Avery, COY but not last night - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Steel_01 · 03-15-2007, 09:59 AM

First, I know everyone will say, "well last night did not really mean anything for whatever team won". I agree to a certain extent, but we should have won last night and it would have been a huge blow to the suns psyche for later. Confidence is important to any athlete and in their performance. The suns could have lost theirs last night. We had the game and I hate to admit it, but our little General let it slip away.

I never think anything harsh about AJ because I think he does a phenomenal job making this team defensive minded (except the first half, what was that) and he is probably the most passionate coach in the NBA. His competitive fire is virtually unmatched. But last night he let us down.

Since I was old enough to remember playing any team sport, I was always taught and believed that you do not blame a win or a loss on one person or one play...except for last night...and a few weeks ago...and a few years ago.

We were up by 3 with I think 11 sec left on the clock and nash has the ball in his hands. Call me crazy, but I want anything else in this world then to have nash shoot a three at this point. Does it seem like he always has the live or die moment for the Mavs? Freaking FOUL him and put this game away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, we let him miss one 3 and then shoot ANOTHER to tie the game....

Wait a minute, call it deja vu, Lebron had the same situation two weeks ago, and thank GOD he missed both, hmmm....

2 years ago in the semifinals, the EXACT same situation and surprise surprise, nash gives the same result. The game was tied and we later were eliminated from the playoffs in OT. I'm seeing a very costly trend and it needs to be remedied or we dont even have to shake our heads at: Oh, it was the refs calling too many fouls. Or, we are the only team that can beat ourselves. Even... well they're a great regular season team but not a championship built team. My favorite, the Mavs aren't marketable so they won't ever win and their boring (thanks you idiot eric neel). The headlines will read "Mavs lose to sound logic!"

I dont know about you all, but my year has been extremely painful since freaking wade launched that ball up in OUR rafters, and I now I have to puke to see him in every f#$%in commercial. Let's not allow it to happen again.

It was one play. It was one game. But lets not make nash or anyone a hero again. We WILL be in this situation again, let's not make the same mistake. Please Avery, don't let us down again! How do we get in touch with our beloved leader to stop this from ever happening again?

PS The suns did the same thing to allow us to go to double OT. Is there some unwritten law??

dude1394 · 03-15-2007, 10:12 AM

It's a very valid point steel. My buddy was making it at the arena last night as smoke was coming out of his ears after regulation.

MFFL · 03-15-2007, 10:28 AM

Well I don't know if you can COACH someone to miss four free throws in a game or for a team to miss three free throws in the final minute of the game. Nash makes 5 of 5 - we make 3 of 6. THAT'S the ball game.

0:57 Steve Nash makes free throw 1 of 2 102-108
0:57 Steve Nash makes free throw 2 of 2 103-108
0:32 103-109 Dirk Nowitzki makes free throw 1 of 2
0:32 103-109 Dirk Nowitzki misses free throw 2 of 2
0:18 105-109 Josh Howard misses free throw 1 of 2
0:18 105-110 Josh Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
0:14 Steve Nash makes free throw 1 of 3 106-110
0:14 Steve Nash makes free throw 2 of 3 107-110
0:14 Steve Nash makes free throw 3 of 3 108-110
0:13 108-110 Dirk Nowitzki misses free throw 1 of 2
0:13 108-111 Dirk Nowitzki makes free throw 2 of 2

alexamenos · 03-15-2007, 10:31 AM

not much to say that hasn't or won't be said...my two cents.......

greatest friggin' regular season game ever....i really felt like I was watching a playoff game....wish it had ended a bit differently.

dirk's white-chocolate thunder dunk mid-4th should have been his defining play, but instead the missed ft's, missed J's, and the techinical foul will be foreevermore remembered from this game....very unclutch performance last night--this will undoubtedly cost him, and perhaps deservedly so.

endrity · 03-15-2007, 10:37 AM

If anything AJ should also be reminded that Dirk is human, and playing him 56 out of 58 minutes will get to his legs as well, especially after an up and down game like this, especially after the suns made it a point to try to isolate him vs Nash everytime on defense, so he would spend as much energy as possible there.
But "gave it away" is becoming too much of a popular phrase around this team. This year is about being able to finish, right? I am not knee jerking or anything, but this game was ours and we gave it away.

