Dallas Mavericks MMXIV: The Horse Awakens

"There has been an awakening, have you felt it?"

It’s been just four years since the Dallas Mavericks were on top of the sports world, but in the bridge to present day Mavs basketball the franchise has fallen on hard times. Some more natural than others, like an Empire crudely replacing a fradulent Republic system. Some however, you do to yourself. Like rostering Derek Fisher or casting Jar Jar Binks.

Just four years.

But you have a Dirk Nowitzki, so why are you in such a dormant phase? That’s what is most frustrating about any wait, whether it be four years between a great basketball team or ten years between a Star Wars film. Or five between a completely rebooted Spider-Man film.

Regardless, the Dallas Mavericks have awakened, and the league is feeling their presence once again.

Last night there was once again too much Monta. As the Bucks announcer pronounced, who else? Especially with Dirk Nowitzki (rest/back/rest/back/back) sitting out for the second time in three games. The last one was against the Minor League Philadelphia 76ers, this one against a team over .500, so an effort like this from one of the non-Dirks is certainly appreciated. Did he travel? Hellz yes, but the Mavericks have been on the other side of this coin oh so many times so a change of pace isn’t anything to complain about. When the Bucks have a higher 2015 lottery pick they’ll appreciate their former shooting guard’s efforts as well, maybe.

Aside from the incredible theatrics just one night after an insane double OT win in Chicago, there’s a bigger picture here I want to get to. One I was waiting for to bring this title out from a Galaxy Far, Far Away.

There Has Been an Awakening.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Upon completion of a four game road trip sweep and a five game win streak overall, the Dallas Mavericks are 15-5. Ten games over .500 through 20 games with a brand new team, a brand new attitude, three new starters and three hundred billion more reasons to believe in this team again.

The last time the Mavs were 10 games over .500 this early in the NBA season was 2010-2011 when they got it done in 18 games (and started 19-4). As I recall, some pretty special things were accomplished that season.

The return of Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea from the championship team, bringing back Devin Harris along with the big free agent signings of Chandler Parsons this season and Monta Ellis the year before and the continuing dominance of Dirk Nowitzki on the court and Rick Carlisle just a few steps off it have the Dallas Mavericks rising back to the elite tier of the National Basketball Association, where they belong. Where Dirk belongs. Where we belong.

With Owner Mark Cuban, it was only a matter of time for the Horse to Awaken. To use one of the dearest phrases to all MFFL’s, The Time is Now.