Bill Simmons is my new hero

Jun 20th 2006 3:33AM

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/0606

…

I never have to say a word again. Bill Simmons, as one of the 19 die hard says it all.

It is so nice to know there are people who pay attention.

thank you bill

m

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  1. .
    I’m still optimistic. Looking forward to next season.

    Y’all done real good guys! Came a long way, for the first time, and played hard & good.

    tt

    Comment by tiptoe — June 21, 2006 @ 1:45 am

  2. Cuban, you are the best thing to happen to Dallas since Troy Aikmen.

    nuff said

    Comment by Adamforeal — June 21, 2006 @ 1:45 am

  3. Props to the Mavs, they were a great team and a really hard challenge, and to Mark Cuban who stood there clapping after the game. But…

    HEAT WIN!
    D-WADE MVP!
    HEAT ARE THE CHAMPS!

    Oh…this feels good.

    Comment by David — June 21, 2006 @ 1:46 am

  4. Ya it is true that there was a missed foul at the end of the game where the Jersey was grabbed before the three point attempt. But in reality it was a call that the Mavericks got. If there was a foul called it would have been two free throws. When your down three that just does not get it done. Imagine if it wasn’t called and you did hit the three. It just so happens the shot wasn’t hit. So that is a call I wouldn’t complain about. There are plenty of others. For both teams. The refs both ways were terrible all playoffs. I think duncan was fouled by dirk at the end of regulation of game seven in that series. Just for the record I am from MN and don’t care for either team. Just an outsiders opinion. But game five was a complete screw job.

    Comment by Johno — June 21, 2006 @ 1:46 am

  5. Mark, congrats to your team. I’d still support Dallas to the very end.

    Thank you for a very nice season and journey.

    And don’t let the Heat bandwagonners (who only started rooting for the Heat when they were winning) let you down!

    Oh, and I’ll say congrats to Stu and Stern for winning this series. Yay! :/

    Comment by Ninya — June 21, 2006 @ 1:48 am

  6. Some of these posts just make me laugh. Of course all of the Heat fans are going to say “no way D-Wade is getting calls he shouldn’t be getting” and all of the Dallas fans are going to say “Wade is getting calls he shouldn’t get” People lets just all agree that the refs regardless of what team you follow suck and lets try to get the NBA to do something about it.

    Yes I’m a Mavs fan, but I haven’t once bitched about the calls going against us or against the Heat because you can argue that both ways. Dallas fans did you forget about the Ginobli foul that was called with less than a second to play that got us into OT of game 7 against the Spurs? Lets just face facts the refs blow and they need to be taught a lesson.

    Comment by Joe V — June 21, 2006 @ 1:48 am

  7. An incredible series, an incredible game. But they got the MVP award wrong, it shouldn’t have gone to Wade. It should have gone to YOU, Mark. You provided the inspiration. Your performance on Letterman was the turning point. Without that, the Mavs would have swept the series, instead of becoming the first team to lose the Finals in the fourth quarter of game 3.

    GO HEAT!!!

    Comment by John — June 21, 2006 @ 1:48 am

  8. Speaking of fans booing – weren’t the HEAT fans booing their OWN team in game 3 when it looked MAVS would win easily?

    Comment by ZAK — June 21, 2006 @ 1:49 am

  9. Great article and had the 500 post limit not have been reached on the Damn officials blog, my comments about Salvatore would have seemed close to Simmons. I dont agree with all of it, however I think most of what he says has relevance.

    I also stated in a post last week after the game 4 loss that Dallas just couldnt get over the loss in game 3. I also wanted to say something about game 5, and something I haven’t heard anybody else mention in any of these posts or on radio or tv. The Miami Herald writer (the link in the Simmons article) mentioned it, and that was the two missed free throws by Josh Howard. If he makes those Dallas is up by 3 with less than a min to play which changes the Heat game plan. Probably get the two pointer and quite possibly foul Dallas to try and get a 2 for 1 situation. Had this happened we might not have even been talking about the foul at the end of OT.

    I think we as Mavs fans have to give credit to the Heat they played much better on defense than we did and we just feel in love with the jumpers and got away from our game plan of attacking the basket. Congrats Heat on winning the title.

    One last thing I want to say is I’m going to find it really difficult to watch any more NBA games because with the piss poor refs and the league offices inablitity to do anything about it just makes me never want to watch or go to another game again. This is probably one of the reasons I stopped watching the NBA until Mark bought the team. I guess when you’re raking money in hand over fist, you figure if it’s not broke don’t fix it. Well Mr. Stern I’m here to tell you it’s broke and you need to fix it!

    Comment by Joe V — June 21, 2006 @ 1:49 am

  10. Gotta give it up for the Heat they done whooped that maverick ass. Dallas has no excuse for loosing 4 straight their fans should stop crying like a bunch of bitches. Always blaming shit on the refs and fouls and free throws. Let me remind yall if it wasnt for Dirk hitting a pair of free throws against the Spurs in game 7 this would of been a different series. In my opinion a better series. Im not a Heat fan or a Dallas fan but am glad that the cry baby city of Dallas is still the only city in Texas without a NBA Championship.

    For all them Dallas fans. Quit crying and complaining bout shit. Bend over take it like a MAV.

    SPURS IN 07

    Comment by HEEEEEEEGH — June 21, 2006 @ 1:49 am

  11. Poll question of the night.

    Why did the Mavs lose the NBA title.

    Vote Now at http://www.BryanHauer.com.

    Feel free to give your reason too.

    Comment by Bryan Hauer - Official Blog — June 21, 2006 @ 1:49 am

  12. Games 4 and 6 were the only games the heat won. 3&5 were a big present from the refs. Anyway, savor the victory Miami.

    Comment by Scott — June 21, 2006 @ 1:49 am

  13. fuck the nba. fuck the guys who run it, and fuck the old school style of play that they love to deny they love.

    sorry to say I didnt even watch tonights game. I was so pissed after sundays game, I couldnt bring myself to fund the nba’s broadcast enough to skip through the commercials.

    forget the mavs mark, buy the fucking nba. we’re short on good sports, and I wanna be a fan again.

    –Steve

    Comment by Steve — June 21, 2006 @ 1:51 am

  14. 1) Simmons is a f-ing idiot and has been for a long time. The NBA was built on teams with superstars. You have an Alpha Dog, a 2nd banana, a 3rd scorer, and then a bunch of role players. That’s how it works. The ‘04 Pistons was the only exception. Ever.

    2) I like how he talks about all the bad calls in this series, but doesn’t mention at all the complete hosing the Spurs got in Games 3 and 4 agains the Mavs. Dirk had 27 points and 21 were on the line. In game 3 he fouled out Duncan by stepping on his foot. In game 4 Manu fouled out when Terry jumped backward into him, and still the Spurs could’ve won, except Bowen got called for a foul just by being behind Dirk, and he didn’t even shoot the ball yet. I guess Bill completely forgot about THAT series.

    3) I don’t understand where he comes up with this idea that the Mavs play such an attractive brand of basketball. They were second to last in assists and second to last in assist to turnover ratio. Wheeee. All they ever run are iso plays and pick and rolls w/ Dirk and Terry. They have zero natural point guards on the roster. Are the Mavs a tougher team this year? A little. More entertaining? No way.

    4)For his claim that the Heat winning would set the NBA back for many years…I think it would be even worse for the league if the Mavs won. It would show a whole generation of coaches and ballplayers to whine and bitch and blame the refs for everything until you get your way. That would turn everyone off from the product. No matter how many bad calls the Spurs got, not one player or coach ever said anything about the officiating. They just said both teams played their hardest and the Mavs won.

    5)Not only did your team act like sore losers, but you proved on Letterman that you were prepared to be an sore winner. That’s what iced it, you know. You completely bashed Steve Nash and Pat Riley for no reason whatsoever. Completely unprovoked. You scheduled parade routes and bragged about how you changed the league and acted like it was over on national TV.

    Clearly Mark, you know nothing about karma. Your comments and Avery’s comments when this series ended was too little, too late. Hopefully you’ll learn your lesson (I doubt it) and you and your team can just shut up and play next year.

    Comment by Aaron Stampler — June 21, 2006 @ 1:51 am

  15. GO HEAT!!!!!

    I am not from Miami, but the only two reasons I cheered for the Heat are:

    1. Mark, you whine way too much and so does your team. You didn’t have the heart of a champion, so deal!

    2. Shaq won a championship and Kobe didn’t.

    Comment by Deb — June 21, 2006 @ 1:51 am

  16. This is for all the heat fans. I have been reading all of your mean spirited and downright nasty name calling, predictions and rants about our complaints. Don’t even think you wouldn’t be doing the same if you had a championship denied you by all of the events of the last week. Guess what, you’ll probably treat the heat like you do your marlins. I wonder how long before the heat will want to relocate too. You may feel self-righteous blasting Cuban, the Mavs, and their fans, but you are no more gracious winners than we are in losing. I could go on and tell you about the missed calls again tonight, but you wear rose colored glasses and only see the mistakes we made. Sure we made mistakes, we lost the series. But know this, we earned everything we got this year and accomplished much more than people thought we would. Now you shut the fuck up.

    Comment by Eric Schweigert — June 21, 2006 @ 1:52 am

  17. Cuban may have his warts, but he is great for the NBA, Mavs and the city of Dallas. If you don’t like him or the Mavs and just want to use HIS personal site to bash him and his team, them piss off and go blog on the back-stabbing Pat Riley’s site then.

    Comment by BigJon — June 21, 2006 @ 1:53 am

  18. I do believe promotional comments are disallowed, Bryan. Hehe.

    Yes, the Heat were booing, becase we deserved to be booed. I scream at the team all the time, even tonight. When we play lackadaisical and stupid, I get mad. I wouldn’t personally boo, but hey, fans do what they want.

    And to the Detroit fan: still a sore loser, eh? At least I have to give you some props for watching the Finals. Well, maybe you just watched highlights and listened to talk radio. Still, you have some balls showing up and talking trash when you got destroyed last round.

    Comment by Alex — June 21, 2006 @ 1:54 am

  19. From Bill Simmons article:

    Put me in the “Avery Johnson has been too wound up” camp. As well as the “Nowitzki looks like he’s hit the wall,” “Maybe ABC should stop reminding everyone in Milwaukee that they could have had Dirk Nowitzki, it’s becoming cruel” and “Maybe Mark Cuban shouldn’t have gone on ‘Letterman’ after Game 3 and made it seem like the series was still in the bag” camps.

    Say, Mark, are you planning to go back on Letterman? Or maybe Jay Leno this time. I’m sure they’d like you on the show — after they have Dwayne Wade, the Finals MVP, Shaq and Pat Riley. Must suck being second, err, I mean 4th.

    Comment by Robert Stevens — June 21, 2006 @ 1:55 am

  20. Yes! Thank god there are Bill Simmons’s in the world. Not to mention the 90’s mentality of letting O’Neal do whatever he pleases whenever he pleases. How is the same play that is an offensive foul by almost every player in the league somehow acceptable when “Superman” executes it?

    p.s. Sorry you guys lost. I was rooting for you. I’ve been a Bulls fan since birth (and Cubs— wanna buy them… please?) but I think the Mavs will be top on my list next year.

    Comment by Pete Karagianis — June 21, 2006 @ 1:55 am

  21. @142

    Jonathon I’m assuming you mean MLB baseball championships. Otherwise you would be completely wrong by saying “teams”. The Cowboys have 5 Super Bowl championships vs Miami’s 2. And as for baseball teams, the UT Longhorns have 6 NCAA baseball championships vs Miami’s 3. Just thought I’d point that out, unless you want to clarify.

    That said, Cuban is an embarassment. He should stick to what he knows….whatever that is. All that jock sniffing is finally getting to him.

    Comment by LayZ — June 21, 2006 @ 1:55 am

  22. It seems to me that Simmons likes teams with three regularly 20+ scorers, one of whom occasionally goes 30+, and few 10+ scorers, rather than teams with one regularly 30+ scorer and a whole ton of 10+ scorers a few of whom occasionally go 20+.

    You work with what you have. It’s sad, really, to see someone like Simmons who’s given so many column-inches on espn.com to be arguing against coaching to your strengths.

    Cuban, you’re sad, because you think what you have — the first kind of team — is what all of the NBA should look like. “IT SHOULD ALL BE MY WAY, JUST LIKE **MY** TEAM”.

    WAHHHHH!!!!!

    As beautiful as it is to watch, when it’s clicking, as nice as the Spurs can look when they’re going, it’s just one way to play. As we’ve seen, the tough mental game can shake teams like the Mavs.

    It’s not chess, it’s men on the floor. It’s as much a head game as not. You SAW how shaken Dirk was by game 3 and game 4. He choked in the most spectacular fashion.

    Coaches coach according to what they have. Teams are built around what greatness is there. What will happen if Terry leaves? Or Howard? Or Stackhouse? Or more than one of them? Won’t that change the dynamic of the team, and then Avery will have to coach the team into some other strategy?

    WAHHHH!!!!!

    Comment by Dave — June 21, 2006 @ 1:55 am

  23. For all you Miami fans out there that are saying we are whiners go get a real life!! Wade hits Dirk with 2 minutes left and Dirk gets the foul called against him….how bad can it get and how low can the refs go before other players in the league stand up and say something. That is the only way that things are going to ever change!!! If the coaches in the NBA and the players of the NBA go crazy over how this finals series was reffed. I mean let’s get real. You can’t tell me that all those free throws at the end of the first quarter were actual fouls. I mean Daniels didn’t touch the guy and got called!! That set the tone for the rest of the game and how can the guys get up and motivated to keep going and going and going with all the crazy calls!
    I am sick to death of Shack/Dwade talk…. Dwade shot 36 to Dirks 29
    Dirk gets 15 rbnd to Dwades 10…..really they had a pretty even game but Dwade was the more aggressive to the basket and was given more leeway by the refs to do so!! So go celebrate Heat fans and thank the Refs at the Parade!!! They really need a Celebration parade for the Refs not the Heat!!

    Comment by Grace Brock — June 21, 2006 @ 1:56 am

  24. I guess we’re now gonna be doomed to seeing teams that will focus their energy on finding marketable guys who can penetrate to the hole instead of building a system oriented team that’s fun to watch. It got tiresome watching Jordan and company. And I hope we’re not watching a similar trend with Wade in Miami. It’s not an NBA I want to watch.

    Comment by JustAThought — June 21, 2006 @ 1:56 am

  25. Yes! Thank god there are Bill Simmons’s in the world. Not to mention the 90’s mentality of letting O’Neal do whatever he pleases whenever he pleases. How is the same play that is an offensive foul by almost every player in the league somehow acceptable when “Superman” executes it?

    p.s. Sorry you guys lost. I was rooting for you. I’ve been a Bulls fan since birth (and Cubs— wanna buy them… please?) but I think the Mavs will be top on my list next year.

    Comment by Pete Karagianis — June 21, 2006 @ 1:57 am

  26. Congratulations to Mr. Cuban, Coach Avery, and the entire Dallas franchise on a great year.

    Congratulations also to the Heat for the championship.

    Also, Mr. Cuban showed a lot of class by applauding the Heat and the Mavs at the end of game 6, and for his previous post about the impossibility of the refs ‘fixing’ games. The people claiming otherwise on this site (see the comments above) just demonstrate how graceless they are in victory.

    The refs might make bad calls, or non-calls, but it’s because they’re human and make mistakes.

    Both teams will be there again, I’m sure.

    By the way, Mr. Cuban, I enjoyed the interview you did on Q&A on CSPAN a month or so ago.

    Good luck next year.

    Comment by shaun — June 21, 2006 @ 1:57 am

  27. University of Miami has more than 3 baseball championships, including the first one they got when they beat the Longhorns and Roger Clemens.

    Kudos to Aaron.

    Eric, go to hell.

    Comment by Alex — June 21, 2006 @ 1:58 am

  28. This just goes to show the Mavs that if San Antonio Cant have the Trophy… No one else in Texas can!

    Good Job and Great Season to both Teams My hats off to Avery for an incredible first year as head coach.

    The Heat Better Enjoy this Now because next year the trophy is coming back to TEXAS!!!

    GO SPURS!! o i mean MAvs…

    Comment by TOO BAD MAVS — June 21, 2006 @ 1:58 am

  29. Being a Knicks fan, I hate Pat Reilly and Alonzo Mourning. However, I rooted for the Heat this series. Why? Becuase I can’t stand you, Mark. Was the refereeing one-sided? Yes. But also, Miami drove to the basket a shitload more times than the Mavs. And need I remind the Mavs fans the only reason they are in the finals are because of the refereeing in the San Antonio series? The refs won those games for the Mavs, and it was despicable.

    http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=bayless/060519

    Comment by Dylan — June 21, 2006 @ 1:59 am

  30. THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT SEASON!!!! WE LOVE OUR MAVS…..

    MFFL

    Comment by JOHN — June 21, 2006 @ 1:59 am

  31. MIAMI HEAT!!! 2006 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Nicole — June 21, 2006 @ 2:00 am

  32. I am not a myth! I am person who doesn’t watch anymore because of the refs. I just happened to see all the ref stuff on google news. Anyway:

    Get 10 refs in a room with video of 50 charges and 50 blocking fouls, and see how many are picked the same by even 9 of the refs.