DevinHarriswillstart · 03-15-2007, 10:44 AM

Could say the same about Dirk, MVP but not last night. He missed an identical free throw like he did against Miami that sends the game into overtime.

left texas · 03-15-2007, 11:05 AM

Great points, great game. I blame David Hasselhoff, bet Dirk forgot the tune when things were tight.

This team does need to focus on when and when not to foul, and if you foul to keep your opponent from scoring, you better damn well make sure they don't score.

shaw-xx · 03-15-2007, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steel_01

It was one play. It was one game. But lets not make nash or anyone a hero again. We WILL be in this situation again, let's not make the same mistake. Please Avery, don't let us down again! How do we get in touch with our beloved leader to stop this from ever happening again?

Yeah that we made some mistakes we had made before really hurt. Fortunately it was only in the regular season but I just don't understand why we were choked or why we missed the FTs.

Hope we will bounce back soon and beat them in April.

DevinHarriswillstart · 03-15-2007, 11:56 AM

We also didn't have our two best defenders, a coach has to change the playbook with DH, his best defender and slasher goes down. Buckner is terrible and couldn't get around a pick to save his life. I thought JJ played well though and was glad Avery gave him a shot. I really don't think it was just Avery, but everything, refs, chokes, coach, players.

craggmac · 03-15-2007, 12:33 PM

You have to admit, that was a pretty good run we made last night for not having Devin for most of the game and not having Devean George. I'm definately not going to let this one get my spirits down.

92bDad · 03-15-2007, 12:42 PM

When Josh Howard fouled Nash for the 3...I thought that Howard should have simple landed ontop of Nash and not given him the opportunity to shoot...land on his freakin head and give him a sore neck...anything, just don't let him shoot...that would have resulted in a foul on the floor and Nash would have only had 2 FT's shots and not 3...

Then again, officiating officiating officiating...how Does Devin Harris go out with a neck injury after getting hit in the head with NO-Call? How many times does Dirk have to be molested before the police are called...

The Mavs are an amazing team and for the most part they are beating the other team and the officials...but sometimes, you just can't beat 5-8 consistantly...

I'm also a bit pissed today...all the hype about Nash won the MVP last night...dang...the Mavs have kicked but all year...smoked Nash twice early in the year...and the Media never said a word...other than apathetically talking about the Mavs because we have the best record. One freaking game...double overtime and they only win by 2 points...Please, give me a break...Nash isn't even the best player on the Suns team...

2 years ago, I stated that Amare should be the MVP of the Suns and the same goes this year...where would Nash be without Amare...where would the Suns be without Amare...

Please stop the Nash nonsense...he can't play defense...he's nothing but an overhyped media infatuated PORN Queen...

I can honestly say that I hate Steve Nash as a player nearly as much as I hate Kobe Bryant!!! Most of it is not Steve's fault, but the media and the way they are cramming him down our throats...There's a part of me that wants to se a few Suns get hockey checked by a few Mavs...

Last night I even stated that Dirk should have taken one for the team and confront the refs after the game!!!

All of this puts me in a seriously foul mood...it's time to sale the team, I can't take it anymore!!!

EricaLubarsky · 03-15-2007, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craggmac

You have to admit, that was a pretty good run we made last night for not having Devin for most of the game and not having Devean George. I'm definately not going to let this one get my spirits down.

It was a game for the ages. We got the short end of the stick on it by the refs (Amare pulling Stackhouse down?!?!?), but it was like a great Bird/Jordan rivalry and this time we didnt win. These two teams are a joy to watch because they can just match each-others heroics. I think we are the better team but man with the slow start and injuries we had to be tired out in two OTs to lose and we were as clutch as they were to the last basket.

mkat · 03-15-2007, 01:34 PM

avery coached a good game last night. you can't blame FT misses and Terry turning it over 3-4 times in the first OT on Avery. the players have to be held accountable as well, in my opinion. i would say golden state wasn't a good job by avery, but if the mavs have a chance to win or tie a game in the end (which they did), then he can't be held totally at fault.

mkat · 03-15-2007, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

It was a game for the ages. We got the short end of the stick on it by the refs (Amare pulling Stackhouse down?!?!?), but it was like a great Bird/Jordan rivalry and this time we didnt win. These two teams are a joy to watch because they can just match each-others heroics. I think we are the better team but man with the slow start and injuries we had to be tired out in two OTs to lose and we were as clutch as they were to the last basket.

i think nash outclutched dirk last night. just saying...

