Nets Trump Mavs 107-104 in OT, Mavs Now 2-2 Midway Through 8 Game Home Stand.
By Jonathan Underhill
Jason Kidd must have had one thought in mind when he was blowing out the candles on his birthday cake. I imagine his inter monologue saying something like, "I wish that we not only win, but that Dirk also won't be able to hit water if he jumped out of a boat. I will then look like a strategic genius and gain some much needed credibility." He then squeezed his eyes extra tight, took a big breath, and blew out all 41 of the candles.
All kidding aside, Jason Kidd was making his first appearance as a head coach in Dallas. During his playing career it was fairly obvious that Kidd would make a great NBA coach. Given the late career success story he experienced in Dallas, there was a reasonable expectation he would join Rick Carlisle's staff once he retired. It seemed ideal, Kidd could gain some knowledge on coaching and the Mavericks could reward him for what he had brought to the organization. Lets not forget that the Mavericks have done the player-to-coach transition before. Don Nelson took former point guard Avery Johnson under his wing and Johnson ultimately became the head coach, actually winning coach of the year in his first full season. But the Nets jumped on the opportunity as soon as he retired and named him their head coach. After some early season struggles, and a spilled cup of water on the floor mid-game, critics questioned his value as a coach. But since the all-star break, Kidd has the Nets playing some good basketball, boasting a 13-4 record in that time span putting them 5th in the Eastern conference. The Mavs are posting a 10-7 record post all-star break, putting them about on the same pace they were on to start the season (32-22). The steaming hot Nets were able to squeeze out an over time win last night. This was not just another loss for Dallas, they needed this game.
Dallas, in the midst of a 8-game home stand, held as big as a 14 point lead midway through the third quarter. That lead was diminished down to four with 44 seconds left in the game. After Paul Pierce hit two free throws to make it two point game, Dallas needed a basket to secure a win. So they went to the man known historically for his late game heroics, Dirk Nowitzki, to finish this game off. Dirk, who was 1-of-9 from the field at this point, got the ball at the wing and was able to shot his legendary one-footed fade away. The ball soared through the air with that beautiful arc, the arena silenced, fans watched in awe waiting for it to swish threw the net like we've seen so often from Dirk. But the ball didn't even reach the rim. Nowitzki coughed up a air ball and the Nets got the ball. Joe Johnson than easily drove past Shawn Marion for a lay up to tie it up 91-91. Monta Ellis, who finished the game with 32 points, had a chance to end it in regulation. He took a deep three pointer that he seemed to settle for when Deron Williams showed a double team, taking away the driving lane. The Nets went into over time with all the momentum and were quickly up 100-95 after another miss from Nowitzki and a sloppy pass from Shawn Marion getting stolen for a easy transition lay up. The Nets didn't look back, winning 107-104.
Thats another double-digit lead blown late by Dallas. Their inability to close games has haunted them all season long. Is it because of poor defensive play when the games on the line? Or because they're too tired as the game progresses due to the old age of the team? It's a combination of both. A old team that doesn't like to play defense isn't going to get stops down the stretch, especially when the game is on the line. Shawn Marion has made a career out of tough defense and hustle allowed Joe Johnson to pretty much walk to basket to tie the game in regulation. Dallas needs Marion to make make stops defensively late in games as much as they need Nowitzki to make shots late. Neither did that last night.
Jason Kidd did seem to have a sound defensive plan to shut down Nowitzki. He finished 2-of-12 from the field with 10 points and was visibly hesitant and uncomfortable down the stretch with how Brooklyn was playing him. Maybe Kidd knows the secret formula to slow down Nowitzki, the same formula Don Nelson used when Golden State surprised Dallas in the first round back in '07. Earlier in the year against Brooklyn, Nowitzki shot 5-of-15 from the floor for 18 points in a loss. Monta Ellis continues to play great, going 11-for-24 for 32 points. He's averaging 24.25 points per game in this home stand. The biggest surprise of last night though was the play of Samuel Dalembert putting up 12 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 monster blocks. Dallas has lacked a low-post presence for two years now and will need Dalembert to continue that strong play down the stretch.
Golden State and Portland, both ahead of Dallas in the standings, had lost the night prior while Memphis, who's trailing Dallas in the standings, won. This was a chance to make up some ground in the tight Western conference and they failed to take advantage of it. Sizzling hot Phoenix is nipping at Dallas' heels now after they came from behind to beat Memphis last night. Dallas holds a .5 game lead over Phoenix for the 8th seed. Dallas is now 2-2 midway through their home stand and the beginning was suppose to be the easy part. Dallas' last four games in this stretch will be against Oklahoma City, LA Clippers, Sacramento, and Golden State to finish it off.
The Dallas Mavericks have been digging themselves into a hole and are now with their backs against the door to the playoffs with Phoenix knocking on it. Maybe Dallas' old legs aren't built for an 82-game regular season. Maybe this loss and the loss to Minnesota were just unlucky. Regardless, it's win or go home time and they will need to finish off this season strong to make the playoffs. That being said, Dallas has played well all season after losing so badly (i.e. beating Portland and Indiana after a tough loss to Denver, or after falling to Golden State a week ago bouncing back and killing Oklahoma City). Hopefully Dallas uses these late game losses as motivation and those old legs catch a second wind. Because from hear on out, every time they step on the floor, it's a playoff game. I just hope there's some fuel left in the tank.
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