playoff contender can afford to lose.
“The way the West is shaping out, you need to win all your games against the Eastern Conference teams and steal a few here and there in the West,” Nowitzki said. “If you look at the West record against the East, everybody’s kind of beating up on the lower teams in the East. That’s why the Atlanta loss was tough for us, where we had it in the bag and had a horrible fourth quarter.

“The way it shapes up in November, those are kind of must-wins. And against the West, the teams are so stacked up and so good that you’re going to lose some here and there. That’s just how it goes.”

The loss last week at Atlanta was one that will dog the Mavericks all season. What they have to make sure of is that they don’t repeat it.

They are 5-2 against the Eastern Conference and 5-6 against the West. Both of their road victories have come against East teams (Milwaukee and Orlando).

Overall, the West is rolling over the East. Only three teams in the West — Utah, Sacramento and Minnesota — were below .500 on Monday.

So how do the Mavs make sure they reverse their recent trend against the Hornets? It will start at the defensive end, coach Rick Carlisle said after a lively practice Monday.

“Keeping teams out of the paint is our No. 1 goal, our No. 1 priority right now,” Carlisle said. “We got hurt badly against Minnesota. We’re working hard on that. It’s got to be a collective challenge we take on.”

That the Mavs are struggling defensively should come as no surprise, Nowitzki said.
“We knew that in July that that’s going to be one of our weaknesses,” he said.
“Sometimes we can mix it up with the zone, but it’s going to be a piece of work. We don’t have a team with a lot of great one-on-one defenders. That’s stating the obvious. We’ve got to be more solid, especially when the game’s on the line. We’ve got to get some stops.”

The Mavericks surrender 103 points per game. In their eight losses, it’s 107.3.

This qualifies as their first serious adversity of the season, with injuries, a busy schedule and general poor play all contributing to the skid. But that doesn’t mean the Mavericks can’t generate some positives coming out of the losses.

“Sometimes, it’s good to go through some stuff,” Nowitzki said. “Sometimes when you win a bunch of games, some mistakes creep in and you ignore them because you’re winning. This is a good time to start at the bottom and work our way up again. So far, I like the way everybody’s responded.”

Calderon update: Jose Calderon will be a game-time decision for the Charlotte game, Carlisle said.

The point guard missed Saturday’s game against Minnesota to heal a bone bruise in his right ankle. On Monday, Calderon did not practice.

“He did some light shooting,” Carlisle said. “He’s doing better. He’ll probably be a game-time decision.”

The Mavericks turn around quickly and play at New Orleans on Wednesday. Then they have two days off before visiting Portland. If Calderon were to sit out the upcoming back-to-back, it would give him a full week off to recover.

dirt_dobber · 12-03-2013, 09:53 AM

Team Stat Leaders
---------------Charlotte---------------Dallas
Points………..K. Walker 16.6………….M. Ellis 21.9
Rebounds…..A. Jefferson 8.4………..D. Blair 7.8
Assists…………J. McRoberts 4.1……..M. Ellis 5.6
Steals………….K. Walker 1.6……………D. Blair 1.7
Blocks…………A. Jefferson 1.4………..S. Dalembert 1.6

dirt_dobber · 12-03-2013, 10:50 AM

Charlotte Bobcats at Mavericks
EDDIE SEFKO Staff Writer esefko@dallasnews.com
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dal...nes-center.ece
7:30 p.m. today; FSSW, KESN-FM (103.3), KFLC-AM (1270 in Spanish)

Scouting the Bobcats
They broke through for their first victory against the Mavericks last season after losing the first 16 meetings. They eked out a 101-97 overtime win at Charlotte last November. They have lost all nine trips to AAC they have made since the franchise began playing. … They are expected to start Kemba Walker, Gerald Henderson, Al Jefferson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Josh McRoberts. … Walker and Jefferson both average about 16 points, although Walker, the point guard, is shooting below 38 percent for the season. … They are good defensively, giving up fewer than 92 points per game. The problem is they have trouble scoring, averaging only 89.2. … They are 6-2 this season in games decided by six points or fewer, although they are coming off a 99-98 setback to Miami on Sunday.