EricaLubarsky · 03-15-2007, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkat

i think nash outclutched dirk last night. just saying...

Nash didnt have to put in much effort for most of the game either. Dirk was clutching it up and working damn hard to bring his team back all game. Missing that midrange jumper after playing 56 of the most arduous minutes of his career is really forgivable.

DarenG · 03-15-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craggmac

You have to admit, that was a pretty good run we made last night for not having Devin for most of the game and not having Devean George. I'm definately not going to let this one get my spirits down.

I think having DG would have helped on defense but I am not sure he could really stop Amare. To me Devin was a much bigger loss. Then again the Suns were playing with a banged up Kurt Thomas (elbow) and Diaw (back) according to pregame. This is still just one game in long season. I can't wait for the playoffs to start.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

It was a game for the ages. We got the short end of the stick on it by the refs (Amare pulling Stackhouse down?!?!?), but it was like a great Bird/Jordan rivalry and this time we didnt win. These two teams are a joy to watch because they can just match each-others heroics. I think we are the better team but man with the slow start and injuries we had to be tired out in two OTs to lose and we were as clutch as they were to the last basket.

There were so many no calls both ways. It was just a tough battle. I agree this game had the feel of one of those old rivalry games. It was a blast to watch. If we meet them I have no doubt a 7 game series battle of epic proportions is in the cards.

big_pth · 03-15-2007, 03:52 PM

I guess I am not the only one who thought "foul them in the back court instead of letting them take a three"

DarenG · 03-15-2007, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_pth

I guess I am not the only one who thought "foul them in the back court instead of letting them take a three"

Nash said the same thing about that when Terry hit his. They had a foul to give. Amazing how a foul on either of those plays could have changed things at the end of those periods.

Tokey41 · 03-15-2007, 04:14 PM

Nope you can't blame Avery, but you can sure blame the guy who is supposed to shoot 90% from the FT line for missing one that would have sealed the game. Dirk lost it for us. He's been great all season and he choked this one... does it worry me? Oh yeah. He couldn't handle the pressure for some reason last night AT HOME!? There was something wrong with him last night, he wasn't a leader and if you can't see that your homerism is astounding.

On the plus side we can use the same excuse Suns fans use when they lost in the WCF consecutive years... we were injured. Not to mention we took everything Nash AND Amare could possibly throw at us and still had a chance to win. Dirk just couldn't close the game out.

big_pth · 03-15-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarenG

Nash said the same thing about that when Terry hit his. They had a foul to give. Amazing how a foul on either of those plays could have changed things at the end of those periods.

The Mavs didn't have a foul to give in regulation, but it wouldn't have mattered. You put them on the line to try two FT's instead of one three. They hit both, fine, but you get the ball back, and you still have the lead.

DarenG · 03-15-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_pth

The Mavs didn't have a foul to give in regulation, but it wouldn't have mattered. You put them on the line to try two FT's instead of one three. They hit both, fine, but you get the ball back, and you still have the lead.

No I meant when Terry hit the big 3, the Suns had a foul to give. Nash said he should have fouled Terry before he got off the shot. I agree though put em on the line.

jayC · 03-15-2007, 04:23 PM

The Mavs have played great all year, and usually hit big shots. I have seen Dirk hit the fifteen foot jumper a million times. He was off last night. How many times does he go 1 out of 2 twice in the closing minutes. The answer hardly ever. Two we missed the length and ability of Deavan George. I just hope the Mavericks are healthy down the home stretch.

jenna2891 · 03-15-2007, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92bDad

2 years ago, I stated that Amare should be the MVP of the Suns and the same goes this year...where would Nash be without Amare...where would the Suns be without Amare..