    At least the strike zone and holding (football) have a definition. Why would I let myself care about a game where a foul is a matter of mood, personal taste, and player image? I’ll watch soaps if i want drama, give me a fair contest from my sports.

    Comment by adam g — June 21, 2006 @ 2:00 am

  33. Being a Knicks fan, I hate Pat Reilly and Alonzo Mourning. However, I rooted for the Heat this series. Why? Becuase I can’t stand you, Mark. Was the refereeing one-sided? Yes. But also, Miami drove to the basket a shitload more times than the Mavs. And need I remind the Mavs fans the only reason they are in the finals are because of the refereeing in the San Antonio series? The refs won those games for the Mavs, and it was despicable.

    http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=bayless/060519

    Comment by Dylan — June 21, 2006 @ 2:02 am

  34. Why cant people just admit that the Heat was better in the series!!! You all thought just because Dallas won the first 2 games you all thought it was over saying that the Heat was *unworthy* and look at what happened?I think yall started the parades a lil early LOL GO HEAT GO HEAT GO HEAT!!!!!!!!!!!15 STRONG!!!

    Comment by Jia Cooper — June 21, 2006 @ 2:02 am

  35. Hey Ricky Foray – You knocked Cuban, the Mavs, the fans, pro football, and the city of Dallas, and you call US a bunch of hick yahoos? You think WE contributed to “people’s perception of Dallas?” You contributed to my perception of you being a bigot, an idiot, a total jerk off, and having a brain the size of your dick. Welcome to Dallas.

    Comment by Jillian — June 21, 2006 @ 2:03 am

  36. I wonder if the league will ever get over the obscene desire to promote the young black superstar. I’m hard-pressed to find the foul on Dirk when Wade drills him in the stomach 20 feet from the rim…but as long as Jafe and Crawford thought otherwise, I guess thats all that counts. You ever get the feeling that the thought process of the refs goes something like “oh no…something is touching our lord and savior dwyane wade, I guess we need to call a foul”?

    Just a side note, my beloved Mavs took way too many outside shots, and they still had a chance to win it. And for the record, Devin Harris sucks. He has one good game vs. San An and everyone is on his bandwagon. He drives and misses more layups than Shawn Bradley missed dunks.

    The real issue isn’t going to be the Heat next year. Despite his royal anus Wade remaining with the Heat, they won’t be able to muster the 8.4 pts per game from the rest of the team to win. Phoenix is gonna be sick. I hope we figure something out real fast.

    Comment by Ryan — June 21, 2006 @ 2:03 am

  37. 1) Kicking the ball into the stands= $5,000.00
    2) Walking onto the court and COMPLAINING over and over= $250,000.000
    3)Seeing the facial expression of David Stern when presenting the trophy to the heat in DALLAS= PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Victor — June 21, 2006 @ 2:03 am

  38. Simmons has definitely lost his fastball, so to speak. His column today made very little sense and was so one-sided it was almost humorous. Calls go both ways–nobody said anything when Dirk shot more free throws than the Spurs in one of the games in that series. Nobody said anything about Dirk’s “Ginobili-esque” flop to get Haslem his 6th foul in game 5 (I watched it 3 times and am still trying to figure out how Dirk fell down, but then I remember it is World Cup time–he must have been watching all of the soccer players taking dives). Was Wade fouled on that play? Dunno–I’ll give you that was a tough one to call in that situation, but I saw contact. Did he commit a backcourt violation? Not according to league rules, the league’s statement on this made sense.

    From what I’ve read so far, the Mavs have said all of the right things tonight (for the first time losing with class).

    And back to Simmons column–this Heat team didn’t muddy or “ugly” up the game to win. If you look, they had a lot of balance and scored almost 100 points tonight, this isn’t the Knicks team that threatened to set basketball back to the peach basket.

    Good night and good luck! ;-)

    Comment by Frank — June 21, 2006 @ 2:03 am

  39. I am not even a Mavs fan but I am very pissed off. The Heat don’t have a team they have one player who put his head down all the time and went into the paint knowing he’d get every call. The Mavs were a much better team all around. Its frustrating to see the refs determine the outcome of a series as much as they did this one. This years playoffs brought a new wave of play. The Mavs and Suns were alot more fun to watch than the boring Detroits and Miamis. I feel that now the NBA afer watching this series will realize “Hey if I go into the paint I will get a foul call!” This is all the NBA will be. Wade, Lebron, Kobe, Arenas, and Pierce all going to the hoop and shooting 25 free throws a game. Bill Simmons is 100% correct on his evalutaion of the future of the league. Its just a shame after such a great playoffs that we have to end on such a sour note. And why the do we even talk about Shaq anymore. He was a total none factor in this series. He was almost as important as Gary Payton. The NBA needs to reevalute its decision to call everything for the stars. It just makes for boring basketball. Noone wants to watch a free throw contest.

    Comment by Mike — June 21, 2006 @ 2:04 am

  40. The award for best comment in any of this blog, anywhere, goes to Robert, post 101:

    ——

    Instead of fining Cuban, Stern should have made it mandatory for Cuban to come to tonight’s game in a baby bonnet with a baby bottle to suck on, while wearing a Pamper.

    ——

    Robert, thank you for making reading these comments worthwhile!!! :-)

    Comment by Dave — June 21, 2006 @ 2:05 am

  41. Poll wasn’t mean to be promotional.

    Just don’t have Mark’s login to create my own poll here :) and I am sincerely interested to see what everyone thought since I am neutral on who won and thought it was just a hard fought great game and D-Wade played out of his mind again.

    Comment by Bryan Hauer - Official Blog — June 21, 2006 @ 2:06 am

  42. Just for the record Alex:

    UT :
    6 Baseball Titles

    Miami:
    4 Baseball Titles

    Comment by JustAThought — June 21, 2006 @ 2:06 am

  43. Heat are the NBA champions. Why blame the refs? Its not the refs fault for Dirk not playing like an MVP during the finals and how are you comparing Dirk and Dwayne Wade when they play at different positions?

    I think both teams deserved to be in the Finals and they both deserved the championship. I just feel that experience won out and the Mavericks always have next year. They are a great and different type of team, but the Heat just had a bit more heart and wanted it just a little bit more.

    Comment by Keepinmind — June 21, 2006 @ 2:06 am

  44. i think you meant to say RICHARD SIMMONS…there mark..
    since you are about as gay as they come.

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 2:07 am

  45. I couldn’t agree more. The NBA may not be “rigged” but it sure as heck acts like it. Go MAVS. :o )

    Comment by Natalie — June 20, 2006 @ 6:46 pm

  46. DAVID STERN LOOKS LIKE ORVILLE REDENBOCKER. I was told by an old man at a coffee shop “Mr.Stern has built an empire” Well….. I guess it is time for the empire to strike back HARD!!!!Go MAVS-May the force be with you!!

    Comment by erin & chris — June 20, 2006 @ 6:47 pm

  47. Game 5 disgusted me, too. I don’t care who wins this series. I was sort of rooting for Dallas because of my desire to see Pat Riley and Alonzo Mourning suffer, but I don’t really care. After Game 5, I’m pulling for the Mavs big time.

    Mark, you are by far the best owner in professional sports. It’s almost shocking to hear an owner publicly discuss concerns regarding the quality of the product and trying to please his customers. Shocking, but incredibly refreshing as well. Most owners are too busy counting their money to worry about winning.

    All of these posters on here saying “Shut up Mark, you’re drawing too much attention to yourself at the expense of your players”, you guys have no idea what you’re talking about. Before Mark Cuban showed up, nobody could care less what happened in Dallas, because they were the worst team in the league for a solid decade.

    If you get irritated by an owner who wants to win above anything else and cares deeply about the quality of the product he’s delivering, then it’s little wonder he’s incredibly successful and you’re not.

    Comment by spike — June 20, 2006 @ 6:55 pm

  48. Texas fans will get behind any other Texas team after their team loses. That is just the way we are. This year I am rooting for Miami, along with alot of others. Sad but true. I love Avery Johnson, he did great things for our team in San Antonio. But leave it to an immature person to attack the city that has shown the hospitality that we are famous for. I’d imagine Mark will never have another pleasant visit in San Antonio again. But I digress, my point is this “No one ran and cried when the officials called a penalty on San Antonio an average of every 41 seconds during the first game of the 98 finals against the Knicks in NY.’ Peter Holt was not standing up crying like a little girl. Mark takes this as a personal attack and that is stupid, there is terrible officiating every year during the finals. He should be banned from the games all together, I for one am tired of seeing his ridiculous behavior. You would think that there would be a little professionalism in owning an NBA team.

    Comment by Violet — June 20, 2006 @ 6:57 pm

  49. To Jeremy Veilleux Post #22. You asked…So why isn’t Shaq being fine for his comments on 102.1?

    Obviously you don’t know Shaq well enough to know that the guy’s a jokester. That was a tongue-in-cheek comment. Did you actually hear the interview yourself?

    Comment by Dell Gal — June 20, 2006 @ 6:59 pm

  50. Really the best rundown and analysis of the Game 5 fiasco and on the state of the NBA. I wish David Stern read Simmons’ column.

    Comment by Clara — June 20, 2006 @ 7:00 pm

  51. Mark,
    That article is so true. At least someone from the ESPN umbrella knows what is going on!

    Comment by Travis — June 20, 2006 @ 7:11 pm

  52. Bill Simmons is right in every word he says. Dwayne Wade is a ball hog, (only person in possession with the ball for the heat) while the rest of the team just watch him shoot and possibly grab a rebound. As a Florida resident, I am one of the very few who despise the Heat in each and every way possible.

    BTW. Some fool claimed he got hit by the ball Dirk kicked in the stands and wants the league to suspend him for Game 6. I say BS to that.

    People here and very full of themselves and their “Two-Man” team.

    I have to say, there are truely idiots that live in Florida. Pure Idiots.

    Comment by Dave (Flameking) — June 20, 2006 @ 7:13 pm

  53. We got it in writing, Cuban never to say another word, what a great day.

    Must be he figures he said enough to “fix” the finals.

    NBA games are bought and paid for with posturing and fines by Dallas Maverick owner Mark Cuban.

    Case in point, this year’s second round against the Spurs.

    Cuban cries about “bad officials”, gets fined $200,000, and “suddenly” the Spurs can’t catch a break with the refs and the Spurs become victims of “bad, (bought) calls”.

    Funny how Cuban did not speak up for the Spurs, after all bad calls should not be tolerated against any team if you are as outspoken as Cuban.

    Enter the Suns, more “bad calls” against the Suns, yet Cuban only smiles and enjoys moving on to the next round.

    Did the Spurs and the Suns whine, did Duncan and Nash throw hissy fits and kick and punch everything on their way to the locker room like Dirk did after game 5 with the Heat?

    Nah!

    Now today Cuban gets fined $250,000, and if history repeats itself and the refs bend over backwards to accommodate the Mavericks and Miami “suddenly” is in foul trouble and can’t catch a break from the refs, that will be prove completely that Cuban’s posturing and money can buy games.

    And according to a sports “writer”, that would be good for the game and keep us all from “box haircuts”.

    I should mention, I am not a Spurs or a Suns fan, but just like watching a good game of team basketball.

    Maverick players hold, push, punch below the belt, throw elbows to the head and cry “Everyone’s picking on them”.

    Mavs mug Wade on the way to the basket, about 3 different Mavs foul Wade, and yet the Mavs claim Wade was never fouled.

    I watched Dirk charge right over a Miami player, Miami got called for a blocking foul, and the newscasters agreed Dirk committed an offensive foul, but Cuban’s not crying about that “bad call”.

    Cuban’s crying has turned me into a Heat fan, and for the good of basketball I hope the Heat spank the crying Mavs by 20 points tonight and the President Bush has to declare Dallas a disaster area from all the flooding caused by the Mavericks crying after the loss.

    Instead of fining Cuban, Stern should have made it mandatory for Cuban to come to tonight’s game in a baby bonnet with a baby bottle to suck on, while wearing a Pamper.

    Somehow I think Mark would have liked that punishment, can’t you just see his pudgy little body and his crooked grin as he waves his baby bottle in the stands during the game.

    Maybe next year we could have two teams in the finals with the focus on the players instead of the owner’s antics. Now that would be good for basketball.

    Meanwhile Mark, if shooting your mouth-off means more to you than money, e-mail me some abuse and send a check, and I’ll make good use of it.

    Really Mark, you missed your calling, you should have bought the WWF.

    Comment by Robert — June 20, 2006 @ 7:21 pm

  54. Crap…I just fouled Wade.

    Comment by Ben — June 20, 2006 @ 7:22 pm

  55. For the most part I’ve found these playoffs unwatchable. The refereeing is awful and it goes to its worst level when it involves Wade, Lebron, or the Suns.

    What would be great is if somebody put together a website that on a daily basis puts together video clips of bad calls made by refs and the rules that they called incorrectly or didn’t call at all. The problem with it is that the league could easily take it down because of use of game video.

    Stern admits to 5% of the calls being wrong; it’s far worse than that, not including the calls such as 3-seconds and traveling that they dont’ call.

    Anyway, keep saying what needs to be said. I’m looking forward to the look on Wade’s face when he doesn’t get the same calls from international refs this summer.

    Comment by Vikas — June 20, 2006 @ 7:29 pm

  56. uummm…wow…I am an overweight fan…sittin on my butt…watchin…maybe the refs can just watch game 6 AND 7…can I get paid too Bill…

    Go Mavs!

    Comment by Sherrill — June 20, 2006 @ 7:31 pm

  57. Let’s talk about phantom fouls. Game 7 of the second round, Mavs at Spurs. The Mavs, after having dominated for much of the game, are down by three with mere seconds to go in regulation. Nowitzki drives and dunks, putting them only down by one. His dunk was not enough, but hope is still alive … although slowly fading away.

    Except for one thing: the referees called a foul on Ginobili, even though he completely (and obviously, to anyone with eyes) missed both Dirk and the ball in his attempt to block the shot. If they don’t call the foul, Dallas is down by one and the Spurs go on to win the championship (well, I might be getting ahead of myself there). But they did, for some inexplicable reason, even though there was no foul, call a foul. Nowitzki, like he always does, sinks the free throw and we’re headed to overtime.

    From that point on, I’ll admit (even though it pains me to as a Spurs fan), the Mavs outplayed the Spurs. My point is that if it weren’t for a phantom foul that overtime never would have taken place and the Spurs would be well on their way to winning back-to-back championships.

    If Dwyane Wade wasn’t fouled at the end of Game 5 on Sunday, then neither was Dirk Nowitzki at the end of Game 7 against the Spurs.

    Moving on, Simmons makes a point about Wade having as many free throws as the entire Mavs team in Game 5, and how inconceivable that is. In either Game 3 or Game 4 against the Spurs (can’t quite remember which), the Mavs had 50 free throws and Nowitzki alone took 24. The Spurs had 32. So Nowitzki *almost* had as many free throws as the entire Spurs team. The league took Nowitzki over the Spurs in that series, just like the league is now taking Wade against the Mavs in this series.

    We reap what we sow; it’s all cyclical. I’ve gotten over my precious Spurs going down; in time, you too will get over your precious Mavs going down.

    Comment by Justin Peterson — June 20, 2006 @ 7:33 pm

  58. Mark- I couldn’t agree with you more…I’m glad some sports writer has some sense. Now, I want to see you, as well as the team, going fucking ballistic tonight. GO MAVS !!

    Comment by Anthony — June 20, 2006 @ 7:38 pm

  59. uummm…wow…I am an overweight fan…sittin on my butt…watchin…maybe the refs can just watch game 6 AND 7…can I get paid too Bill…

    Go Mavs!

    Comment by Sherrill — June 20, 2006 @ 7:42 pm

  60. So then you agree that Stackhouse should have been suspended? Even in this PR article you must have paid for, he says that Steakhouse sized up shaq, readied to spring, and then tackled him. He said the suspension was justified. So, do you agree with the whole article, or just the parts you paid for? Oh, and I don’t expect and answer, after all, Miami being in the right is its own defense.

    Comment by Classless Stackhouse — June 20, 2006 @ 7:43 pm

  61. This article was awesome!
    I am so sick of people praising Wade like he is the second coming of Christ or something! Give me a break! The Mavs have not just ONE great player, they have great players even coming off of their bench!
    It is sickening to watch this horrible officiating. I know as the owner, you’d be fined another 1/2 million to say that it is rigged, but Mark, it IS! There should not have even been an overtime in game 5; without all the crap foul calls, they would have been ahead 10-15 points after 4 quarters!
    People want to say that Wade gets the foul calls because he is a star…what about Dirk? They were knocking him all over the place and he is a star (much more all-around star by the way) than Wade is.

