Mavs' Jet is finally cleared for takeoff

[kriD]

Mavs' Jet is finally cleared for takeoff

By DWAIN PRICE
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DALLAS -- For the first time this preseason, the Jet will be on the runway when the Mavericks face LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Pittsburgh tonight.

Mavs point guard Jason Terry sat out the first six preseason games with soreness on the top of his right foot.

"I'm feeling good, full of energy and very excited," Terry said after Tuesday's practice. "I'm actually feeling a lot stronger, but I'll continue to rehab and continue to strengthen it."

Terry isn't concerned about his timing or rhythm.

"Being out here in practice, I picked it up," he said. "I know the game is a different speed, but I don't foresee any problems.

"It's one thing watching. But getting out and actually feeling the contact and running into some of my old places [on the court]... I'm just feeling it, and it feels good."

Coach Avery Johnson plans to be cautious with Terry and play him about 18 to 22 minutes tonight.

"He's not there yet, obviously, but every practice he's going to get better, and he knows what he's doing," Johnson said. "He's not your classic type of point guard.

"But he's one of the best point guards in the league at what he does in running our team. He's shooting the ball, running the team, and he's getting more and more comfortable with what we're all about."

Terry said he could have played earlier, but he understands why Johnson didn't rush him onto the floor.

"I think Avery does a great job with pulling the reins back, but for me, that's the type of player I am," Terry said. "Whether it's preseason or whether it's the regular season, I'm going full speed ahead.

"But I think Avery does a good job of holding us back when need be."

As far as playing tonight's game in Pittsburgh, Terry, a Seattle native, isn't too fond of the Steel City because of the last Super Bowl.

"The only reason why I do dislike Pittsburgh right now is because they beat my Seahawks," Terry said. "But other than that, I heard it's a good city."

After dropping their first four preseason games, the Mavs have won their last two. Terry would like to prolong that winning streak against the Cavs.

"A win will be real nice, especially with me coming back," he said. "I don't want to be the reason why we lose."

[purplefrog]

Originally Posted by kriD

"He's not there yet, obviously, but every practice he's going to get better, and he knows what he's doing," Johnson said. "He's not your classic type of point guard.

"But he's one of the best point guards in the league at what he does in running our team. He's shooting the ball, running the team, and he's getting more and more comfortable with what we're all about."

Seems to me that Avery is still thinking of JET as a PG, unlike what was declared in the Sefko article posted in another thread (AJ and JET will be the starting backcourt). Does anyone think that now with JET and Stack available for action, we will finally get some tangible evidence as to who Avery thinks will be the starting backcourt, maybe even as early as tonight?

[nashtymavsfan13]

Good to hear that he's healthy.

[mqywaaah]

The Jet is on the runwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay...

[nashtymavsfan13]

Originally Posted by mqywaaah

The Jet is on the runwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay...

Haha, I love that! I actually had it in my sig for awhile haha.