In the WCF last year?

ruffhouse · 03-15-2007, 07:46 PM

You know the WCF.....Where the suns got there ass handed to them!!

left texas · 03-15-2007, 08:43 PM

Now its time (after two straight losses) for Avery and the Mavs to learn from their mistakes and go on another win streak. When are going to start playing defense for four quarters. In the Warriors game and the first half of last night, we were exploited in the middle. Not only that, our perimeter coverage sucked. To much standing around. We play solid D for an entire game and no one beats us.

nashtymavsfan13 · 03-15-2007, 09:07 PM

It feels so weird to actually be on a losing streak

Steel_01 · 03-15-2007, 10:47 PM

Thank you big-pth, finally a voice of reason. Everyone brings up valid points that ultimately decided the fate of this game: freethrows, injuries, refs...And you know we are undoubtedly going to almost always have a close game with the suns. All I want is for us to be in position to win in the last 7 min, and we were well in control at that point. Alas, Avery let us down.

My simple point

I'll stop ranting) Everyone keeps talking about the OT periods, but the fact of the matter is there should NOT have been OT!!!! Avery let us down. I almost can never blame a coach for what happens at a specific point in a game. It's the players on the court that determine the outcome. Not in this instance. His decision in that moment cost us the game, plain and simple. It CANNOT happen again, and I bet everything I own that we will see the same scenario in the playoffs.

dude1394 · 03-15-2007, 10:59 PM

Dirk/Josh obviously missing the ft's lost the game. Not fouling nash also seems to have lost us the game.

What I can't stand is armchair fans who don't have a clue how hard it is out there to call sport figures "chokers". It demeans how hard it is, how much pressure there is. ALL FT"S DO NOT GET MADE, they never have.

Why is it that a bad ft shooter isn't a choker? but a good one is? Just because the guy has made a zillion of them and misses one, he's a choker. Bullcrap.

DevinHarriswillstart · 03-15-2007, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dude1394

Dirk/Josh obviously missing the ft's lost the game. Not fouling nash also seems to have lost us the game.

What I can't stand is armchair fans who don't have a clue how hard it is out there to call sport figures "chokers". It demeans how hard it is, how much pressure there is. ALL FT"S DO NOT GET MADE, they never have.

Why is it that a bad ft shooter isn't a choker? but a good one is? Just because the guy has made a zillion of them and misses one, he's a choker. Bullcrap.

The only ones that count are the ones that win you the game. Just like Nash doing that defensive play at the end of the game. Dirk didn't just choke with that, he choked a few times during that game last night so stop being in denial about it and just accept it. That doesn't mean anyone hates Dirk or Howard, but it's important. Sorry dude, you're just wrong on this one. A choke is a choke is a choke.

The chokin wasn't the only factor in losing the game though. A valid point, it is though.

Mavs Rule · 03-16-2007, 12:52 AM

Yes it was a choke, as other objective mavs fans have stated. It wasn't the same level of choke that we had in the finals, but somehow very reminicient of it. Both Howard and Dirk relived their playoff choke. Howard calling for the timeout then, and not fouling Nash plus missing the free throw now. Dirk missing the free throw then, and missing two free throws and the big shots now.

I hope a pattern is not developing in their mindset. This must be overcome! This kind of thinking reminds me of the biggest choke of alltime back on Christmas Day in LA. Dirk has been money in many situations, including the Spurs seventh game last year, but this one, even he admits, he will lose sleep over.

chumdawg · 03-16-2007, 01:39 AM

I was a pretty vocal critic of AJ in the beginning. There were a number of things I didn't like back then, but I recognize now that I was probably wrong about most of them. There are still some things I don't like, but those have to do for the most part with things besides the strength of the basketball team, so as far as I am concerned right now they are neither here not there. I won't mention those things, then, but I'll comment on a couple issues that may still play a part in games.

First, the endgames. I don't think you could make a very good argument that AJ was anything less than dreadful at these in his early coaching career. You couldn't blame him for this back in the '05 playoffs, though. If anything, you have to blame Don Nelson. I think that good strategy in the endgames probably comes mostly from experience, and you simply cannot expect a rookie coach to have much--even if he was a player for many years. So thanks, Nellie, you quit on a team that had a shot at the title in '05, and AJ's inexperience ended up costing us. 'Preciate you, pal.