    Comment by Misti — June 20, 2006 @ 7:48 pm

  62. Bill Simmons is right in every word he says. Dwayne Wade is a ball hog, (only person in possession with the ball for the heat) while the rest of the team just watch him shoot and possibly grab a rebound. As a Florida resident, I am one of the very few who despise the Heat in each and every way possible.

    BTW. Some fool claimed he got hit by the ball Dirk kicked in the stands and wants the league to suspend him for Game 6. I say BS to that.

    People here and very full of themselves and their “Two-Man” team.

    I have to say, there are truely idiots that live in Florida. Pure Idiots.

    Comment by Dave (Flameking) — June 20, 2006 @ 7:51 pm

  63. Kudos to MavsFanfor Life for being a degenerate in public. It goes to show the class of the Mavericks. If you really are speaking on behalf of the Mavs fans and Mark Cuban, then more power to all the degenerates out there. Guess we all know where the fanbase for Blue Collar TV are right now….

    The rules were enforced to a tee in the final moments of that game, as per the league rulebook and visual evidence. If you think otherwise, consult the rulebook (and perhaps an eye doctor) and you will see. The Mavs fans are complaining because Wade is getting Jordan-like treatment. Newsflash: HE DESERVES IT. He is the best player on the court and in the league. He has the best all-around game, and the Mavs fans are just bitter because they are getting pounded by one man in a similar fashion that the Blazers, Sonics, Lakers, and Jazz were by Jordan. He is not a ballhog because he does not take 30 shots a game. He is a clutch performer who takes over in the fourth quarter, plain and simple. Can’t say the same about the chokers (Howard, Nowitzki, Terry) who missed crucial shots and free throws in the past few games.

    In any case, I guarantee that Mark Cuban does not say a peep if the Mavs were getting “favorable” calls. He certainly wasn’t when San Antonio was getting railroaded. He’s all about balance and equality when his team is winning, and so are all the whining, crying, idiot Mavericks fans who refuse to believe their own eyes.

    Comment by Alex — June 20, 2006 @ 7:53 pm

  64. Violet & Alex?

    RIGHT ON!!! Cuban has shown time and time again that he does not have the maturity, professionalism, or intelligence to be the owner of a professional sports team. A brilliant businessman? Genius? Hardly. He’s just as pathetic as a lot of those other dotcommers from years ago. A bunch of money and no idea of how to become a productive member of society. As for the cursing? Childish. Cursing is an unintelligent persons attempt to assert themselves. He thinks a 3 year old cursing is funny? How funny will it be when his 3 year old does it? I guarantee not very – its not fuuny trying to explain a 3 year-olds behavior when the parents have no clue and their brat becomes a self centered idiot just like the parent. And Violet? Absolutely. I am a 5th generation Texan and this dude is an embarrassment to Texas sports -I would not support a team he owned if it was the only one in Texas.

    As I have stated in other posts: Cuban! Shut up, grow up, and get a clue!

    And author of post 91? Ditto to you – I have the class and intelligence not to have to spell it out though…

    Comment by Jeff M — June 20, 2006 @ 8:02 pm

  65. Bill Simmons is right in every word he says. Dwayne Wade is a ball hog, (only person in possession with the ball for the heat) while the rest of the team just watch him shoot and possibly grab a rebound. As a Florida resident, I am one of the very few who despise the Heat in each and every way possible.

    BTW. Some fool claimed he got hit by the ball Dirk kicked in the stands and wants the league to suspend him for Game 6. I say BS to that.

    People here and very full of themselves and their “Two-Man” team.

    I have to say, there are truely idiots that live in Florida. Pure Idiots.

    Comment by Dave (Flameking) — June 20, 2006 @ 8:11 pm

  66. So then you agree that Stackhouse should have been suspended? Even in this PR article you must have paid for, he says that Steakhouse sized up shaq, readied to spring, and then tackled him. He said the suspension was justified. So, do you agree with the whole article, or just the parts you paid for? Oh, and I don’t expect and answer, after all, Miami being in the right is its own defense.

    Comment by Classless Stackhouse — June 20, 2006 @ 8:17 pm

  67. The officals have decided to many games in the Playoffs and in the regular season. Let the players Play and decide the games.

    Comment by Shane D. — June 20, 2006 @ 8:22 pm

  68. Please Mavs, Blow out the Heat tonight. Blow them out 20, 30, or even 50. I want them to recognize, they have no chance, cocky SOBs.

    Comment by Dave (Flameking) — June 20, 2006 @ 8:22 pm

  69. So then you agree that Stackhouse should have been suspended? Even in this PR article you must have paid for, he says that Steakhouse sized up shaq, readied to spring, and then tackled him. He said the suspension was justified. So, do you agree with the whole article, or just the parts you paid for? Oh, and I don’t expect and answer, after all, Miami being in the right is its own defense.

    Comment by Classless Stackhouse — June 20, 2006 @ 8:22 pm

  70. Mark Cuban,
    You looked like a fat pig on that stairmaster. It’s perfectly fitting too, since all you do is whine like a swine. You blow 250k like it isn’t s–t and it only reiterates what all the world knows, you’re a big f-ing brat.

    Comment by Flat Eric — June 20, 2006 @ 8:44 pm

  71. Sorry, that should be author of post 92, not 91…

    Comment by Jeff M — June 20, 2006 @ 8:56 pm

  72. Good luck tonight Mavs, Mark Cuban!
    http://i5.tinypic.com/14wublw.jpg
    How was this not a foul on Wade at the end of the game?

    Comment by Paul — June 20, 2006 @ 8:57 pm

  73. You all are the biggest bunch of damn crybabies I have ever witnessed.

    You’re all out of your minds too.

    Comment by GuillermoX — June 20, 2006 @ 8:58 pm

  74. I love this article, its so good that i’ll print a copy and refer to each year when I see another MJ player go into playoff. NBA needs to take to the next step, MJ Decade is dead. To predictable

    Comment by John Martinez — June 20, 2006 @ 9:00 pm

  75. I’m not sure who will win tonight but you ugly.

    Comment by jerse — June 20, 2006 @ 9:00 pm

  76. Careful Flat Eric, Cuban is ignorant and arrogant enough to take that as a compliment – don’t flame his ego – like a parasite, he feeds off of it!

    Comment by Jeff M — June 20, 2006 @ 9:06 pm

  77. I am praying for officiating that someone will finally call all of the fouls that should have been called on Miami tonight. I really do not like mr stern. I feel that he is too stuffy to run the NBA.

    Comment by Deb Maness — June 20, 2006 @ 9:33 pm

  78. Loved the Bill Simmons article, and he sums us why Dallas should win this series. A good team should be able to be one good player, a center that couldn’t hit a free throw if an AK-47 was going to go off on his head if he missed, and a bunch of ragtags.

    If Miami wins, it’s another year of predictable 75-74 brickfests in the East…

    Comment by BigPauly — June 20, 2006 @ 9:39 pm

  79. Mark, you really have something to give to charity now. By the way i am so very proud of the team tonight. I am praying for them and for rain.

    Comment by Deb Maness — June 20, 2006 @ 9:47 pm

  80. Lose with dignity, win with dignity. Even if you win these next two games folks will remember the whining.

    Comment by CB — June 20, 2006 @ 10:29 pm

  81. Game 6 — Halftime

    NBA Championship — 6 Qtrs to go…

    It’s time for the Mavs to take the gloves off…

    Look ‘em in the eye and smack ‘em the mouth…

    With much respect to Pat Riley, Shaq, DWade, GP, Zo and company…

    It’s time to put a stranglehold on these mother fuckers…

    It’s now or never…

    Destiny awaits.

    Jim Parham
    Yuba City, CA

    Comment by NoBallsNoBabies — June 20, 2006 @ 11:02 pm

  82. I think the article is pretty pathetic. Its my opinion. So what if Miami is relying on Wade? These are the players that are kids look up to, these are the players that make the sport of basketball exciting. Players are suppose to seperate themselves from the team and standout. They do not have huge salaries for nothing. Dallas wouldn’t be anywhere with Dirk, or even Jason Terry for that matter. In big games, key players step up and NONE of the big dallas players have stepped up. As a team they may play well but always end up blowing it. Its not the officials, its the stamina. Miami at least recognizes they have a god given talent in Dwayne Wade and use his talent. Don’t hate on heros, basketball is only a team sport when you are losing and look to anyone to get you out of the hole. I will keep cheering the teams with the standout superstars, they make it exciting, they sell tickets and they make me want to watch.

    Comment by andrew — June 20, 2006 @ 11:10 pm

  83. Nowitski needs a new nickname How about NOOOOOOOOOOOOODEFENSESKI ROFLMAOOOOOOOO He scores 30 and whomever he guards, scores 40!! Walker/Haslem tandem and whomever else he guards tonight. Its like watching a lead footed Kevin Mchale.

    Kelly B

    Comment by Kelly Bigham — June 20, 2006 @ 11:20 pm

  84. No matter what happens, I’m so proud of our team and all they have accomplished this season. And it’s only a sign of great things to come. Obviously I hope we beat the shit out of the Heat tonight and Thursday, but a lotta love goes out to the guys. And Mark Cuban, you rock the casbah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by adriannaeileen — June 20, 2006 @ 11:21 pm

  85. I am writing this as the 4th quarter starts for the Mavs last game of the finals. The Mavs are desteined and detrmined to lose because Avery cannot understand the damage done when his team gives up TWO double digit leads! It was said at halftime, when asked if the lead loss bothered him, that he was pleased with his team’s efforts and he wasn’t worried about the loss of points…..what the heck is that!!
    He should have ripped his team a new one and lit into every one of his players for their lack of aggression! The Mavs will NEVER get this opportuniy again, remember that. Again we are the “rah-rah” team instead of the team with all to lose and a killer instinct. Howard has played atrociously and Dampier needs to go. This team is incomplete without a dominant center. Even when Shaq is bad, he still clogs up the lane. I am thru with the Mavs because they are losers. I love Jet, though-the ONLY player to understand and produce all series. Dirk has let this team down and will never recover…watch these words and remember. While Dirk was saying”…I’m not really worried about my offensive game.(everyone else is!!)”, Terry was saying “If we can’t win two on our homecourt, we don’t deserve to be champions.” Truer words were never spoken. The Heat kept their mouths shut while we have Cuban ranting and raving like an idiot. It’s good to be king, eh, Mark? The Mavs showed their true colors tonight…again. Losers.

    Comment by thomas montelongo — June 20, 2006 @ 11:36 pm

  86. Nowitski’s man hits and 333333333333 and D – Wade gets put on the line by NoooooDddddSki!!! What a great 7 footer!!!! BAHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Maybe they can be on Letterman tonight UH ER UH EERRRUMMMMMMMMM I love Futbol

    WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEe

    Comment by Kelly Bigham — June 20, 2006 @ 11:43 pm

  87. No excuses this time! Heat are champions!! GO HEAT!

    Comment by Alex — June 20, 2006 @ 11:57 pm

  88. Wade throws a good forearm I must admit…and David Stern gets his manufactured superstar in Wade

    Comment by Justathought — June 21, 2006 @ 12:05 am

  89. Newsflash to the Dwyane Wade jockers (Alex), no player in the league DESERVES to be called by a different set of rules than those written by the league. Not Dirk, not Nash, not Kobe, not Lebron, not Wade, not Shaq. NONE of them.

    Comment by Vikas — June 21, 2006 @ 12:07 am

  90. Man what a game!

    Now that was fun.

    Great season and playoffs to the Mavs.

    D-Wade was just too good down the stretch, but I’m sure we’ll see the Mavs back next year.

    Also, knowing Mark… he’ll congratulate the Heat and start getting ready for next year and how he can make the game even more fun and entertaining.

    Comment by Bryan Hauer - Official Blog — June 21, 2006 @ 12:09 am

  91. Side note: Mavs fans are classless, sore losers. The booing at the end was appalling.

    Mark Cuban did the first classy thing he’s done all playoffs: stood there and clapped when we won. Perhaps not for us, but for the Mavs. But still…better than his spoiled rotten fans.

    Stop with the sour grapes “Wade was manufactured” bullshit. He’s better than you, get over it. GO HEAT!

    Comment by Alex — June 21, 2006 @ 12:15 am

  92. CongRATS to the heat for the title and the MAVS for a great season The better team this year has proven themselves tonight. Now we can all get back to work.

    Anyone need an insurance quote?

    -MB

    MFFL

    Comment by MitchellB — June 21, 2006 @ 12:16 am

  93. Oh Lord, the Mavs lost. Bring on the bitching and moaning. Yes Mark, they are all against you; now follow these nice men with the butterfly nets…….

    Comment by Violet — June 21, 2006 @ 12:27 am

  94. On another topic, I must mention that I definitely prefer the announcing team of TNT with Steve Kerr as the great analyst rather than Hubie Brown, who simply restates the same piece of information. Fortunately for the audience, the comments seem to be obvious. Wait a minute, isn’t the other guy there for the same job? LAME! I think TV channels should be able to trade broadcast teams. You’re lame ABC.

    Comment by Lam — June 21, 2006 @ 3:40 am

  95. The Media is killing the NBA. They take genuine accomplishments and throw conspiracy theories at it to sell THEIR product. This has nothing to do with professional basketball, just to the proliferation of ideas that get sold on to the public. If enough people read that the Heat’s championship was tainted by bad officiating, then it becomes fact, even though it’s fiction.

    The great thing is, in the end, history remembers these guys as the assholes while Shaq and Wade are still go down as the heros. A GAME’s outcome isn’t about what idealogues and businessmen think is best for the league, it’s decided by who wins. If you want to sell your anonymous-player team-ball image to fans then your anonymous-player team-ball system should WORK. If it doesn’t then your ideology and/or business plan must be flawed, no?

    The maverickblogger and the sports guy have a vision for the nba(and the financial payoff of such), and because their vision isn’t manifesting itself properly they are spouting out NAStrodamus-esque doomsday projections.

    Is the NBA doomed? ASK ME A BETTER FUCKING QUESTION!

    Comment by salami man — June 21, 2006 @ 3:43 am

  96. Dirk NoRINGski!

    Comment by Trey Caliva — June 21, 2006 @ 3:43 am

  97. This is seriously one of the worst days ever to be a fan of the NBA. Yes, GP and ‘Zo finally got their rings, and yes Wade played his ass off, but it doesn’t mean anything when the refs and the NBA front office give the heat these games away. I am seriously considering not watching basketball anymore because of this bullshit. Why does David Stern act like a mindless moron when being asked about the Finals. He only responds by saying Mark is taking away from the playoffs…BULLSHIT! Like Stephen A. Smith said, the only reason why we are starting to talk about Mark Cuban’s comments as well as the suspension was because the front office got involved, just like how the refs were involved in screwing it up for the Mavs. I truly thought the Mavs were going to win the championship. I had them facing the Pistons at the beginning of the season. I think they should address these problems in a town-house style, where the Commissioner and the President of the Players Association answer these questions that we as basketball fans have. It angers me that Dwayne Wade does get so much calls. I think he is an amazing player and he does deserve an NBA title, but besides that the Mavericks truly should have been given that title.

    I guess the Front Office is ecstatic about the outcome of these finals. I guess now we can play real basketball…

    my prediction for 2006-2007 season
    Mavericks over Pistons in 7 Games

    Comment by David — June 21, 2006 @ 3:46 am

  98. Alex, first of all get a girlfriend.

    No one stays up at night nitpicking every fans comments regarding a game, unless he is unsatisfied sexually. I am only here because its a slow night at work, but you dont see me jumping off at every yahoo that found Cubans blog and wanted to cuss at the losing team, mainly Spurs and Heat fans. Good game.

    Willing himself, he averages 10 shots from the line in 82 games, however, in game 3 he gets to take 18 shots, in game five 25 shots, in game six 21 shots. Playoff basketball is called looser than regular season. That means 10 shots a game should be around 8 shots a game, NOT 25 SHOTS.

    Your clearly are blinded by your bias, because points/numbers reflect the outcome of games and when you see something “spectacular” and the player isnt shooting any better there are influencing factors beyond that of individual performance, this is called Simpsons Law in statistics. I dont have a doctorate in statistics, but if I have to repost I am gonna charge you tuition for a class.

