What the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Hrnets said
after the Game that eventually marked the largest Win of the Season.
Believe it or not, but this 4 Game Winstreak of the Mavs is currently the longest in the Western Conference and 2nd in the whole League. Furthermore, the Mavericks own the best Road Record (Miami is tied) for two years in a row now.
Quotes
Mavericks
Brendan Haywood pregame
(To the Crowd) "Y'all are the best fans. We expect the same thing in the playoffs. Actually, the playoffs start tonight."
Coach Carlisle
(On starting Abe instead of Roddy) "I just thought it was time to give that another look. Roddy struggled a little bit, and his energy has been down. So, that was it."
(Look?) "Things change. And you’ve got to be judged by performance. I think the last time I said, ‘I’m sticking with this kid’ was over a week ago. Some things have changed in that period of time. That’s just the way it is."
(On Defense) "Stevenson and Chandler were very physical defensively, and that led to stops and opportunities on offense."
(On allowing 28 2nd half Points) "The second half is a blueprint for how we’re gonna have to play in the playoffs. Real good defense, move the ball and take care of it on offense."
Dirk Nowitzki
(On the Win) "We definitely wanted to win this game. We were a little slow there in the first half I thought and we were a step slow and let them score 61 points so that’s obviously what we don’t want going into the playoffs. In the second half we really stepped it up defensively and that really won us the game. We’ve got to play that way in the playoffs and offensively we did a good job moving the ball and I kept getting open and the guys found me and that’s a fun way to play when we’re moving the ball and knocking down shots from everywhere."
(On holding the Hornets to 28 points in the second half)
"We had good energy. Everything was a little too easy for them in the first half and we talked at halftime how we had to step it up and bring a little more energy and really contest shots. We got into them a little more and make it tougher so that was great and we were really rotating well."
(On the Playoffs) "Now the fun season starts. We don’t know who we’re going to play, but we’ll be ready no matter who it is and it should be a fun run."
(On selective memory) "It sets more of a tougher tone with Stevenson as a starter. I always liked him, all season long. When he was starting, when Roddy was out, we had a phenomenal run there in November and December. I’m a big supporter of D-Steve. He’s just a rugged 2 guard who can guard 1s, 2s and 3s, so he’s versatile. His shot was looking really good early in the season. If he can shoot the ball like that (wanna bet?), he’s going to be an animal for us in the playoffs."
(On the importance of Defense) "When we get stops and we rebounding the ball, we’re a better team offensively. But guess what, so is every single one NBA team, lol"
Jason Terry
(On masonry) "I feel great and the week off really helped. I had a lot of shots in Houston the other night that went in and out and guys just told me to keep shooting. Tonight being the last dress rehearsal I wanted to get some three’s off early just to see where I was and I finally made some tonight."
(On his body) "I just feel stronger by having the week off and let my legs catch up and so physically I feel great. I feel like I’ve got my legs back. I just wasn’t bending my knees enough before and using my legs on my shot. My shot felt really good tonight so I’m happy where I’m at right now."
(On the Mavs depth) "Not only are we deep, but our depth is crowded with a lot of savvy veterans that have been in the playoffs and have one thing on their minds, and that’s winning a championship."
(On starting Threevenson) "We feel like when D Steve’s (DeShawn Stevenson) in the starting lineup we feel like we can put him defensively on anybody and switch back and forth from the point guard so that works well and he’s a veteran guy and knows what needs to be done and that helped us out big time tonight."
Tyson Chandler
(On Threevenson) "He's so solid, man - just defensive presence, understands our defensive scheme, being able to knock down open shots, he's not going to get out of his box, he's going to make the right pass, just that person on the court that's just solid. We need more of that."
Shawn Marion
(On the Win) "It was good. We went out there and did what we needed to do to get a good win. What more do I need to say? The season is over with now. Now, the real season starts."
(On reaching the career milestone of 1000 Blocks & 1500 Steals, putting him in the company of the likes of Erving, Olajuwon, Malone, Garnett) "That’s crazy. I’ve played a lot of games. But that’s a heck of an accomplishment. [Them'] Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers."
Jason Kidd
(On the record) "Our record is 0-0, so it’s the first team to four and we’re gonna have our hands full in the first round. We have to pay attention to the small details if we want a chance to advance. The big thing is we’re a veteran ballclub, so we understand what it takes."