Avery got a lot better at these situations in time (though he's still nowhere near as crafty as old Nellie was), and nowadays he is at the very least competent. But he's got a bit of a dilemma on his hands. Namely, as great a player as Dirk is, he's still a big guy. Yes, he has abilities that basically no other big guy has, but he is still a big guy. And the flat truth of the matter is that big guys generally have a tougher time creating their own shot in an endgame situation. Avery is trying to establish Dirk as the clear go-to guy, but the truth might be that we would be better off with a smaller guy to work from the backcourt in these situations. Terry and Stack should probably the guys, much like Nellie always used Nash and Finley. If you've got time to get your big guy posted, great, go to Dirk. But if you don't, your big guy is too easily defended, having only one option.

I think that's a minor thing, though. I'm still willing to live with Dirk taking that last shot, even if all he can get is a pull up or turnaround jumper. He'll make his fair share. Last night, he probably had tired legs that contributed to both his missed free throw late and his missed shots with time expiring.

But there's something I wonder might be more important. I listened to Dantoni's pregrame interviews, I watched them play, and I read his postgame interviews. And his team came across to me as LOOSE. I listen to almost all of Avery's interviews and watch almost all the games, and sometimes his team comes across to me as TIGHT. You saw how quick he was with the timeouts this last game. You know how intense Avery is. You know what kind of regular season we have had: the kind that comes from keeping the pedal down all the time. Avery has a constant message to his team: Play a certain way and we are a great team, play any other way and we are not.

And I worry that the end result may be that the team plays on eggshells, if you know what I mean. Afraid to make mistakes. Most importantly, perhaps not entirely convinced that they are as good as they seem to be.

The Suns, on the other hand, seem absolutely convinced that they are as good as they look. The Suns are playing that underdog role the Mavs used to play. Nobody believes they can win with their style. Nobody but them, that is. Dantoni doesn't beat them up. He doesn't show them up. Did he call as much as one time out during that long run, covering two quarters, where the Mavs erased their lead and took one of their own? Do the Suns look defeated when someone scores a big basket on them? No, they just take it out of the basket and go play their game. They appear to have a very quiet, but very strong, confidence about them. That sort of thing can be dangerous.

I guess the bottom line is this. Avery is so big on body language and that sort of thing, and so quick to hand out punishment when he doesn't like it (and yes, a timeout called when the other team is doing some damage is indeed a sort of punishment), that some players might resort to faking it. And faking it is never good.

alexamenos · 03-16-2007, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chumdawg

And I worry that the end result may be that the team plays on eggshells, if you know what I mean. Afraid to make mistakes.

i think this is a valid concern, and one i've wondered about, tho not quite as eloquently.

dude1394 · 03-16-2007, 12:54 PM

What I think is that the mavs are not nearly as talented (individually) as the suns. It's one of the reason why dirk not getting mvp drives me nuts. As spiral (I think) noted, down the list there aren't that many players you wouldn't trade for phoenix's straight up, very few.

That's what he means by playing the right way. They have to get after it, they have to rebound, take care of the ball and do what they are supposed to do. It's not a free-wheeling take a shot and let's take another one.

The teams under nellie looked loose as well and they were. Mavs are wound tight because they have to play with precision and excellence, it sort of reminds me of the old bobby knight teams...and san antonio.

The suns also have a coach on the floor (nash) that we do not. He runs just about all of the plays without ever looking over at d'antoni. And those plays are pretty loose in general anyway, not much precision there.

mqywaaah · 03-16-2007, 02:12 PM

No matter what people or critics or trolls say, Avery still is the clear winner to be COY. Not because I'm a homer, but anyone who doesnt see that is flat out pitch dark blind.

left texas · 03-30-2007, 10:22 AM

We've got to be a little careful,'' Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "They're fighting for the eighth spot, and we're not. Sure, we're trying to stay ahead of San Antonio, but when they come out like that and have that juice, and the crowd is behind them, it would have been hard for anybody.''

That was D'Antoni's remark after the Suns lost to the Warriors last night. Can you imagine Coach Johnson making excuses like that.

Avery took the heat after we lost to the Suns. Even if we lose to the Suns Sunday, you will hear no excuses from Avery. He is still the COY. If you look at improvement over last year, sure Houston has the biggest improvement (with 34 wins last year), but Dallas has the fourth biggest improvement and that was with 60 wins.

D'Antoni and the Suns don't play defense, make excuses (do you think the crowds are going to be less enthusiastic during the playoffs?) and won't win a championship with D'Antdoni.

DevinHarriswillstart · 03-30-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by left texas

[I] Can you imagine Coach Johnson making excuses like this.