    Comment by Sean — June 21, 2006 @ 3:48 am

  99. To Alex (264) and other Heat fans, supporters and mavs fan / cuban haters. All of you have one complain, stop being sissies, stop being haters, blah blah blah. The fact is, you all complain too, when your team isn’t getting the calls you complain. Only reason you hate Cuban is because he is so vocal about it and sometimes his antics are over the top, but the fact is, he’s about one thing, he only complains about one thing the OFFICIATING needs to be consistent. No one in Dallas is saying Wade isn’t a great player, he doesn’t deserve or the heat do not deserve the title, but why do you have to hand it to him? When is the last time you saw the NBA finals decided on the free throw line. The last shows of game 5 and 6 were not spectacular plays from Wade ala Jordan, Kobe, Horry… it was a call from the official who sent Wade to the line. So basically if there is a call or no call that is what will decide a game for whoever you love. That’s the problem with the NBA. If they would just make a check system to keep the refs honest and not get caught up in all this extra crap, bring in unbias refs from europe or something. It’s not, do you want to play tough, can you play tough (since all the heat fans say the mavs are not tough). How can you play tough if you (the mavs) drive the ball and majority of the time there is contact and it is a charge on you (in the finals) or a no call, and then the same thing happens on the other end and it’s a no call or a foul. That’s why I believe the Mavs fell in love w/ the jumper. I do think they need someone on the court w/ the little General’s mentality of whatever the refs do we’re going to beat you. I don’t believe the Mavs have that killer instinct and hopefully they can add that and really dominate. But don’t come here and attack Cuban and the Mavs fan for something that is legit and if you watch the games there is a obvious bias. Congratz to the Heat, Go mavs and good luck next year.

    Comment by Dan — June 21, 2006 @ 3:52 am

  100. your ego is a bit too much Mark, too bad it detracts from the efforts of your players.

    How needy are you that you require the spotlight endlessly.

    Comment by jimbez — June 21, 2006 @ 3:54 am

  101. Sorry, Alex but Wade is no MJ. MJ had to play against real players like Ewing, Magic, Bird, Isiah, Ahkeem and so on. Real Players. Not to mention MJ makes shots at the buzzer and not getting bailed out by whussies zebras like Wade does.

    Comment by Brian — June 21, 2006 @ 3:55 am

  102. it’s called being aggressive. i understand that being a mavs fan, you’ve never seen a player attack the basket, but that’s what wade did and that’s why he went to the line so much.

    Comment by brandon — June 21, 2006 @ 3:56 am

  103. Mark,

    You may want to read your own statements then read the facts. The Miami Herald does not say you have a boat, but the following:

    Brad Morris, director of operations at the arena, heard that earlier in the day Cuban had draped a ”Go Mavs” banner across his friend’s boat, the Utopia II, and caused such a stir that the police were summoned. Oops. It wasn’t there at game time.

    As a Heat fan and Florida native it sucks to see your team lose, and believe me I have seen it many times. Can you honestly say that the Heat got a fair shake at every turn?

    You have a good team and without a doubt will be back next season. We look forward to meeting you again next year, but for now, take it like a man and quit crying. Being wealthy is not a ticket for embarassing your club with excuses. They worked hard, made mistakes, and performed great feats. Prop them up where they belong, in the skies of Dallas!!

    Congrats Mavs, and Go Heat!!

    Comment by J Kleen — June 21, 2006 @ 3:59 am

  104. Mark – I appreciate your blog, always a good read.

    I’m always a little disappointed that the quality of reader comments is as low as it is…but then the same is true of sports talk radio.

    My takeaways from this year’s playoffs:

    - They were the most entertaining in years.
    - The NBA should find a way to better evaluate their refs and give the very best more games in the finals. Most NBA fans I know are pretty thoughtful: we don’t like to see superstars get phantom calls (that goes for Nowitzki as well as Wade, and Jordan too). And home court advantage should mean that the home team gets an extra energy boost from the cheering…not that the refs are influenced and give the home team more foul calls.
    - The Heat played extremely well…it was a very close series, but I don’t think the Mavs wuz robbed.
    - I’ll remember the Mavs and the Suns most from this year – that was the most important point of The Sports Guys’ column – that fast-paced, inventive, team-oriented basketball returned and the Heat winning a close Finals doesn’t negate that.
    - I sure wish the Mavs had won.

    On to the draft…

    P.S. Thanks for being one of the best owners in sports. I’m a die-hard T-Wolves fan living in California…but The Mavs have moved way up my list because of the way you run the team. You are as inventive in your management style as your team is on the court.

    Comment by Jason Z — June 21, 2006 @ 4:00 am

  105. The article was garbage. The only reason why you and your fans support it is because it praises Dallas and criticizes Miami. Dallas got what they deserved. It was very satisfying to see Dallas crumble on their own homecourt like the failures they are. Your team choked when it meant the most. Your star player from Germany can’t hold a candle next to Wade and your organization is a bigger joke than Howard’s timeout in Game 5. Your appearance in the finals was a fluke and your team will always be nothing more than a wannabe championship contender. Justice has finally prevailed and the good guys won. The NBA world may now rejoice because Dallas is DEAD.

    Comment by Oscar — June 21, 2006 @ 4:00 am

  106. Is everyone a “player hater?” D Wade deserves it (championship & MVP). Why can’t someone lead a team to C-ship? Hence the MVP award. He touts the new NBA & exciting series/matchups…Dallas vs. Suns vs. Spurs (not really new), Clips etc. These games were exciting because of their dominant players and scorers. Dominant players or producers are inevitable in this game just as there are dominant defenders, blockers, assists etc. My theory (probably not new, so I claim no credit): the most aggressive team wins…it’s that simple. Dallas won G1 & 2, Miami won the rest. DW aggressively attacked, hence the high FTA previously. Past championship teams: San Antonio, Pistons, Lakers, all had a common theme: they were always the most aggressive, they attacked. Kobe attacks (previously), D Wade attacks, & LeBron. Teams attack: the Suns, Spurs, Pistons. That is the one consistency that joins the championship teams. So, why be a “player hater”? Embrace the future, Miami deserves it, D Wade deserves it, Dallas Mavericks & others deserve their placement and achievements.

    BTW, I have Tivo, Dirk gets away with plenty fouls, non-calls or calls in his favor, he like Wade, is part of the star player list that get the benefit of the doubt with calls/refs.

    Lastly, as a point of reference:
    “Everyone hates lawyers but their own.” (is to) “Everyone hates great players but their own.” (is to) “Everyone hates officials except when they call it their way.” Are you one of those “haters”? Blaming officials is a cop out.

    Comment by T money — June 21, 2006 @ 4:00 am

  107. The Spurs should have been in the finals, not the Mavs. Did anyone see or remember the “calls” the Mavs got in their favor. If you want to take the Heats’ win away, then take away the Mavs previous series….

    Comment by Taadow — June 21, 2006 @ 4:07 am

  108. I tend to think the NBA needs a lot of things, one of them is “class.” You can say, “fuck class”, you can say whatever you want…pay the fine, and think you’re right.
    But I lived in Dallas years ago…I remember Tom Landry…I have lived in San Antonio and am still proud of David Robinson.
    I remember when Avery Johnson was a class act.

    You’ve changed the NBA…You’ve changed Avery.

    It doesn’t appear you’ve changed since the days of swiping newspapers for a profit.

    The NBA needs a lot of things…that doesn’t need it needs to abandon decency, fair play, good sportsmanship, or class.

    Change comes from the top down…You’ve made your mark.

    Class won out. It’s a shame too…you have a chance.

    Comment by Michael Main — June 21, 2006 @ 4:07 am

  109. P.S.

    Im so sorry for all you Dallas fans that planned your victory parade too soon. Not to worry though, they’re having one in Miami.

    Comment by Oscar — June 21, 2006 @ 4:08 am

  110. “the Mavericks truly should have been given that title”

    since when are titles given? you need to be complaining about how your sorry ass team started shooting more bricks than shaq at the free throw line. you need to start complaining about how the soft ass mavs players simply stop going to the hoop (maybe they’d get fouls and be in the penalty-sound familiar)and started settling for jumpers. The mavericks loss the game because the choked. Nobody wanted to step up and take control of the game for the team. Regardless of what you say about the officials, they don’t play. The players have to execute their x’s and o’s. If you shoot 37% against the heat aint no way in hell you’re going to win (ask the pistons). So, sstop complaining, accept the blame. Or better yet, go out and map next years championship pared route.

    Comment by now titles are given — June 21, 2006 @ 4:09 am

  111. I’m a recent NBA fan since going to my first game last year with my son(Game 7 of the finals in San Antonio)

    I’ve been excited by the play of the Mavs all year. They beat 2 teams better than Miami just to get to the Finals.

    Why were they taking so many long shots at the end of Game 3 when going to the basket had gotten them way out front for the first half of the game?

    They seemed to be rushing down the court to shoot a long shot instead of taking time to develop a play.

    In my opinion, Dallas is the better team but they didn’t play like it when it counted tonight.

    Unfortunately the terrible officiating in the last minute of this game will forever sour my opinion of the Heat’s “victory”.

    Dirk got called for being assaulted by Dwayne? What is up with that crap?

    It makes me sick that the final outcome was decided by zebras making blatantly obvious bad calls at the most crucial time of the game. I wonder why there is no consequence for such blantant mistakes…if it was a “mistake”?

    Oh well…it’s over until next year. Dallas will only improve. Bring on the Suns.

    Comment by t-roy — June 21, 2006 @ 4:10 am

  112. why do people still claim the mavs beat teams “better than miami” to get to the championship.

    obviously not or they would have won one of the last 4 games. miami won fair and square over the best team in the nba this season in the detroit pistons (without any fishy calls mind you) and then won 4 in a row against a very good mavs team. but the mavs aren’t better because they don’t have the heart or desire. miami did, and that makes up for any lack of talent, making them the better team.

    Comment by brandon — June 21, 2006 @ 4:17 am

  113. The bottom line is the Mavs shot 37% from the field tonight. 37%?!?! In game 6 of the Finals at home?

    How are you going to win a series with such horrible shooting? I hated some of calls they got, but the shooting stunk. Can’t blame the refs for that. They showed alot of inexperience and nervousness. The turn over tonight with just seconds to go. The Josh Howard time out. Dirk going 2-14 from the floor in game 4? 31% shooting from the team in that game?

    The Heat just wanted it more. Tip your hat to them.

    Comment by john — June 21, 2006 @ 4:22 am

  114. Congrats to Miami and the 15 players that made it happen, better luck next year for the Mavs.

    Comment by frank — June 21, 2006 @ 4:22 am

  115. Seriously, why are people here who aren’t Mavs fans? Shouldn’t you be out celebrating a Heat win?

    The Mavericks organization is one of the best run in sports. We’ve got a great nucleus of a team. If we can keep it together, we’ll win the Finals next year.

    I’ve gotta ask… why has no one brought up Dampier’s missed pass?

    Comment by chris — June 21, 2006 @ 4:22 am

  116. I watched all the games and the Mavs went away from what they did best in the first 3 games. I really thought the Mavs had it in the bag but Miami adjusted brilliantly. While the refs made some mistakes that fact is Dallas could have taken the game out of the refs hands if they had just played better. It was a great series though and for me probably the most interesting I have seen in years. I like Bill Simmons too, but don’t believe it. Miami wasn’t a one man team, Dallas got beat by Alonzo Mourning, Adonis Haslem, James Posey and Antoine Walker. I never ever thought I would have to mention Antoine Walker as a player who played unselfishly and stepped up when it counted for his team, but he proved me and many, many people wrong in this series.

    Comment by Steven Kempton — June 21, 2006 @ 4:23 am

  117. t-roy, you said why did they take long shots end of the third games is because Avery decided to milked the clock which I still haven’t forgive him for that. He took them out of their rhythm. You never quit until the horns sounds.

    Comment by Brian — June 21, 2006 @ 4:24 am

  118. oh no its the poison-laced kool aide drinker brandon, again.

    STFU you absolute midget of a human being…

    Maybe you missed all 17 of the western playoffs that Dallas participated in, well I guess 15 cuz i can name 2 games that were horrible. Avery has enphasized the “not settling for jump shots,” his offense is not that on Don Nelson, or D’Antoni for that matter.

    You forget the number of penetrators we have on the roster, if only they got called like Wade. I never saw a heat defender emulate a perfect defender. Plays and penetrations were quite similar on both courts refs only called foul on their precious little “MVP.”

    I shall continue to repeat it, until it sinks in, Wade did not play better than expected! He was given more shots from the line and loading Miamis deck by 10%. These calls were not conventional calls, nor would they be called in the 1st round of the playoffs.

    In a high profile game (5) Wades missed score-tying shot at the end of regulation would have accepted as “the player and the defense played it out” not “a double team must be called contact despite what happens.”

    If the refs played it this tight 2 years ago, Ben Wallace and Shaq would have had their 6 fouls by the half.

    Comment by Sean — June 21, 2006 @ 4:24 am

  119. Mr. Cuban,

    I just wanted to congratulate you on a great season. Also, I think that was a very classy move on your part to applaud the Heat at the end of the game.

    As a long-time Warrior fan, I truly admire the great job you’ve done with the Mavs since you’ve taken over. I remember when the Mavs and Warriors were both at the bottom of the NBA barrel…since you took over the Mavs (which also coincided with the time I was stationed at Ft. Hood), I’ve had the chance to follow your team and see them take step-after-step on their way to being one of the truly elite teams of the NBA (while my Warriors continue to suffer…longest current playoff drought in the NBA!).

    Anyways, as a fan I think you absolutely “get it” as an owner…don’t ever stop showing your passion for your team, and don’t ever stop trying to find ways to make the NBA better. There’s no doubt in my mind that your organization is on its way to winning the trophy in the near future.

    Thank you,

    Christopher

    Comment by Christopher — June 21, 2006 @ 4:26 am

  120. The Mavs got the majority of the calls in the Spurs series, including the questionable call on Ginobli (allowing Dirk to get a and-1 when the Mavs were down 3) and the non-call on Dirk (on Spurs’ final play) on the final two plays the 4th quarter of Game 7 that allowed the game to go into overtime.
    This is not to say “what goes around comes around;” rather, it is just further evidence of the inconsistency of NBA officiating.
    Until the officiating is improved, we will continue to have this distraction. It’s a shame really, since the playoffs this year has featured some of the most viewer-friendly competitive action in years. We should be talking about the emergence of Wade and Dirk as elite players, the enticing matchups next year has to offer (San Antonio, Dallas, and Phoenix in the West; Detroit, Miami, New Jersey, and Cleveland[!?] in the East), and the overall return of quality basetball in the NBA.
    Let’s get a thread on some of these topics going!

    Comment by Mike — June 21, 2006 @ 4:29 am

  121. do any of the mavericks fans realize why wade went to the line so much as it is?
    in game 5, i can count at least 16 fouls committed on o’neal(obviously more) because of the mavs unwillingness to allow him easy baskets.
    but when you foul o’neal so much, you get into the penalty a lot as a result.
    this brings me to dwade penetrating and getting those foul calls and his trips to the line.
    get yourself in foul trouble early, and you are in the penalty and any player who drives(dwade) will get free throws.
    Also, correct me if im wrong, but arent these touch fouls newly put into place by David Stern? and also what made the jump from grind-it-out 80 point games to exciting, thrilling fast paced 100 plus games?
    Aren’t the mavericks the type of team who can push the ball and benefit from touch fouls?
    Why did Dwade get all the touch fouls, then?
    Maybe its because he drove the lane and created a need to be fouled, or else give up the layup, etc.
    What I’m saying is that these fouls have been called all postseason.
    David Stern admitted to it.
    And the Mavericks have definitely seen it happen before, yet most likely not in such high frequencies.
    I’ve seen enough Heat games to know Dwyane Wade thrives on creating contact and going to the line.
    If I’m not mistaken, he was second in the league in the regular season in ft attempts.
    Anyway, good night and good luck.
    To the champion Heat and in repeating.

    Comment by nikhil — June 21, 2006 @ 4:30 am

  122. I agree with this 100%. We were screwed in game 5 because the ref’s gave them the timeout between freethrows. In how many close games like that have the coaches called a timeout between freethrows, not that many. The refs know in that situation that a coach would want a timeout after the second freethrow to move the ball to halfcourt. But for some odd reason they gave us the timeout between the freethrows when they knew that was not what we ment. It also felt like the refs were on Dwayne Wades side because he went to the line 25 times in game 5. David Stern just does not like owners that have a passion for there team. The suspension on Jerry stackhouse was also harsh because it was just a hard foul that was blown out of proportion. I just hope that we can get a new owner for the NBA. We will win it next year. GO MAVS.

    MFFL

    Comment by Kyle — June 21, 2006 @ 4:30 am

  123. First off, all you idiots who say Dallas has no class clearly have never been here. As a city, we are far classier than Miami.

    Additionally, in his press conference Avery congratulated the Heat and said he was proud of his players. Even Mark Cuban, the biggest detractor of the NBA and officiating, stood and clapped as Miami received their trophy.

    Also… for those who complained that Dallas got the calls in the San Antonio series – San Antonio got 12 more free throws total in the series than Dallas did.