Hornets
Coach Williams
(On the second half) "We let our guard down a bit. It’s easy to say I sat guys in the second half, but they upped their pressure and hit a ton of shots. I don’t know how many threes they made in the second half, but they were contested threes. I thought we played with some fight from the first half, but we still gave up 20 and 30 point quarters. That’s something I didn’t like."
(What do you think about going into the playoffs on a three game losing streak with no momentum?)
"Well you say no momentum, but the fact that we are here is momentum for us, because there are a number of teams that aren’t playing after tonight. Obviously we’d like to win games going in but not at the sacrifice of doing things the right way. I could have played Chris 45 minutes tonight giving us a better chance to win the game. And maybe I should have, but we’re in this position because we’ve done some things well and we can’t lose sight of that. I think it’s easy for us to look at the negative, and I do that enough. Coaching makes you emotionally negative, but I’m going to try to focus on the things that we’ve done to get here and try to make the most of this opportunity."
(The game got a bit physical in the first half. Do you think either team was trying to send a message?)
"That’s not physical to me, that’s just basketball. That’s the way I want to play. That’s the way I think you have to play. You don’t want to play dirty, but if you’re complaining about that maybe you shouldn’t be playing. There’s going to be physical play in the playoffs. That’s what it’s all about. The refs let a lot more go. Obviously we don’t want to knock guys into the stands, but that’s the way we played all year long. Our last game with Dallas at our place was no different. Guys were on the bench and in the stands. We’re not going to back down from anybody from a physical standpoint."
(On being in the playoffs) "We're in this position because we've done some things well and we can't lose sight of that."
Chris Paul
(On making the playoffs) "There was a lot of people calling us out, saying oh they won’t make the playoffs. We’ve been through a lot of adversity this season. You know trades and different things like that. What more can we ask for but an opportunity. We came in here and we realize that we lost and stuff like that, but this is a whole new season now. That is what I have learned. It doesn’t matter if you win 60 something games, as long as you win enough to get in, now is when the fun stuff starts."
(On going into the Playofs on a three game losing streak) "These 82 games don't mean too much. We know what we're capable of."
(On schemes he may see in the playoffs) "We will see who we match up against. I don’t have a clue, probably depends on who we play. San Antonio they push up and go under. LA they keep the ball on one side of the court. It doesn’t matter right now."
(On the possibility of coming back to Dallas) "That’s cool too. It don’t matter, it don’t matter. I’ve been getting ready for the playoffs for a while now. I just can’t wait. All of these last few games haven’t meant too much, it is now just who can win four games first."
(Do you still remember what happened last time you were in the playoffs?) "Yeah, yeah I will never forget that. You know what I mean, but that is behind us now too. It doesn’t matter what your season series is with a team, you get to start back over now."
Vids
Game Recap
Dirk/FSSW
I like me some...Automatically Generated Transcript (may not be 100% accurate)
So I would say that the playoffs started tonight.
It's always definitely want to win this game. Was a little slow there in the first plus followers -- whatever you missed score 61 points which is obviously novel we want especially going well so. Hot dog really there in the second half really stiff -- through one of the game. Voted for -- tough rebound the ball. And that's how we are playing well some offensive up -- good job -- the ball. I kept -- because they're fun to do so stuff -- fun way to play from the ball make shots on its own thing. Well it's timing when you talk about defense in the playoffs you got held in the thirteen points and at third quarter fifteen and the fourth what was the difference there you have to start again in -- they're giving it was a little too easy for them for herself and we'll move through freeway in. Got open looks and got the lines so. We talked about how some messed up though we've got to bring a little more energy -- contest more shots just got to get in them more make a little tougher. Those great rotate four children. And Royals -- the washed on the defense and guys are going into the class with so much energy you personally finished your eleventh straight season -- Points what does that say about how you played against Losman who has been -- But the only thing this analysis of jump -- you know. You know -- almost twenty points is up probably would just for for a championship so. Signed on for a full four more years this summer so we were you don't want this -- and not a fun season starts we don't know when -- play a book it's this fun time although the years springtime. Now. -- social issue refund on their rules -- forward to it. I mean it is playoff time now does your mindset change how exciting is this time of the year for you -- you know once in relief for a long time of routes with their 20 think sometimes. North to a hard to get -- for for a season games -- definitely wells is what what everybody was waiting for a pick someone good to that you struggled through last couple weeks of to kind of get themselves going but now it's the sun Rose to put up an. Hopefully remembered long run -- you go watch the Lakers now. I'll go home get some food and Brian wants some retirement. But I'm -- and they don't take care of business so we're gonna finish third. We'll -- in my area measures that are most of for a surprise.