Thats why Coach Johnson is coach of the year.....and the best coach in basketball as far as I'm concerned. Jerry Stackhouse passes......COTY. I don't hate Greg Buckner as much as I thought.....COTY Harris has progressed slowly but mightily.......COTY Stack plays defense.....COTY Dirk passes better......COTY Gets a Ben Wallace production with the 5 combo......COTY Might win 70....... COTY Breaking every team and some NBA records.......COTY ...... ETC. ETC. ETC.

Here is my case for D'antoni:

Ball always in Nash's hands.....COTY? Making poor after game quotes that coaches shouldn't make......COTY? Team philosophy without defense......COTY? Most painful smile to watch in basketball.....COTY? Uncontrolled offense.....COTY? Running his players to death.....COTY? Chokin after beatin the Mavs and might be leap frogged by the Spurs.....COTY?????!!!!!!!

Tokey41 · 03-30-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mqywaaah

No matter what people or critics or trolls say, Avery still is the clear winner to be COY. Not because I'm a homer, but anyone who doesnt see that is flat out pitch dark blind.

You know the Raptors are now in the third seed in the East right? For a team that wasn't supposed to make the playoffs thats pretty damn impressive. Take into account they just beat Miami (a "contender" even without Wade apparently) without Bargnani and Garbajosa and you have to attribute it to the coach. They have surpassed all expectations this season whereas the Mavs have incredibly huge expectations that can't be met until the playoffs anyway. I would give it to Mitchell, but maybe I'm blind. Avery deserves his credit and he'll get it when the Mavs win a title, the COY won't mean anything after that.

DevinHarriswillstart · 03-30-2007, 02:10 PM

Sam Mitchell was about to lose his job though if they didn't make the playoffs....I don't think you can swing it so quickly for COY when we all know he was gonna be canned otherwise. Thats like voting Isaiah COY because the Knicks could make the playoffs, when he was also about to be canned. Most improved coaches, no question. Avery's team went 46-4 during a stretch this season.....still thinkin Mitchell?

left texas · 03-30-2007, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokey41

You know the Raptors are now in the third seed in the East right? For a team that wasn't supposed to make the playoffs thats pretty damn impressive. Take into account they just beat Miami (a "contender" even without Wade apparently) without Bargnani and Garbajosa and you have to attribute it to the coach. They have surpassed all expectations this season whereas the Mavs have incredibly huge expectations that can't be met until the playoffs anyway. I would give it to Mitchell, but maybe I'm blind. Avery deserves his credit and he'll get it when the Mavs win a title, the COY won't mean anything after that.

I agree with you on the fact that the COY won't mean anything when the Mavs win the title, but as of March 31, 2006 the Raptors had 26 wins (so this year they are +13). Houston as of March 31, 2006 had 32 wins (so this year they are +12), and the Mavs last year on March 31 had 54 wins (so this year they are +9). I would say that a coach that has risen the bar on wins almost as much as the Raptors and Rockets would deserve the nod. Dallas ia a marked team with everyone trying to beat them, whether to stop a streak, stay close to them for the playoffs, or trying to make the playoffs , or just to make their season saying we beat the Mavs. I can't say enough about Michell, or Van Gundy, but what they have done still does equal what Johnson has done with the Mavericks.

G-Man · 03-30-2007, 02:53 PM

Of course DanTony is loose when his team gives up a bucket or a lead. He doesn't expect to win by getting stops... he expects to win by grabbing the ball out of the net and outscoring the opponent. He need s his team super loose so they can rain in 3's. Its been a good enough plan to get to the WCF's twice, but not beyond. The Mavs have been there and done that with Nellie, and gone beyond it with Avery.

Personally, I love Avery's quit time outs because they are so effective. I love the way he doesn't wait until the lead is gone, but stops play as soon as it gets sloppy. None of this explains Dirk missing key free throws at he end of the PHX. However it does explain going on yet another winning streak while PHX was cratering, holding red hot Michael Redd to no 4th quarter points and winning with both Dirk and Howard injured.

I am always surprised to see how relaxed the Mavs appear, considering Avery's intensity. The players clearly love him, and they win for him. Plus, unlike DanTony, he has no smirk, and his smile doesn't make me want to puke.