    Comment by chris — June 21, 2006 @ 4:33 am

  124. haha, weren’t you the one talking about how you weren’t going to respond to everyone’s posts like alex. hmmm… seems someone else needs to get a girl. i got mine. and there’s nothing midget about me.

    just because the team you root for got outplayed, you want to be sore. i don’t think that once have i said dallas isn’t a good team or wouldn’t have been worthy of the championship. but you obviously didn’t watch any of the first few rounds of the eastern conference finals. shaq had 3 fouls by halftime in 4 of the games with the bulls. so yeah, they do call it tight in the first round. even against superstars. or maybe you missed all the charges against miami in game 4 especially. or maybe that everytime i turned around a dallas player was swatting at a ball after miami got a rebound, but how many reach ins were called.

    dallas just didn’t have the desire in this series. and the foul wade got at the end of game 5? you’re right it was a ticky tack call, but wade knew if he drove he would get it. and dallas sent 4 guys after him and not one could stop him from getting to the hole, so you tell me who lost it for who.

    and dallas settled for jumpshots most of the finals and that’s why they didn’t get their foul shots. they even admitted it.

    what about dirk’s 21 in game (6 i think) against san antonio. are you going to complain about that or was every foul justified?

    you are the stereotypical fan that has ruined it for true mavs fans this series by being a sore loser, a complainer, and an excuse maker. the mavs, if they keep their core roster intact and healthy, will be good for many years, but this wasn’t their year and you just need to accept it, congratulate the better team, and move on.

    Comment by brandon — June 21, 2006 @ 4:35 am

  125. one of my comments that didn’t go up earlier:

    Dwyane Wade is NOT the next MJ. There will never be a “next MJ.” Jordan played in an era where hand checking and being extremely physical was not only acceptable, but expected. When he averaged 36ish a game one year, he earned every single one of those points with only a few trips to the foul line. Dwyane Wade flops more than Manu Ginobili. Did anyone see when Marquis Daniels “fouled” (and by fouled I mean didn’t touch him at all) Wade?He is a great player, no doubt. But not greater than Jordan. And will never be his equal. Want to talk clutch shots? How about those missed free throws at the end to give Jet a chance at a 3?

    Comment by chris — June 21, 2006 @ 4:36 am

  126. First off… Oscar, a little feutile there, wouldn’t you say? If you’re so anti-Dallas, why the hell are you on MARK CUBAN’S blog page? Fuckin’ moron.

    I came here to say that Mavs played a hard fought season and they did well. They set a franchise record by winning 60 games (Miami only won 52, but in the end no, that doesn’t matter). They’ll be back next year.

    I would not want anybody else besides Mark Cuban owning the Mavs. He only speaks out to support positive change and when he gets fined he matches every penny with a donation to charity. Over the past 6 1/2 years he’s been fined 13 times for a total of $1.67 million which means he’s donated at least that much to charity.

    Way to go Mavs… we’ll get ‘em next year. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’, Mark.

    Comment by Matt — June 21, 2006 @ 4:39 am

  127. Perhaps the Mavs should fire their owner… what a distraction… Better yet, Pop should move to the front office and let Avery lead the Spurs to the NBA Championship next year. I feel sorry for Dallas… Mark Cuban is the perfect owner to bring this team to the brink… but when everything is on the line, he seems to forget that in the end, he is just an owner… I couldn’t tell you who owns the Steelers, but I do know that Cowher and Big Ben led them to a Super Bowl… and I haven’t a clue who owns the Heat… perhaps there’s something to be gleaned from this… poor Mavericks… maybe Cuban will sell the team to someone whose own insecurity doesn’t cause him to steal the spotlight at critical times… really amazing… and very sad…

    Comment by YabbaDabbaDo — June 21, 2006 @ 4:41 am

  128. why dont we talk clutch? Dirk with 2 big ole points in the fourth, when it matters. Boy, can’t get more clutch than that. Jet goes 7-25, in a game six, elimination game, on your own court. The mavericks can write the book on clutch!

    Comment by now titles are given — June 21, 2006 @ 4:42 am

  129. The mavericks are the worst sports in sports history.

    Mark Cuban’s conspiracy theories and general b1thcing, Dirk kicking the ball, Johnson complaining about the call on Wade in game 5, all the players saying or implying they got a raw deal, all the Mavs fans talking about the refs giving the series away. All the Dallas trolls on the Heat board and so-called basketball fans on the Dallas board.

    Fact is everyone affiliated with the Mavs right now thinks it was their birthright to win the 2006 title. That it was TAKEN FROM THEM UNFAIRLY.

    Sorry fellas, you can’t play two terrible games (game 4 and game 6) in the NBA finals and claim to be true champions. The Mavs didn’t want it enough and they didn’t get it.

    Comment by salami man — June 21, 2006 @ 4:44 am

  130. Victory parade on boards for Mavs
    Dallas: City plays the optimist, plans for 500,000 downtown

    12:33 PM CDT on Tuesday, June 13, 2006
    By DAVE LEVINTHAL / The Dallas Morning News

    The Dallas Mavericks, of course, must win two more games to prevent their victory parade from getting rained on.

    But Dallas police and city officials are busy preparing a parade anyway in anticipation of at least 500,000 NBA championship-crazed fans – and possibly many more – flocking downtown.

    Dallas is up 2-0 against the Miami Heat in the best-of-7 championship series.

    If the Mavericks were to win the series in four games or five, Dallas would kick off a victory parade June 20, said Celia Barshop, manager of the city’s Office of Special Events. A Finals victory in Game 6 would push the parade to June 22, and a win in seven means it would commence June 26, she said.

    The parade would begin at 11 a.m. for all scenarios, Ms. Barshop said.

    The team would begin the milelong journey one block west of City Hall near Griffin and Young streets, according to the city’s latest plan. Proceeding west on Young Street, the Mavericks would turn right at Houston Street, passing through the West End and underneath Woodall Rodgers Freeway until reaching Continental Avenue.

    After turning left on Continental Avenue, the parade would immediately swing right onto aptly named Victory Avenue and travel north until reaching the Mavericks’ home venue, American Airlines Center. The team would ride in trucks, although some might walk, Ms. Barshop said.

    “We feel it’s the best route for providing visibility to spectators,” she said.

    The city is asking fans to line up along the route no earlier than 8 a.m. to ease morning business commuters’ travels. Six portable restroom banks will be installed along the route.

    As for event security, Dallas Deputy Police Chief Jesse Reyes declined to provide specific officer numbers but said: “We will have a strong presence at the parade. We do anticipate a much larger crowd than at other such events.”

    The last time Dallas celebrated a major professional sports championship was 1999, when the Dallas Stars won the Stanley Cup. The largest public event in downtown Dallas history, however, came only two months ago, when as many as a half-million people marched through center-city streets to City Hall in support of immigration rights.

    City officials say the Mavericks may feature various “crowd pleasers” during the parade, but there would be no “static event” for the public in which team players and coaches could give speeches.

    There would, however, be surprises, Ms. Barshop said.

    “And we can’t tell you all the fun secrets,” she joked, adding that ticker tape and confetti probably would not be part of the celebration.

    The city, despite organizing the parade and providing staffing and policing for it, isn’t funding the event – the Mavericks are, in full, Ms. Barshop said.

    A Mavericks spokeswoman said Monday she had no immediate details of the team’s plans for the parade.

    Fans should strongly consider walking or using public transportation, such as Dallas Area Rapid Transit buses and light rail, as well as the Trinity Railway Express commuter train, instead of driving, city officials say. Parking, they say, may quickly grow scarce.

    Only severe weather would cause the city to cancel the parade, Ms. Barshop said, adding that it would probably be rescheduled in such an event.

    And if the Heat come back to defeat the Mavericks?

    No Mavericks championship, city officials say, means no parade.

    E-mail dlevinthal@dallasnews.com

    PARADE TIPS

    • Arrive downtown early but not before 8 a.m. No matter the date, the parade would start at 11 a.m.

    • Use public transportation. Parking may be scarce.

    • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunblock.

    • Drink up, but don’t booze. Alcohol is dehydrating, and it’s already plenty hot outside. “The key is water, water, water. Stay hydrated,” said Paul Pepe, chairman of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

    HAHA never knew a team had a 2nd best Parade

    Comment by Chris — June 21, 2006 @ 4:44 am

  131. GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!

    http://dallas.craigslist.org/rnr/173571023.html

    Comment by MAVS FANATIC — June 20, 2006 @ 3:42 pm

  132. Simmons is the man. I love reading his articles.

    Comment by Ricardo from Boston — June 20, 2006 @ 3:42 pm

  133. I just read that article and thought of you before I came here. The Mavs are a great team. Wade is a great player. And that’s the difference.

    This morning on 102.1FM in Dallas Shaq, on a phone interview, said, “They’ll get all the calls tonight like we got all the calls in Miami. The league wants it to go 7 games.”

    I guess you can consider me another business hole you must dig out of, because when an NBA stalwart like Shaq questions the league’s bias, I tend to start believing it.

    Comment by mike — June 20, 2006 @ 3:44 pm

  134. Totally agree. Sports Guy is right, and a lot of people are paying attention to basketball again this postseason. It’s been fun to watch. Let’s keep pushing it forward, not regressing. Good luck tonight man.

    Comment by the other doctor j — June 20, 2006 @ 3:46 pm

  135. Simmons is right on target, officiating is weak. Wade is no jordan though, there is a difference between taking over a game and ignoring teammates. It may be hard to see because Wade feeds off the Miami energy like a battery source and he gets a hot hand when he needs it. That will not be in the case when the series goes back to Dallas. Go MAVS!

    Comment by Evan — June 20, 2006 @ 3:49 pm

  136. Hey,

    I am the debate coach at the University of Michigan and have been engaged in this same debate about game 5 on our national college debate listserve ever since the last second ran off the clock.

    I gleefully cross-posted the Simmons link about an hour ago..specifically including the Salvatore break down.

    What a great column (his usually are).

    Josh

    Comment by Joshua Hoe — June 20, 2006 @ 3:50 pm

  137. Respect you and your team. Keep up the good work.Glad to see and hear an owner who is not from the old school NBA.

    It is a game and great entertainment.

    It has been a wonderful series.

    Comment by David L McBurnett — June 20, 2006 @ 3:50 pm

  138. Don’t H8 Bill Simmons!

    Comment by h8torade — June 20, 2006 @ 3:50 pm

  139. Ok, well I have to say that’s one of the dumbest articles I’ve ever read.

    So he’s trying to say that the “Jordan Era” wasn’t good and that having a player or team with a player like Wade is a bad thing. That’s moronic at best!

    That type of play is what made the NBA what it is today. SUPERSTARS! Not teams.

    It’s the superstars that can make the rest of their teammates better that makes this league so exciting.

    This is how moronic Bill Simmons statements are… How many of us would rather be at the game that Phoenix played great team ball and beat let’s say the Clippers or at the game that Kobe had 81? You’re a moron if you say the former!

    Stars are what make up pro sports and they always will be. Saying that the “MJ” or “D-Wade” type of basketball is in the past and that we’re taking a step back by watching it win is utterly ridiculous.

    Now I also love the way the Mavs play great team ball, but the NBA finals have always been about the greatest players in the world rising to the top. MJ hitting 6 3’s in the first half against Portland. MJ hitting one of the greatest shots ever in 98 against Utah, Magic coming in his rookie year and playing center and leading the Lakers to the title, Bird and his late game heroics… I can go on and on.

    You never hear people say wow that team basketball was really fun to watch. You hear them say WOW can you believe he did that.

    Mark – I tend to agree with you, but this time you’re dead wrong.

    Comment by Bryan Hauer - Official Blog — June 20, 2006 @ 3:51 pm

  140. Mark
    I read the article. I totally agree with you and bill. Let’s win the game 6.
    GO MAVS GO MAVS GO MAVS
    GO MAVS GO MAVS GO MAVS
    GO MAVS GO MAVS GO MAVS

    Comment by Patricia McLennan — June 20, 2006 @ 3:51 pm

  141. Awesome article, I forwarded this to office friends as soon as i read it this morning.

    Glad you could see it Mark, as it details exactly the Dwayne Wade fouls fiasco and how negatively this affects the game.

    Comment by Zach — June 20, 2006 @ 3:52 pm

  142. Bill Simmons has a crystal ball somewhere. He totally predicted the officiating in the series. On the Stackhouse suspension: if it’s not enough to toss his from the game (not even a flagrent 2), why suspend him?

    Comment by Jeff — June 20, 2006 @ 3:52 pm

  143. I know of one person who has had a better read on this series.

    http://www.smartmoniesclub.com

    Comment by Clubmember — June 20, 2006 @ 3:56 pm

  144. Sent it to 4 people right after I read it. Brilliant. Glad to see you saw it on your busy day…

    Comment by Lee Garman — June 20, 2006 @ 3:56 pm

  145. Cubes, I guarantee the Mavs will win Game 6 and Game 7. Enjoy. You guys will have earned it.

    Comment by Paul — June 20, 2006 @ 3:57 pm

  146. I love reading any article by Bill Simmons because he gets it. Even when he bags on my teams I can’t argue too much with his Sports logic because at least he has taken the time to come up with a well thought out argument. Unlike some of the other nationally syndicated morons. I hope with all of my being that his predictions for the series come to fruition.
    If you are lucky enough to be at the AAC tonight then stand up the whole game and be rowdy, loud, and proud!
    Go Mavs!

    Bone

    out.

    Comment by Bone — June 20, 2006 @ 3:57 pm

  147. ive read the article and it was dead on….glad to know you read this stuff too Mark! Go mavs!

    Comment by Bobby Causey — June 20, 2006 @ 3:58 pm

  148. I love reading any article by Bill Simmons because he gets it. Even when he bags on my teams I can’t argue too much with his Sports logic because at least he has taken the time to come up with a well thought out argument. Unlike some of the other nationally syndicated morons. I hope with all of my being that his predictions for the series come to fruition.
    If you are lucky enough to be at the AAC tonight then stand up the whole game and be rowdy, loud, and proud!
    Go Mavs!

    Bone

    out.

    Comment by Bone — June 20, 2006 @ 3:59 pm

  149. My heart went out of basketball in the last few years exactly because of the dirty style of play that slows it all down, grinds it out, makes you scrape & claw for every possession. Because of the legacy left from the Pistons-Knicks-Heat of the 90s.

    I cautiously came back to the game in the last couple of years thanks to teams like the Mavs, Kings and Suns. The open court, the ability to knock down the mid-range jumper, the extra passes, setting decent picks away from the ball, etc. I know I’m sounding condescending and soap-boxish, but here’s my point:
    I’m hooked again because of your commitment to bringing the fun and creativity back into the game.

    But I’m also angry beyond belief that in a country that prizes objectivity, quality, customer-service and precision, the NBA has let the officiating in this series be so glaringly one-sided, and doesn’t feel the need to justify anything.
    So long-winded way of saying thanks for your efforts, and taking those fines to speak out!

    Comment by KB in FL — June 20, 2006 @ 4:00 pm

  150. Yes the refereeing wasn’t perfect in game 5.

    Dirk’s last basket should not have counted because he double dribbled. Ball went from hand to thigh to floor.

    Comment by Harry — June 20, 2006 @ 4:02 pm

  151. It’s simple, if the Mavs didn’t go toward the Hack-a-Shaq phiosophy Wade would not have been at the line so many times. They used up all their team fouls on hacking Shaq, so that when Wade drove and penetrated, (something a soft jump shooting team like the Mavs are scared of doing), the team fouls they used up on Shaq were sending Wade to the line. If you want to complain about phantom fouls, how about the one where Walker hit the ball and Dirk still got sent to the free throw line (one of which he missed) or when Howard got sent to the line in OT and then promptly missed them both. Enjoy the autumn Dallas fans your Cowboys have a better shot of winning the championship then the Mavs.

    Comment by Pablo Chiste — June 20, 2006 @ 4:02 pm

  152. great article by Simmons. I think he explains what you’ve been arguing for the past couple of seasons. After reading his NBA Finals Preview, I knew exactly what was going to happen once we got to Miami.

    Game 5 left a bad taste in my mouth and it severly hurts the product on the court. Myself and many other basketball fans are disgusted.

    I have decided not to renew my NBA season pass on Directv and urge David Stern to address the officiating situation this offseason.

    Comment by Abe — June 20, 2006 @ 4:03 pm

  153. So why isn’t Shaq being fine for his comments on 102.1?

    Mr. Cuban, I’m in on the cause, my hair used to go down past my shoulders, but the basketball gods demanded a sacrifice, so I shaved it all off….and I loved my hair, only way I got women to be honest.

    Hey man, if they are gonna call some fouls on the Drama Queen, I say the first one should be a hard hard foul. GO MAVS

    Comment by Jeremy Veilleux — June 20, 2006 @ 4:03 pm

  154. ive read the article and it was dead on….glad to know you read this stuff too Mark! Go mavs!

    Comment by Bobby Causey — June 20, 2006 @ 4:03 pm

  155. good article… give em hell tonight!

    Comment by steve childs — June 20, 2006 @ 4:04 pm

  156. Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals ended at a reasonable time, why do the b-ball playoffs have to end after midnight on the East coast? Can someone ask David Stern that?