Scouting the Mavs
They have finally gotten their turnover problems ironed out, it appears. Over the last five games, they are averaging just 12 giveaways. … The 100-point mark defensively is a major mark for the Mavericks. They are 6-1 when holding opponents under 100. … They have gotten to the free throw line fewer than 20 times in three of the last four games and made just 11 trips there in the loss to Minnesota on Saturday. … DeJuan Blair has been producing very well per minute played recently. He’s averaged 10.6 rebounds and 9.2 points in less than 23 minutes per game over the last five. … They have been horrible in the first game of back-to-back situations, going 2-4 on the front end. They finish their seventh back-to-back Wednesday at New Orleans.

Vinsanity · 12-03-2013, 11:22 AM

I hate to say that any game at this point of the season is a must-win, but this game really is. No excuses, we have to get back on track and facing the Bobcats at home should be a great way to do that.

Oh and lol @ Josh McRoberts leading the Bobcats in assists

sike · 12-03-2013, 11:38 AM

FRIGGIN' GO MAVS!!

41mvp · 12-03-2013, 12:07 PM

Must win !!!

Go Mavs!!!

Kante · 12-03-2013, 12:16 PM

Bobcats aren't as bad as they used to be but still, this is game the Mavs have to win!

markus1234 · 12-03-2013, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirt_dobber

"We're going to learn about our team right now," coach Rick Carlisle said.

Maybe Rick will learn that Blair is a horrible defender. His double doubles are empty stats. He is fool's gold and worse than Drew Gooden. Gooden at least set some screens.

Maybe Rick will learn that in crunch time Carter should not have the ball in his hands (See DEN and ATL).

Maybe Rick will learn that Dirk-Calderon-Ellis does not cut it on defense, no matter what.

Maybe Rick will learn that Marion needs a shorter leash on offense.

Maybe Rick will learn that "versatile" Crowder should be moved asap for a "one dimensional" defender like DeShawn Stevenson.

DavidDaMonkey · 12-03-2013, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markus1234

Maybe Rick will learn that "versatile" Crowder should be moved asap for a "one dimensional" defender like DeShawn Stevenson.

I never get much into advanced stats, so feel free to prove me wrong here, but Crodwer's averages for this season are better across the board than Stevenson's on the championship team. At the very least that's enough for you to take the quotation marks off of "versatile"

Dirk's Knee · 12-03-2013, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markus1234

Maybe Rick will learn that Blair is a horrible defender. His double doubles are empty stats. He is fool's gold and worse than Drew Gooden. Gooden at least set some screens.

Maybe Rick will learn that in crunch time Carter should not have the ball in his hands (See DEN and ATL).

Maybe Rick will learn that Dirk-Calderon-Ellis does not cut it on defense, no matter what.

Maybe Rick will learn that Marion needs a shorter leash on offense.

Maybe Rick will learn that "versatile" Crowder should be moved asap for a "one dimensional" defender like DeShawn Stevenson.

With you on Carter and the lack of defense from Dirk/Calderon/Ellis, disagree on everything else.

EricaLubarsky · 12-03-2013, 01:41 PM

We lose this, we are officially in freefall. If we win, we're playing about as well as expected.

My guess? We come back strong and pull out an 18-pt lead and finish the game up 10.

jamaljasonandjimmy · 12-03-2013, 01:54 PM

I'm a poopy pants and I like to poop in my pants when no one is watching, because I'm a Spurs troll.

Underdog · 12-03-2013, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamaljasonandjimmy

dear Dirk if you read this please sign with the spurs next year. Thank you

Sportstudi · 12-03-2013, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamaljasonandjimmy

dear Dirk if you read this please sign with the spurs next year. Thank you

pls leave this board. thank you.

spreedom · 12-03-2013, 03:40 PM

Please stop quoting that raging idiot.

EricaLubarsky · 12-03-2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

I'll see your awesome gif and raise you one.

Underdog · 12-03-2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markus1234

Maybe Rick will learn that Blair is a horrible defender. His double doubles are empty stats. He is fool's gold and worse than Drew Gooden. Gooden at least set some screens.

Maybe Rick will learn that in crunch time Carter should not have the ball in his hands (See DEN and ATL).

Maybe Rick will learn that Dirk-Calderon-Ellis does not cut it on defense, no matter what.

Maybe Rick will learn that Marion needs a shorter leash on offense.

Maybe Rick will learn that "versatile" Crowder should be moved asap for a "one dimensional" defender like DeShawn Stevenson.