Links
MMB | Hammcap remembers a former Blogmotto
The Mavs woke up after sleep walking through the first half on defense.
At The Hive Pictures from the Tank Game | Waits and gets the Lakes
Dirk's brilliance and a ton of foul trouble for the Hornet bigs allowed the Mavs to keep it close. In the second half, the tables turned big time. The Mavs cranked up the defensive intensity considerably, and started hitting (wide) open threes. The jumpers that were falling in the first half were more tightly contested, or just not falling for the Hornets. The Mavs kept the intensity up and cruised to a blowout win that had ESPN cutting away with around 5 minutes left.
Blazersedge, sleeping with open eyes in their Tank Game against GSW
In a Nutshell
The Dallas Mavericks emerged as the third seed in the Western Conference tonight, meaning Dallas and Portland will face off in the first round of the playoffs. Game 1 is at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday evening.
[....]
Notable Developments
Did we mention that the Blazers will face the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs?
Hoopdata Boxscore (The Rim was not molested on either side) | Notes (ranks us in the 5th best category of Playoffteams)
*Tough to take seriously as championship threats but you're open-minded: Dallas, Orlando, and maybe even Portland. The Trailblazers aren't quite supersurging and they're in the Lakers half of the bracket. But...they're obviously better than New Orleans or Philadelphia so you want to put them in a decent hunk..
Hornets247 Both Teams played hard
(at least for one half)
The difference in this game was that the Hornets offense was also clicking on all cylinders, and that enabled the Hornets to take a 61-58 lead into the half. As we have seen numerous times this season, the Hornets could not sustain their offense in the second half, as they only scored 28 points in the final 24 minutes. (Ugh!)
2MG's Difference (later, maybe)
nope, not gonna happen
Stats
FT-Watch
Haywood bricked none of nil from the line. That, right there, is certifiable proof for tanking, Nola! Celebration for our third-best Center, Beaches! [nsfw]
Dirk and Chandler each missed 1 FT. That won't fly...
20-20-4 Watch
Chandler 6-7-0, Haywood 10-7-0. Mahinmi 2-1-0.(Countdown expired) Some playoffgames left. Y'all can do it, i'm sure...
Field Goals
Mavs 40, Hornets 34
PIP-Boys
-24,-14,-12(L),-16, +4, +0, -12, -4, -6, -4, -2, -14, -18(L), +6 , +6, +20, -10, +6, -12, +12, +2, - 28(L), - 10, +2(L), +12, -18(L), -12(L), +2, 0(L), -2, +8, -2, -22, +6, -8(L), +12(L), -12(L), 0(L), +16, -14, +14 in the last Games prior...and against the Hornets +6 Jumpshots, anyone?
BONUS
Disclaimer: If you couldn't tell by now, all italic sentences are made up thoughts, not actual quotes. Also, like i said for two weeks, race for the
fourthsecondthird seed isalmostover. We got it. Hello Portland.
Finally....KneeJerk Recap (TM) Jonthefon v1.69
The Mavs (beat
/lost to) [the New Orleans Hornets]¹ tonight (thanks to/despite)totol reliance onDirk’s Awesomeness. The (cloud in the silver lining/major culprit) once moreas usualwas the (reliabilty on) lack of support from his team-mates, with the exception ofJason Kidd/Jose Barea². Especially useless was Jason Terry's Accuracy from Three/Tyson Chandler's Impersonating of Mahinmi/Rodrigue Beaubois's injury/Brian Cardinal/Brendan Haywood/Corey Brewer³ and it is (GUESS WHAT) THEY’RE ALMOST NOT ALL USELESS!
¹ Inserted Opponent
² Only one of them, mind you. A Mavs guard that gets to the Line 7 times? Unpossible!
³ Two at the minimum, up to all six seven of them.