    Comment by Jason Raznick — June 20, 2006 @ 4:04 pm

  157. Where was Bill Simmons when the NFL coddled the Patriots and gave them more calls than Wade has got? The Pats secondary molested the Colts receivers so bad they had to change the rules, then those rules got called on every team but the Pats the next year. Bill Simmons is on your side because he believes the Pats somehow stick it to the NFL commish and that makes you two related. It also makes whatever he says worthless. Not that it’s been worth reading ever since the Sox won.

    Comment by Andy — June 20, 2006 @ 4:05 pm

  158. How the hell did the Edge get an interview with Shaq? Crazy.

    I enjoyed the article — what I enjoyed most were the thoughts of fans posted on the side and how none of them were from the Dallas area. MSN.com today had a thing on the main page that said something about ‘Mavs: Stop whining and play’ so I immediately got the vibe today (and it continued with every sports website, messageboard, TV station and radio station I’ve turned on) that this is turning into a ‘Mavs and their fans are the biggest whiners in sports’ thing. After reading the comments posted in Simmons article, I wonder how many NBA fans feel as though the Mavs got screwed. Problem with trying to poll them is that it seems in general, NBA fans want the stars to make it happen and Shaq and DWade are bigger star than Dirk. Also, it seems that people want to see you (Mark) fail.

    Comment by p — June 20, 2006 @ 4:07 pm

  159. ESPN removed this link from their NBA Home Page. Could it be that NBA is going to fine Simmons too?

    Go Mavs!!!

    Comment by Daniel — June 20, 2006 @ 4:08 pm

  160. Mr. Cuban,
    As good as your team is, the only person who doesn’t “get it” is you.

    One of the things the NBA doesn’t need is an ego-maniacal spotlight hog. If fans are turned off by “me-only” players, why wouldn’t they be turned off by the same attitude from an owner?

    I never had anything against the Mavs, due to the strong San Antonio connection, but you changed all of that with your idiotic comments and behaviour.

    I’ll be happy when the Heat beats you on your own floor and I’ll be happier when you prove your true character and complain about it afterwards. Whiners never win, and when they lose they lose twice.

    Congratulations on a great team, now get out of the way.

    Sincerely,
    Mike

    Comment by Mike Dunn — June 20, 2006 @ 4:08 pm

  161. Read that Simmons story and smiled.
    Have you read this one by Peter Vecsey yet?

    http://www.nypost.com/sports/ref_and_tumble_sports_peter_vecsey.htm

    Comment by AY in Houston — June 20, 2006 @ 4:08 pm

  162. So the mavs are going to win tonight which means there will be a game 7. The only sad thing is that you can only enter to win tickets if you live within 75 miles of the arena. Sad because we are huge MAVS fans that live in Kansas. Good luck Mark!

    Comment by kelsey g — June 20, 2006 @ 4:09 pm

  163. Wonder if Bandwagon Bill will still be riding
    tomorrow?

    Loxahatchee, Florida Heat Fan
    Travel-Ascending.com
    http://www.travel-ascending.com/

    Comment by Dan — June 20, 2006 @ 4:09 pm

  164. Some quotables from the article (man that guy was passionate and had a lot on him mind!)

    “an old-school, MJ Era-type team with one superstar (Wade), another All-Star (Shaq), some overpaid pieces that didn’t quite fit and a famous coach. Everything about them is predictable — one guy creates every shot in crunch time, everyone else stands around and watches him, and every once in awhile those guys get to shoot an open jumper or finish a nice dish.”

    “Van Gundy never would have had the scrotal fortitude to make offensive/defensive subs with Shaq in the final few minutes of any close game, and Shaq never would have allowed it to happen.”

    “Put me in the “Avery Johnson has been too wound up” camp”

    “Actual quote from my mom last week: “What about that Wayne Dwayne?”

    “After watching Shaq miss more free throws, I can’t help but ask: Is there another situation in sports where a seventh-grade girl can be more proficient in a key part of the sport than one of the most dominant professional players of all time?… why would Shaq continue to whip straight line drives at the rim for 14 consecutive years? Have we ever definitively answered this question?”

    “Jerry Stackhouse? He’s one of the toughest dudes in the league — if you made a list of “Players whose sister you wouldn’t want to accidentally sleep with,” he’d be right up there.”

    “Dwyane Wade shot as many free throws (25) as the entire Dallas team in Game 5. I just don’t see how there’s any way this can happen in a fairly-called game. It’s theoretically impossible.”

    “Bad referees have a tendency to get swayed by the home crowd, and bad referees never have the stones to make a tough call on the road…. Bennett Salvatore — Always one of the worst, he took it to another level this season. If you see him on the court at the start of the game, get ready for about six technicals, two near-brawls and both coaches having to be restrained by their assistants at various times.”

    Comment by PocketPlayer — June 20, 2006 @ 4:10 pm

  165. I think I puked in my mouth a little bit.

    Comment by NFL Adam — June 20, 2006 @ 4:10 pm

  166. Bryan Hauer – I think you’ve COMPLETELY missed the point of the article.

    He’s not saying MJ and Wade are bad for the NBA. He said this will lead to more wannabees like Vince Carter, Iverson, J-Rich, Arena etc. to do the same thing and shoot 11 for 32 in big games.

    There’s only one Jordan.

    He even went on to say only Wade and Lebron are capable of playing this type of basketball in the NBA.

    Which I agree with.

    Comment by Jake — June 20, 2006 @ 4:11 pm

  167. Simmons is dead on. If you aren’t living in Miami and you care about basketball I can’t understand how you could root against the Mavs right now. Not only would a Mavs win inspire other teams to build a club this enjoyable to watch, but we can’t forget how truly amazing it would be to see Stern hand Cuban that trophy.

    All I have to say is: “Save Until I Delete” Status.

    Comment by Jim — June 20, 2006 @ 4:13 pm

  168. shupp Padna….as put by one of my favorite 80’s actors of all time Dabny Coleman in Dragnet..”you got balls the size of church bells…”

    Comment by Fletcher Christian — June 20, 2006 @ 4:13 pm

  169. I agree with Simmon’s…as I have watched the Heat, the only thing I have thought to myself is that it looks like they came in from back lot basketball. Wade is good. Shaq is still okay. The rest of the team…who are they? A bunch of spares from the streets. Heat has truly been lucky, or riding Wade’s back. Watch the next two games.

    Comment by Cody — June 20, 2006 @ 4:14 pm

  170. To the person that disagreed with Bill, I think you may have missed his point. There is only one MJ, the problem with that era is that every team tried to find the next MJ and run a similar offense. See the Quinn Buckner Mavericks as an example. The prblem with that is like he said having to set through a 13-30 shooting night from some MJ wanta be. The NBA ackowledged this as a problem by changing the rules to allow zone defense.

    Comment by Scott — June 20, 2006 @ 4:15 pm

  171. Mark if you want to see good team fast-paced basketball maybe you should tell Avery not to foul Shaq 15+ times a game with all three of your centers. What should the Heat be doing, running plays for Antoine Walker? If the Mavs shut down Shaq by doubling him and/or fouling him, the Heat have to go with Wade. Why don’t the Mavs single cover Shaq without fouling him, and see if Miami is still a one-man team.

    All of this whining and complaining and moaning about the refs is ruining this post-season for me. What a waste.

    Comment by Tony — June 20, 2006 @ 4:15 pm

  172. This is what makes the NBA so much better today than it was a few years ago. The NBA in years past has lacked players (and owners) that could captivate the public.

    The legend coach returing to the bench playing old school ball. A superstar in D Wade + an againg superstar in Shaq.
    vs.
    The “new and improved NBA” Mavs. An outspoken owner with his own blog griping about the officiating and getting fined 250k a pop. A coach who seemingly looks like he could lose it at any moment.

    Throw in conspiracy theories, questionable officiating, suspensions and a Miami crowd chanting “David Hasselhoff” and I can’t think of a better NBA Finals.

    I wish this was a best of 17 series!!

    Comment by Mike — June 20, 2006 @ 4:16 pm

  173. OMG! Simmons hits the nail firmly on the head. For years, I have avoided NBA – favoring college hoops – but with the Washington Wizards showing signs of improvement last year, I started following again this season. Unfortunately, after watching the Mavs playoff series I’m dropping the NBA for good. Stern should be embarrased by what his officials are doing to the product – EMBARRASSED!

    I couldn’t believe the Mavs made it by San Antonio given the fact that you couldn’t breath on Duncan without catching a foul – and now the same thing is happening with Wade. All the while, Dirk is mauled by double teams at the offensive end with no whistle to be found.

    Coaches and players have to sit before the media and explain there performance after every game, maybe its time to have the officials explain themselves.

    We can only hope that Dallas crushes Miami at home and Stern is forced to present the trophy to Cuban…That, as they say, will be PRICELESS.

    Comment by Craig — June 20, 2006 @ 4:20 pm

  174. Hey, Mark, you finally found one article to back you up, out of the dozens out there that don’t. Of course that’s the one you’re going to post!

    Comment by McKinney Man — June 20, 2006 @ 4:20 pm

  175. Lex and Terry just moved to Dallas and The Edge from Florida in a large syndicated morning show.

    Shaq frequently calls on the mornings of most gamedays from their Florida connection.

    He is always entertaining and doesn’t exert the same staged media responses on these calls.

    i.e. “We won game one so I am smoking a cigar from my buddy ricky”

    Comment by Zach — June 20, 2006 @ 4:26 pm

  176. mavs better win tonite. I have high hopes since stackhouse will be back

    Comment by matt — June 20, 2006 @ 4:26 pm

  177. That is the only Pulitzer Prize worthy article ever with the words “scrotal fortitute” in it.

    Genius.

    Comment by Chris M — June 20, 2006 @ 4:27 pm

  178. I happen to be a huge Heat fan, a fan of basketball in general, and a Mark Cuban fan. This is one instance that I happen to respectfully disagree with Mr. Cuban. Bill Simmon’s article is muckraking at its best. First of all, to say Miami is not a good team really is an insult to the entire NBA. Every team that particpated in this year’s conference finals were excellent teams who deserved every amount of success they achieved. Each team brought something different and spectacular to the table.

    The Suns played fast paced team ball that requires amazing stamina, will, and unbelievable shooting percentages. What the Suns lack in defensive intensity, they make up for in offensive prowess. The Pistons also epitomized how effective a cohesive defensive minded team could play. The Detroit team we saw this year had outstanding mettle and win at all costs mentality which is necessary in the NBA.

    This brings us to the two teams playing for the Championship. The Mavs reminded me the entire season of Mystique from X-Men (sorry for the comic allusion), in that they could morph into anything and play any style of basketball that the moment called for. Such was the case in the Spurs series where defense was of utmost priority and then totally changed personality in the Suns series were points couldn’t be scored fast enough. Lastly, the Heat, a team that many people chose to be the dissappointment of the season. They had an unspectacular 52-win season, earning the second seed in a “weak” eastern conference. Truth be told, this Heat team you are all witnessing in this playoff run only played 7 regular season games together. Due to injuries, this squad was never able to achieve the chemistry that is required of an elite team. It wass’t until the playoffs that Miami was able to attain an appropriate level of chemistry.

    That being said, each team earned their respective successes and ultimate failures through a grueling 82-regular game season that brings with it all the jubilation and scars of a year gone by. But as for Simmons’ remarks on the unfortunate circumstances of “Superstar”dominance and its plaguing effects on the future of the NBA, he is way off base. He says that the Mavs winning this series would ultimately be best for the NBA. Do the Mavs not have a superstar of their own? As I clearly remember, two weeks ago, before this series even began, every media outlet, fan forum, and any other medium for basketball conversants focused mainly around just how good Dirk Nowitski is. I think he is an amazing player. In fact, many people thought he was the best player in this series before it even started. As a matter of fact, many self-proclaimed “experts” put the weight of this season and the world on Dirk’s shoulders as the reason the Mavs would win their first title.

    To add to this line of thinking, the Suns, the “ultimate team” according to many had the league MVP in Steve Nash. Is he a superstar Mr Simmons? Or is he just a role player on a team that could plug in any point guard and win with the system? Same thing can be said for Chauncy Billups, another MVP candidate. Are the Pistons as good without him? Stars make this league, and in turn, the league makes stars. As a huge Miami fan, believe me I know what a tough pill losing is to swallow. My Dolphins with superstar QB Marino never won a ring; the Heat were turned away many times by the dominance of MJ. Did the leagues suffer because of this? Did the NBA lose fans because MJ won 6 championships? Did the NFL compromise itself when guys like Elway, Montana, and Favre won Superbowls? I honestly can’t remember any team in recent history that has won without stars. Spurs had Duncan, Lakers had Shaq, Bulls had MJ, Old-school Pistons had Isaiah, Celtics had Bird, Oldschool Lakers had Magic and Kareem, new school Pistons might be the closest thing to a superstarless team, although Chauncy and Rasheed have long been considered stars. His rant was dead wrong and deep down he knows it and all his readers realize the same. thanks for reading

    Comment by Jonas — June 20, 2006 @ 4:28 pm

  179. 42, 36, 43 The Refs are not killing the mavs, DWADE is killing the mavs. Why can’t you just accept that??
    You send tape, to the NBA, of Haslem’s D on Dirk and he fouls out. What more do you want??
    Those Parade plans with “special suprises” what happened to those?
    It is what it is… D-Wade has by himself taken your season away, not the NBA, not the refs, not Josh Howard… D WADE. Tonight the inevitable happens IT ALL ENDS. and you can send all the tape you want to the NBA. We’ll be at our parade, lead by the best player the NBA has seen since MJ. Another guy who “got” all the calls.

    Comment by Heatfan — June 20, 2006 @ 4:30 pm

  180. I am relieved to see the thought and insight put into Bill Simmons’ article, especially in a forum which normally intends to tickle the ears of the masses. I appreciate Mark Cuban for the fact he is often a solitary voice in the wind — attempting to protect the integrity of the game whilst not compromising the entertainment value.
    I must take umbrage, however, with Bryan Hauer’s posting (see above). Bryan — you do not speak for the masses…at least not those with intelligence and appreciation for the game.
    Rooting for the Mavericks, as I have since moving to Texas in the 1980’s (think Detlef Schrempf fan) I paid money over the years to watch the likes of MJ, Barkley, Bird, the Admiral, Magic, Duncan, Kobe, Shaq, KG, Kidd, Malone/Stockton, AI, Dominique, Spud, Manute, Rodman, and many other great talent / entertaining personalities. But, at no time did I ever confuse interesting personality with well-played basketball. I appreciate individual talent — but no one individual is bigger than the league, it’s rules, and the game itself. But alas, band-wagon hopping, over media-hyped, SportsCenter only fans embrace the dunk and the highlight over a well played fair game. It’s the same reason Terrell Owens (sorry for the NFL analogy) will be embraced here in Dallas once he starts scoring touchdowns. But I know TO is a cancer for a locker-room. I know he is not good for the long term TEAM prospects. It’s the same reason I enjoy watching the Patriots win the Superbowl — they play as a team.
    Which takes me to your comments again. Don’t confuse marketability with good & fair basketball. DWade is an amazing talent — and I’ll bet after these Finals that companies will be lining up for endorsement deals above and beyond what he already has. And to that I say good for Wade. He’s a good kid. Compare that to Dirk – will we ever see him hawking Happy Meals? Not likely. So does that make watching Dirk less entertaining? Perhaps. Not to me, but to the SportsCenter crowd, perhaps. But is the bball world better off with a boring, scrum of a referee’s choice game for a product, or good, clean, objectively played basketball? I’ll take the latter over a Happy Meal anyday. Individual performances, coddled by shotty referee protection of them, is not the product I want to pay to see.

    Comment by Mark G -- MFFL — June 20, 2006 @ 4:31 pm

  181. REF-AND-TUMBLE
    By PETER VECSEY

    June 20, 2006 — MIAMI – Upon further re view, I finally figured out who fouled Dwyane Wade Monday morning on the deciding play of Game 5 – Jerry Stackhouse.

    No, wait, this just in from Dallas: Citing the fact he played “o-lay, o-lay, o-lay-it-up” defense by not moving his feet, and then fouling Wade, Avery Johnson has vowed to bench Ray Milland, er, Claude Raines for the rest of the series.

    A phantom call!

    An imaginary timeout “request” by Josh Howard in between free throws by Wade with 1.9 seconds left in OT!

    An end-of-the-game/OT “momentum play” rule that refutes an alleged backcourt violation by Wade with 9.1 seconds to go, Heat down 100-99, that can’t be found in the NBA referees’ case book!

    Dirk Nowitzki booting the ball into the cheap (is there such a thing?) seats and kicking up a storm in the locker room after the Heat took a one-point verdict and one-game lead with two tries in Texas to secure its first NBA championship!

    Owner Mark Cuban staring down David Stern immediately after the horn sounded! Cursing out referee Joe DeRosa for supposedly not being in position to see Wade’s alleged straight-arm of Jason Terry on his zigzagging scamper through three Heat defenders on the Heat’s last possession!

    And belittling about 20 members of the press for repeatedly asking similar lame and loaded (guilty as charged) questions!

    In other words, a dreadfully tainted Finals finish that impaired an otherwise great game!