So... No Blair, no Carter, no Dirk-Calderon-Ellis, no Marion, no Crowder.

Good game plan - hopefully Rick Carlisle is reading this board.

sike · 12-03-2013, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamaljasonandjimmy

dear Dirk if you read this please sign with the spurs next year. Thank you

This is one of the worst posts in the HISTORY of the internet.

jamaljasonandjimmy · 12-03-2013, 05:00 PM

Everybody on this forum can kiss my ass!.... (I deleted the other choice words he had for us. dude just got temp banned - sike)

Kante · 12-03-2013, 05:10 PM

Sike, while you are at banning, CadBane? His words are sometimes a bit too much, too!

dude1394 · 12-03-2013, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markus1234

Maybe Rick will learn that Blair is a horrible defender. His double doubles are empty stats. He is fool's gold and worse than Drew Gooden. Gooden at least set some screens.

Maybe Rick will learn that in crunch time Carter should not have the ball in his hands (See DEN and ATL).

Maybe Rick will learn that Dirk-Calderon-Ellis does not cut it on defense, no matter what.

Maybe Rick will learn that Marion needs a shorter leash on offense.

Maybe Rick will learn that "versatile" Crowder should be moved asap for a "one dimensional" defender like DeShawn Stevenson.

Maybe rick will suit up...especially since he now can't play dirk-calderon-ellis together. Huh????

Kante · 12-03-2013, 06:19 PM

Just markus with his bad posts/ideas per par...

sefant77 · 12-03-2013, 06:44 PM

Free Ellington

Bayliss · 12-03-2013, 07:42 PM

Dirt Dobber? Are ou up to starting the GDT tomorrow if the Mavs win? We aint doing some more of that crap I saw from German and Sike.

It is kind of sad that playing the LOLCats is a "must win."

Skywalker · 12-03-2013, 08:16 PM

arent all games against the bobcats a must win though?

sike · 12-03-2013, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayliss

Dirt Dobber? Are ou up to starting the GDT tomorrow if the Mavs win? We aint doing some more of that crap I saw from German and Sike.

It is kind of sad that playing the LOLCats is a "must win."

I'd be happy never to start another GDT...the good mojo is NOT strong with me.

Kante · 12-03-2013, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Jose Calderon (right ankle bone bruise) is uniform for the @dallasmavs tonight vs. the Bobcats.

Quote:

In addition to being active, Jose Calderon will move back into the starting lineup. Will just have to see if he can tolerate the pain.

Good!

Bayliss · 12-03-2013, 08:21 PM

Quote:

I'd be happy never to start another GDT...the good mojo is NOT strong with me.

Yeah, your are the anti Luke......

sike · 12-03-2013, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayliss

Yeah, your are the anti Luke......

yahyes · 12-03-2013, 08:29 PM

Believe it or not the Bobcats are a playoff team in the east. Mavs better not play relaxed against them.

Bayliss · 12-03-2013, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Believe it or not the Bobcats are a playoff team in the east.

That is because the East sucks.

(And the Mavs could definitely lose tonight. The Mavs are in the territory of no easy wins. From 2000-2011, that was not the case. They could win just by turning it on when needed. Nowadays? They don't have that capability.)

GhostOfAdamMorrison · 12-03-2013, 08:45 PM

How the fuck did that not go in?

Sportstudi · 12-03-2013, 08:45 PM

Dirk unlucky so far. Usually he makes those.

GhostOfAdamMorrison · 12-03-2013, 08:47 PM

Monta has a really bad habit of fouling guys on jumpshots.

Bayliss · 12-03-2013, 08:49 PM

Dirk a bit off so far. Really like to see him get a shooting foul when posting up.

Sportstudi · 12-03-2013, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamaljasonandjimmy

(I deleted the other choice words he had for us. dude just got temp banned - sike)

Why not banning someone like that forever? Wouldn't be a loss for the board. It's kinda obvious that this guy is either a troll or just dumb.

GhostOfAdamMorrison · 12-03-2013, 08:51 PM

Dirk drew blood again. Again no call.

sike · 12-03-2013, 08:52 PM

Need to get that Dirk/Ellis p&r back up and running.

Bayliss · 12-03-2013, 08:52 PM

Mavs are bricking everything. Be nice to try and get to the line or get something inside 15 feet.