Big Win for Big D!

They say that everything is bigger in Texas.  Well, last night the Mavericks proved that saying true as they had their largest margin of victory this season as they crushed the Warriors 101-73.  Don’t worry Mavericks fans, we have you covered as the season is fast coming to a close and the second season is about to begin.  The Smoking Cuban is just getting heated up, just like the Mavericks.

The Mavericks kept pace with the Los Angeles Lakers as they remain one game back of the second spot in the Western Conference.  This was a much needed win after having lost four of the last six games, including tough losses to the Spurs and Lakers.

Thankfully the Mavericks were in control from the opening tip to the final horn with no need of last second heroics.  The Warriors were able to keep things close into the third quarter until Peja Stojakovic knocked down his fourth three pointer of the game, and helping to give the Mavs a comfortable lead that would never get close again.  Stojakovic played 19 minutes, poured in 17 points in his return after missing the last six games with a stiff neck.

Dirk Nowitzki led the team with 20 points, while grabbing six boards, and two assists.  The team did not miss a beat even with Shawn Marion and Brandon Haywood were held out due to injury.  Haywood continues to battle a stiff back while Marion was out with a right wrist injury that is not considered serious.  Both will have plenty of time to rest up as the Mavs do not play again until Thursday against the Timberwolves.  Haywood will be needed to help contain Kevin Love.

Tyson Chandler did an outstanding job cleaning the boards, grabbing 17 rebounds while adding four points.  Roddy Beaubois tallied 15 points while snagging four boards, while providing the highlight of the night with a nasty around the back lay-up.  Roddy also dished out four assists.  Jason Terry chipped in with nine points off the bench.

This win not only kept the team within reach of the second spot in the West, as noted above, but clinched a playoff spot for the club for the eleventh consecutive season.  That’s right!  Another year, another run at the title in Big D!

I know, I know.  No one wants to jump on the bandwagon.  I have heard all the old concerns.  The Mavs are soft.  The Mavs are a great regular season team but will wilt in the playoffs.   But this year, things feel different.  Yes the Mavericks have some issues in the paint.  But there is no team in the West that looks unbeatable.

The Spurs are beginning to show signs of weakness, Friday night’s game proving the point.  Despite jumping out to a huge lead, the Mavs were able to get back in the game, almost winning it.  The Lakers are not invincible.  The Thunder are good, but not great.  If Caron Butler can get healthy, this Maverick team could have a legit shot at returning to the Finals and getting Jason Kidd and Dirk the rings that have been so elusive.  The Smoking Cuban will be there, covering every dribble and every dunk.