    OK, so I’m stretching the truth; I’m trying to be kind to the whistle blowers whose stream of touch calls allowed the Heat back into contention in the third period!

    Nevertheless, in no way, shape or distortion, did the concluding controversy so much as slightly tarnish yet another inhuman presentation (43 points) by Wade.

    For better or for worse, the Heat, dead and buried with six minutes to go in Game 3, stand on the threshold of ultimate jubilation whereas the Mavs may be wobbling and on the edge of elimination, but are still favored to win in my supercilious estimation.

    Unable to withstand the malice in Dallas in the round’s opening two games, why should we expect the Heat to change anything in the last two? Providing, of course, the Mavs, who let their horrific Heimlich of Game 3 carry over into Game 4, don’t repeat that retreat from Game 5.

    Providing Nowitzki (21.6 ppg, 37.3 FG pct), reclaims his first three round heroics (31.3 & 50.5, 27.1 & 52.7, 28 & 45.5) and FG pct and MVP (third place) form.

    “I believe Dirk is better than Larry Siegfried!” ABC’s Mark Jackson declared.

    Providing Cuban hires Chris Webber as the team’s 17th assistant, and appoints him director of times out.

    Providing Stackhouse doesn’t pick on Shaq anymore in the series.

    Providing the Mavs figure out how to take the ball out of Wade’s hands – at the welfare line!

    Providing Shaq keeps taking free-throw advice from Nick Anderson.

    Providing Jason Terry (13-23 FG, 35 points) continues his cut-throat shooting. He’s so unconscious, the team has placed a “Do Not Resuscitate” sign on his sneakers.

    If not, then the ultra-deserving Alonzo Mourning shall get his first ring – and I shall, without more ado, begin a new career writing about hockey, homemaking and jai-alai.

    Here are the answers to the three above conflicts of opinion:

    1) I just watched Game 5 again that I TiVoed; Wade is getting Mike Jordan executive privilege treatment before ever winning a title! That last foul called by Bennett Salvatore still hasn’t happened!

    2) The re-run shows Howard changing rebounding position after Wade deadlocked matters with his first welfare payment. He went from east to west looking directly toward Avery Johnson, who was holding up his hands in the sign of a time out. DeRosa is situated due south on the endline and sees Howard mimicking fiddling with sign of the “T” with this hands.

    Clearly, Howard never requested a timeout. Clearly, he never even looked to the left in DeRosa’s direction. Yet the ref gave the Mavs one anyway, their last one, so they weren’t able to advance the ball to midcourt after Wade made the second foul shot, again, with 1.9 ticks left.

    Keep in mind, this is a dead-ball situation, not a player caught in a life-and desperate circumstance, swarmed by two defenders (you know, Steve Nash vs. a pair of Lakers) and his team looking to be saved from a jump ball by a time out. DeRosa should’ve simply asked Howard, “Do you want a timeout?” This was easily correctable, because that would’ve been the right thing to do. Instead, the refs ignored common sense. Then Crawford compounded the fracture by fabricating Howard twice asked for a time out; Crawford and DeRose couldn’t even get their stories straight.

    3) The “momentum play” is not in the rule book, yet this is how it works: In the last two minutes of a game or OT a player is allowed to alight, slither, slide or stagger (as long as there’s no walk) from the frontcourt to the backcourt and gather himself until clear possession is established. Therefore when Wade, about five feet from midcourt, took a running jump, received Gary Payton’s inbounds pass and landed in the backcourt, it was not a violation.

    This just in: The Mavs plan to pull out all the stops; for tonight’s pre-game pep talk, they’re bringing in Stan Van Gundy.

    Comment by Trey — June 20, 2006 @ 4:33 pm

  182. mavs fans what happened to “hey mavs…lets do it in 5!”

    now it’ll have to be “hey mavs….please dont curl up in the face of adversity and lets try to do this in 7, ok? please!?!”

    Comment by greg — June 20, 2006 @ 4:34 pm

  183. Go mavs.
    Take two mother muchachos.
    Yeah and call us in the morning cuz we’ll be drunk.

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    Comment by huckit — June 20, 2006 @ 4:35 pm

  184. I agree with Simmon’s…as I have watched the Heat, the only thing I have thought to myself is that it looks like they came in from back lot basketball. Wade is good. Shaq is still okay. The rest of the team…who are they? A bunch of spares from the streets. Heat has truly been lucky, or riding Wade’s back. Watch the next two games.

    Comment by Cody — June 20, 2006 @ 4:37 pm

  185. First…. how do Heat fans get to post on here????

    Second…. if the Mavs won in Miami, they wouldn’t booo, yeah right?

    I gues the nba got what they wanted…..Wade in all the commercials….15+ points a night with free throws….he got star treatment & they made him into a star………..

    Comment by Sam — June 21, 2006 @ 12:28 am

  186. Hi, Mark.

    Just wanted to congratulate your team on a great season, and I hope that next year will result in greater success.

    Since I think you are the only person with the clout of doing this, I was wondering what you thought about reverting back to a 2-2-1-1-1 foramt for the Finals? The 2-3-2 format is plain ridiculous. Giving the team with the worse record a chance to clinch the playoffs first if everyone wins at home is juts foolish. That rule needs to be changed. It needs to be called out by someone.

    In any case, I don’t need to bring up any more controversy when really, you and the Mavericks deserve so much credit for what you accomplished. Here’s looking forward to 2006-2007!

    Comment by jchensor — June 21, 2006 @ 4:46 am

  187. Funny, not one Mav’s fan complains when Dirk goes to the line for a 7 ft flop move!!! If officials were calling it close, then Mav’s should go to the hole and get fouled. IT worked well in games 1-2. Bottom line is Ref’s get star struck when they see a player like Wade take over a game, we all do, hate him or love him, he averaged 39 per game last 4 games. Dirk needs to play defense, go to the rack and quit shooting 18-26 footers!!!

    Comment by Kelly Bigham — June 21, 2006 @ 9:39 am

  188. Anyone who doesn’t see that the inferior team won the championship as a result of bad officiating is KIDDING THEMSELVES.

    Seriously, if you know anything about basketball it should be obvious that the Mavs had the better team. Notice the tide turned in the series once the refs started awarding Wade a foul every time he flung his body into a defender.

    For those of you who say “well if the Mavs were the better team they would have overcome it”, you are underestimating the value of having a GUARANTEED two points in your pocket every time you need a big basket. That’s a pretty nice weapon to have when the refs basically guarantee Wade either a basket or foul on every drive (something I had noticed they were doing in the Detorit series too).

    What astounds me is that after all the fall out and ref-bashing after Wade got to shoot those OBSCENE 25 free throws in game 5, he still got all those same RIDICULOUS foul calls in game 6 by throwing himself into people and nearly matched the entire Mavs team in FT attempts again!!! Sure seems like someone didn’t want the series to even get to game 7.

    Seriously, I hesitate to say the league is fixed, but AT THE VERY LEAST there was a CONSCIOUS DECISION made within the nba organization to refrain from clarifying for the refs what is and isn’t a blocking foul.

    How freaking hard is it for the refs to realize when the player who is driving initiates the contact it is not a foul???? It’s not like this was a problem that occured in isolated incidents either, it happened again and again to the point where it was justa complete joke.

    David Stern should be EMBARASSED right now.

    Comment by Sam — June 21, 2006 @ 11:26 am

  189. I read Simmmons article, and although he makes a few valid points about the desireable “new” NBA, his comparison of a Wade type team to the 90’s teams is way off. The Jordan teams were typified by Jordan’s unbelievable play; however, its wasnt until Scotty Pippen came into his own that the Bulls excelled. Also, the supporting cast was strong with John Paxson, B.J. Cartwright, etc. adding punch when needed.
    While Shaq didnt have a great series and isnt the dominant force he once was, notice the continual double and triple teaming he drew throughout the series. Many holes are opened up for Wade because of the attention paid to Shaq. Note how Antoine Walker, despite his inconsistencies, provided crunch time scoring. And James Posey could easily be a 15 point per game scorer if not for his attention to defense.
    Bottom line, most teams need a superstar to become dominant forces, but they need a strong supporting cast to reach the pinnacle of success in the NBA. Despite being a Miami fan (surprised?), I greatly enjoy watching Dallas play with their wealth of offensive weapons.

    Comment by Steve Waterman — June 21, 2006 @ 10:39 pm

  190. Amen, Dave (Flameking)!!!!!!!!

    To all the Heat fans, stfu!!!

    Comment by Cole — June 21, 2006 @ 1:43 pm

  191. Dave get over it! So you think the Mavs are the champs? Where is the trophy to prove it? Oh wait……you dont have one! Therefore, you are not the NBA champs! Miami is! Give Wade credit. A legend was born last night. Dirk is not the superstar we all thought he is. He still needs to develop under pressure. I dont know why everyone is so dissapointed. This is exactly how you played in the regular season. You beat a horrible Memphis team, got lucky against the Spurs, beat the Suns with out Amare. Take it for what its worth. Oh yeah, I am not even a Miami fan!

    Comment by Cordero Montoya — June 21, 2006 @ 1:43 pm

  192. You’re a sad sad sad little man Mark Cuban. The problems the Mavs had is that they confused “winning” with “whining.” You’re not a 3 year old, so quit your whining.

    Comment by vidal — June 21, 2006 @ 1:45 pm

  193. YA BIG TEXAS YAHOO’S. THE HEAT WON! END OF STORY. WE WERE BETTER THAN THE MAVS AT EVERY POSITION, INCLUDING THE PA ANNOUNCERS. ALL YOU LOOSERS CAN KEEP ON SULKING, MEANWHILE I HAVE A CHAMPIONSHIP PARADE TO GO TO. HOW BOUT YOUR MIIIIIIAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMIIIIII HEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAT

    Comment by HEATSTA BILL — June 21, 2006 @ 1:45 pm

  194. The HEAT needed an extra 3 players on their team to win………..And they came in the form of the NBA officials.

    To tell the truth, Im not even sure how any Heat fan can hold their head up proudly and say “We deserved to win”… Cause, the simple truth is… You didn’t.

    It is very obvious that the NBA favored Dwane Wade in every single call…

    And, unfortunately, it was a CHAMPIONSHIP, where, the result was not decided by talent or team work… but, instead, by a handful of officials who consistently made very wrong decisions in favor of one team (or one player)… In critcal moments of the game.

    And to win a championship in that fashion.. is not admirable… Its shameful.
    shameful to the Heat, shameful to the NBA.

    My heart goes out to the Mavs, who played their little hearts out, who were valiant, and who earned every single point, and who, in the end, were beaten by a Miami Heat team who seem to have the entire NBA eating out of their ’star-studded’ hands.

    Enjoy your ‘victory’ HEAT…

    We’d rather take an honest loss…. Than a dishonest victory.

    Comment by Stephen de Campos — June 21, 2006 @ 1:46 pm

  195. Bill Simmons is an idiot. He eschews everything good about the Heat and everything bad about the Mavs to promote his flawed premise that a Heat victory over the Mavs is the deathknell of team play. Puh-lease. Maybe there was a case to be made after the Heat beat the Pistons and the Mavs beat the Suns, but its a silly argument to posit in a series in which the stats (particularly assists, presumably the hallmark of team play) are so closely matched between the teams.

    A Heat victory is a “tragedy?” Nonsense wrapped in hyperbole. A tragedy is Len Bias’ fatal lapse of judgement and the effect it wrought upon the Celtics. A tragedy is Bernard King blowing out his knee at the height of his career. Way to keep things in perspective, Bill.

    A Heat victory will “set the league back a decade?” More nonsense. The impact from the Heat’s victory will be negligible in contrast to the evolution caused by the rule changes. Zone defenses, the lack of hand checking and the new CBA structure (particularly the standardized 3+1 rookie contract structure) have and will continue to shape the new NBA.

    Mark, kudos to you and your Mavs. You assembled a very talented team. You gave Avery a chance to shine. Your team will learn from this run. Assuming you keep Terry, there is no reason to expect anything less than a return to the Finals next year. I also enjoy your enthusiasm and passion. Consider the following a compliement: you are a fan stuck in an owner’s body. :-)

    Signed,

    A Heat Fan

    Comment by tony — June 21, 2006 @ 1:48 pm

  196. Next time Salvatore Bennett refs a game in Miami, The fans should not only chant but yell rather loudly MVP MVP for him.

    Comment by BT — June 21, 2006 @ 1:48 pm

  197. If you are a mav’s fan, do not point your finger at the ref’s (even though there were some questionable calls). The bottom line is, Pat Riley outcoached Avery Johnson and that is why they won. Dallas has more talent than Miami. They are deeper, younger, more athletic. They took the first two games and everyone thought Dallas was going to win, possibly sweep. Riley made some adjustments, developed a defensive scheme for Dirk, Terry and Josh Howard, and the Heat responded winning the next four. Avery Johnson couldn’t figure out a scheme to stop Wade, and to bust open Dirk. A good coach makes adjustments and changes the game plan. Also, a team with Dallas’ talent has no business losing four in a row. Have to point the figure at Johnson on this one. Or maybe, Riley was just that much better.

    Comment by Erik — June 21, 2006 @ 1:49 pm

  198. Every Mav’s fan needs one of these shirts
    http://www.zazzle.com/product/235633489550594178

    Comment by Mark Jerome — June 21, 2006 @ 1:49 pm

  199. The Best Team Won, Zen has returned to the world.

    Loxahatchee Heat Fan
    Travel-Ascending.com
    http://www.travel-ascending.com/

    Comment by Dan — June 21, 2006 @ 1:50 pm

  200. In your face Mark! What do you have to say now? Not much, huh? Big Man just got cut down to size.

    Comment by All day, baby, All day! — June 21, 2006 @ 1:50 pm

  201. I am just amazed at the comments on this site…#443 (People hate winners). No, 443, people hate WHINERS!!! You Mavs fans (and for the record, i am not a heat fan at all!) need to stop the “we are the real champs”, “we should have won”, “we were screwed”, and my favorite…the baseline mav fan holding up the sign last night that said “LETS PLAY FAIR”!! HAHAHAHAHA! I think “fair” is when you win and “not fair” is when you lose…just like it was when i was 8 years old!!! Grow up and learn from the loss is what you should do. And learn that too much owner = too much distraction!

    I just hope Mark Cuban pulls the EXACT same crap next year the he did this year…build a really good team, give them a million excuses when they lose games THAT THEY CANNOT CONTROL, and lose your composure when things don’t go your way! Welcome to the Finals, the NBA, sports and life!!

    Comment by Bill — June 21, 2006 @ 1:51 pm

  202. Mr. Cuban,

    i think its great that you’re not an uptight suit’n tie luxury box NBA owner. You show emotion, both good and bad. Professional sports would be much more entertaining if all owners had a personality like yours.
    I think you’re missing something when it comes to your criticism of the officiating. Your team was up 2-0 in the series and had a 9 pt lead in the 4th quarter of game 3, an 8 pt lead in the 4th quarter of game 5, and a 9 point lead in the 2nd quarter of game 6. Your team’s inability to close out games cost you the series. Was the foul call at the end of game 5 a tough call? Absolutely. But had your team been able to maintain an 8 point forth quarter lead with 3:24 left, there’d be nothing to complain about!
    The officials have a tough job. Everyone is quick to criticize them when their team loses. Dallas had every chance to close out the series in Miami. Rather than point the finger at someone else, take a look at your team and work on helping it get better in the offseason.
    Congrats on a great season.

    Comment by Jason Fiorello — June 21, 2006 @ 1:53 pm

  203. Well, it was a great season…thanks for the great games and hard work..now its time to revamp your team. The push off..of wade at the end of game six..(on Dirk) was insane(THERE WAS NO FOUL>>>AND I UNDERSTAND WHY DIRK WAS SO PISSED)!!…and the refs called a foul…AMAZING!! it seems like whenever he drives..the whistle blows……i can predict he is going to get to the line, while we are on the other end of the court…(and im usually right) Either way it was a good game..I will never consider GP and WALKER and ALONZo “CHAMPIONS”….WADE AND SHAQ ARE..The other three rode on wade and shaqs back to get themselves a ring…(they will retire after this year thinking they accomplished what they needed to do..but in the end…wade and shaq..did the work(and deserve all the credit)..and all the other three have is a piece of metal to show for it..Thanks again Mavericks for a great series..
    The Spurs will still be a thorn in the West for you(everyone else..you guys can take care of)..but with a few tweaks…Hopefully we will see the Mavs in the finals again…I know I will…

    Comment by Malumouse — June 21, 2006 @ 1:55 pm

  204. I totally agree with Bill Simmons; he can recognize the hidden secrets under the surface that most people are too shallow to recognize.
    I am just as proud of our Dallas Mavericks as I could be; my only regret is that the Miami Heat thinks they have something to throw in our face. The Heat and their fans will never recognize that they won because of critically timed phantom/bad foul calls against Dallas. If they did recognize this it would shatter their perception of themselves as being the best, which obviously Dallas has the greater talent and depth in the team, and also knows how to play with teamwork. Dallas isn’t dirty, and doesn’t use “accidental” elbows as does the Heat, even though Pat Riley stated there is no such thing as an accidental elbow. Regardless, the Mavs were not intended to win this game, and the placement of the bad refs saw to that, to the NBA’s glee. In my eyes, and a lot of Dallas fans, the Mavs are champions, and play fair and right, which cannot be claimed by Miami Heat. And to David Stern, who stated on ESPN radio that Mark Cuban was a disgrace to this team, I say you are a disgrace to the NBA along with your henchman Stu Jackson. You both need to shed your stuffed white shirts and enter the real world. To strip an honest, fair, hard playing team of it’s rightful championship because your stuffed-white-shirt opinions do not comply with Mark Cuban who is not afraid of you, should make you cover your heads in shame and run to the nearest hole to crawl into. Shame on you!
    DALLAS MAVERICKS, WE LOVE YOU, AND YOU ARE OUR CHAMPIONS!!

    Comment by Barbara Bessent — June 21, 2006 @ 1:56 pm

  205. Mr. Cuban,

    i think its great that you’re not an uptight suit’n tie luxury box NBA owner. You show emotion, both good and bad. Professional sports would be much more entertaining if all owners had a personality like yours.
    I think you’re missing something when it comes to your criticism of the officiating. Your team was up 2-0 in the series and had a 9 pt lead in the 4th quarter of game 3, an 8 pt lead in the 4th quarter of game 5, and a 9 point lead in the 2nd quarter of game 6. Your team’s inability to close out games cost you the series. Was the foul call at the end of game 5 a tough call? Absolutely. But had your team been able to maintain an 8 point forth quarter lead with 3:24 left, there’d be nothing to complain about!
    The officials have a tough job. Everyone is quick to criticize them when their team loses. Dallas had every chance to close out the series in Miami. Rather than point the finger at someone else, take a look at your team and work on helping it get better in the offseason.
    Congrats on a great season.

    Comment by Jason Fiorello — June 21, 2006 @ 1:56 pm

  206. I just wanted to give you a big thanks for this season. You made basketball exciting again. My husband and I lost interest in basketball a few years ago when it seemed that it was just a lot of players running up and down the court, and each team had one good shooter. Now you give us the new and improved Mavericks, a team where every player contributes to every facet of the game. We sure saw some heart-stopping moments this season, which is the reason to watch sports. So, again, thank you so much for a great season and I know that next year, we’ll show all the other teams, AGAIN, that the Dallas Mavericks are the team that makes basketball exciting to watch. Young, versatile players that can do everything they need to do to be the best team in the NBA.

    Comment by Kim Cree — June 21, 2006 @ 2:03 pm

  207. As one person has already stated and I did in my previous post; the perspective of this series is in the eye of the beholder. Fans are fans. No one can or will say that you should believe differently. Knowing respect and showing respect are two different things; much like knowing the path and walking the path.

    Call Dallas a bunch of whiners, or “nags”, or call Mark Cuban a pompus jackass. Honestly I like Mark Cuban, but he does alot of things I consider questionable. But I still respect him. For all of those seemingly twelve to sixteen year olds posting going “Face it your team sux, oWneD!!!111″, you maybe should look at what you’re talking about.

    Both teams put out championship efforts and both teams EARNED their right to play in these Finals. Young, old, new, fresh, aging. Everyone earned there right.

    Both teams played well again, and it was close enough that I will not say the best team did or did not. There were star players on both sides no matter what. Glorified by the NBA (believe it or not) or able to carry each other through.

    Again, fans will be fans. No one can detract from that. But atleast look at what you are calling classless and disrespectful before you make such a post that is classless and disrespectful on a board you’re privlaged to visit.

    And please, stop with the whole parade argument throwing at Cuban or the Fans, or the Mavs franchise. It was the city that planned it. I’ll agree it was presumptuous, but hey, you learn something. And that’s what I hope everyone does from this.

    Fans are fans…

    I am a Mavs fan, and I know that no matter what anyone says these players are still some of the best, that is why they are were they are. The entire team is my MVP (eye of the beholder). They can only grow and continue to shape up. My only hope is that we get just as good a match up next year in the Finals because we’ll be ready.

    –Justin

    Comment by Justin — June 21, 2006 @ 2:05 pm

  208. Hey Stephen…go home and cry to your mother you freaking whiner. Live with the biggest choke job in NBA history. HAHAHAHAHAHA.

    Comment by Mark Gordon — June 21, 2006 @ 2:05 pm

  209. Let’s focus on the Mavs mistakes: Dirk’s late game free throw miss, the last timeout called after Wade’s first free throw, Terry’s missed 3 pointer, etc. Miami was the better team. It’s about time we give them credit. When it’s all said and done the Heat have the Larry O’Brien trophy.

    Comment by The Truth — June 21, 2006 @ 2:08 pm

  210. What a load of bull. This league has done everything in their power to sabotage this series. Their intentions are pretty obvious and the entire planet (except for some Floridians) has seen it. They wan’t to create a new MJ. Here you go, guys. Here’s you FT MJ. And they stop at literally nothing. Suspended Stack for crap Shaq has pulled the entire series. Do they suspend the Diesel? Course not. Awarded their wanna-be MJ FT after FT while letting everything go on the other end. Stole game 5 with an obvious BS call in the dying seconds.

    Learn your lesson, Mavs: don’t build a team around a european player. It’s marketing suicide. And that’s the last thing the high and mighty NBA guys could possibly want.

    Comment by Enrique — June 21, 2006 @ 2:08 pm

  211. #626 DID YOU SEE THE POSTS – PLEASE EVERYONE STOP WHINING ABOUT THE PHANTOM CALL – BELIEVE YOUR EYES

    http://i5.tinypic.com/14vmbte.jpg (FRONT)

    http://i5.tinypic.com/14vpao0.jpg (BACK)

    IT WAS A FOUL – YOU INSULT ALL SPORTS BY THINKING THE REFEREES WOULD DO ANYTHING BUT (TRY TO) MAKE THE RIGHT CALL.

    IT IS UN-AMERICAN TO THINK OTHERWISE.

    SOMETIMES THERE ARE ERRORS – BUT NOT THIS TIME.

    HEAT WON FAIR AND SQUARE – NOT ONCE – BUT FOUR STRAIGHT TIMES!

    Comment by Aaron — June 21, 2006 @ 2:08 pm

  212. I can see it now. Every Mavericks Away game is going to be littered with Pacifiers.

    Cuban you want to make a quick buck. Have a bout 500,000 mavericks pacifiers screen printed…..They’ll sell out in seconds

    Comment by SC — June 21, 2006 @ 2:09 pm

  213. I agree with the statements that the refs played a huge part in Miami winning! Have they already sent in their ring sizes??? I am a MAVS fan, but I do not hate the Heat. However, these people that say we, the fans, are whining need to go back and look at the tape. How could we be the only team in the playoffs with 3 suspensions? How come every time we drove into the lane and got hammered, there was a no call? How come every time Wade drove into the lane, he got touch fouls? Hell, there were several times he wasn’t even touched, but shot foul shots anyway. It doesn’t make much since for one player to have taken more free shot attempts than the other team combined! Also, how is it that Stackhouse get suspended for that fould on Shaq, but yet he can elbow Dirk in the jaw, bloody Stack’s nose, and every time the defender for the double team comes up, Shaq shoves them in the neck and gets, again a NO CALL! Then Shaq pushed Dirk while in the act of shooting a 3 pointer and Dirk came down and rolled his ankle. Payton was grabbing at Jet’s shirt last night, so why was that not a call? It would have been if we were grabbing Wade! How about last night when Mourning threw down the defender and there was a no call, but Riley took him out anyway because it would have been his 5th foul. Even he noticed that! You can say I am a complainer, I don’t give a S***. That was the worst F***ing series in terms of calls. I have watched many, many games over the years and nothing compares in the least. I watched every single playoff game, east and west, and no one else gets the same type of treatment as the Mavs did. No one ever gives them any credit. Which is sad, because the Mavs are the best team in the league, hands down.

    Comment by Chari — June 21, 2006 @ 2:11 pm

  214. Where will the Heat be next year without all of their old fart players who are the biggest coat tail riders in the history of the sport.

    Comment by BT — June 21, 2006 @ 2:12 pm

  215. #627 DID YOU SEE THE SHOTS ZO BLOCKED – ALL FIVE AT PIVOTAL TIMES – YOU ARE NOT BEING FAIR.

    ZO IS A CHAMPION – HE HAS THE RING TO PROVE IT.

    Comment by Aaron — June 21, 2006 @ 2:13 pm

  216. Hey Mav fans, it’s Wednesday and YOU ARE NOT THE WINNERS! Quit the bitching and whinning and whinning. YOU LOST, PERIOD. You must be the same people that thought your fellow Texan GWB, was telling the truth about WMD’s in Iraq. Just like the fouls in the playoffs, they weren’t there.

    Comment by DJ in AZ — June 21, 2006 @ 2:14 pm

  217. http://dtenjo.wordpress.com/2006/06/20/for-the-future-of-nba/

    If Miami wins, we may as well go back to box haircuts again, because it’s going to be 1991 all over again”

    This is one of the many reasons why I want Dallas to win the NBA finals…

    Comment by David — June 21, 2006 @ 2:14 pm

  218. The Mavs were never going to win. They did not have the will, or was is the Wade.

    At the end of the games they didn’t’ know who to give the ball to. Avery needs to make a decision about who is going to take their last shot, they need someone that can will a basket.

    Watching them in the last minutes of the last couple of games, the Mavericks didn’t know who should take the last shot. Will Nowbitckski take it? Maybe Terry? How bout Jerry Stack? No, let’s let Howard take it. Hell let’s pass it to Dampier under the basket.

    They were clueless. They don’t have that one player they can rely on because they think they can rely on everyone. That’s a recipe for disaster.

    One player can’t beat five, even if it’s Wade. Sure he’s the go-to-guy at the end, middle, and beggining, but he’s still part of 15 strong.

    Sorry Mavy Fans, you may play like a team but your team has no go-to-guy. If want to know how team play should look like, look at the SPURS. They do all the Mavericks do but when they need a shot they know either Ginobili or Duncan is taking it. Learn a lesson Avery Johnson.

    Comment by Vidal — June 21, 2006 @ 2:15 pm

  219. Waaaaahhhhhh, Waaaaahhhhhhhh…

    Thank God this game ended in game six now the crying from Dallas can stop! You guys even found a sports writer to cry for you, that’s great.

    LET’S GO HEAT!!!!

    Comment by Carlos Carrillo in MIAMI — June 21, 2006 @ 2:15 pm

  220. Where’s Cuban now??? I guess the ‘puter is broke again. Go Heat!!

    Comment by JN — June 21, 2006 @ 2:16 pm

  221. To Mark:

    Can we please sign AI?…I would love to see Kobe here though…

    Comment by Ryan Downey — June 21, 2006 @ 2:18 pm

  222. #632 The NBA has been wooing the Europeans for decades – you do not know what you are talking about.

    They drew a huge audience from Germany because of Dirk.

    If you think money motivates them to cheat (which it doesn’t – again un-american) they would want Dirk to succeed.

    As for the next MJ – he is NOT – he IS however the ONLY Dwayne Wade.

    Even Mavs fans watch in awe – so do some of the Mavs themseleves.

    Comment by Aaron — June 21, 2006 @ 2:19 pm

  223. To Vidal:

    In case you didn’t notice, we beat the SPURS. Congratulations, but consider yourselves blessed for this one…

    We will be back!

    Comment by Ryan Downey — June 21, 2006 @ 2:21 pm

  224. “This league has done everything in their power to sabotage this series. ”

    ROFLMAO

    right — they made Avery have a braincramp in the 4th quarter of game three when he had the Mavs slow the game down rather than run the Heat outta the gym. The NBA made Dirk miss that clutch FT late. The NBA made Dirk go 0-4 in the 4th Quarter of an elimination game. The NBA made Josh Howard miss two FTs in game 5. They made Stackhouse flagrantly foul a 30% FT shooter (and suspend him for one game).

    You are right. the NBA lost this series not the Mavs……..but why do I see bruise marks on Avery’s throat?

    Comment by Tim — June 21, 2006 @ 2:22 pm

  225. I guess thats why Ginobili fouled Dirk at the end of game 7 to give the Mavs the three point play and send it to overtime. Ginobili needs to learn a lesson not to foul when you have a three point lead.

    Comment by BT — June 21, 2006 @ 2:23 pm

  226. I love those pictures, I’d like to hear a Mavs fan explain away either of these.

    Hey Cuban,

    Remember game 5 or 6 when you guys were down 2 late in the fourth against S.A.? Remember Dirk backing down Bowen at the free-throw line? Remember how Bowen was called for a ticky-tac foul when he put 2 hands on Dirk’s back? He didn’t knock the ball loose or throw off Dirk’s balance, hell Dirk wasn’t even shooting. The foul was called Dirk sank 2 from the charity stripe and you guys ended up winning the game. Why didn’t you have go off on one of your NBA needs better officiating rants then? Because the call went your way.

    You and the Mavs fans need to grow up.

    Comment by James Young — June 21, 2006 @ 2:23 pm

  227. Funny, I don’t remember Mavs bitching about all the blown calls that favored them in the Spurs series.

    Bottom line, Dirk didn’t show up when it counted, and you lost. Suck it up, and worry about the Spurs next year.

    Comment by MadDog73 — June 21, 2006 @ 2:23 pm

  228. You won a game seven against the Spurs…but the Spurs STILL HAVE THREE RINGS! Choke on that Ryan Drowney.

    Comment by Mark Gordon — June 21, 2006 @ 2:24 pm

  229. Lets face it, no matter how you turn it or twist it or spin it, the better team won.

    Maybe the Heat had issues but Dallas blew the first half. Refs or no ref’s. They missed open 3’s that could have tied the game. They didn’t make the big shots, and thats why they lost.

    Now stop complaining about it and get on with celebrating the Heats victory.

    and with that I become #642

    Comment by Shinda — June 21, 2006 @ 2:25 pm

  230. I can use photoshop too, they are blatant fakes.

    Comment by lagfish — June 21, 2006 @ 2:26 pm

  231. Hey Janet…the only crow I see is between those fat legs of yours.

    Comment by Mark Gordon — June 21, 2006 @ 2:26 pm

  232. .
    I don’t get it. The Heat won, and all you Heat FANS are still HERE bitching.

    What’s with that?

    You’re poor winners?

    tt

    Comment by tiptoe — June 21, 2006 @ 2:27 pm

  233. Congratulations to the Miami Heat on their win.

    Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks for the awesome job they did this year! Don’t lose hope and sight of the goal — we’ve got a young (and very talented) team, a young coach, and a passionate owner. They have come such a long way and deserve a shitTON of credit.

    MFFL!!

    Comment by Amy — June 21, 2006 @ 2:27 pm

  234. I do solemnly swear, this 19th day of June, 2006 that I will never watch an NBA game again. Everyone is supposed to say what a great game that was with a straight face? At least the WWE has the grace to give you a wink. If watching a man in a flak jacket and thigh pads repeatedly throw himself into defenders to draw foul calls is what passes for “competition,” or better yet watching said man hit layups because no one can breathe on him, I believe I can live without [it]. Why would anyone follow a “sport” that employs Dick Bavetta and Stu Jackson? All that was missing was David Stern running onto the court with a steel chair, ABC execs in tow. Bill Simmons, I name thee prophet. It went down exactly as you said it would.

    Comment by tracy — June 21, 2006 @ 2:28 pm

  235. GO MAVS!! oh wait…you lost…i thought you guys were better,oh wait,you weren’t you are still merely second best,the first losers, but it was the refs I am sure. That and Dirk Nowitzki is terrible when it requires some heart. we finally saw his true talent when the refs dont call his outrageous flops all the time. CUBAN GROW UP!!! YOU LOST!!! FIND JESUS!!!

    Comment by Conrad — June 21, 2006 @ 2:28 pm

  236. It is an insult to players from both teams for an egocentric owner to feel that he has to be the center of attention in the finals for the NBA championship. A series between the Mavericks and the Heat holds more than enough entertainment value without a sideshow featuring the crazed antics of a undisciplined billionaire. Mr. Cuban, although you write the checks and collect the gate, once the ball is tipped you are nothing more than a fan. You should take a lesson from Mr. Arison.
    I was a Mavericks fan prior to the start of the series. Now that I have seen Maverick players and coaches (following the lead of their team owner)arguing calls rather than playing defense, planning parades before planning how to stop Dwayne Wade, and settling for rainbow outside shots instead of driving to the lane I have switched allegiances. I am now a fan of Dwayne Wade and Mr. Arison…people with something lacking in Dallas…CLASS and COURAGE.

    Comment by L Gill — June 21, 2006 @ 2:28 pm

  237. Well, good try Mavs. You gotta give credit to the Heat, they played well and really gutted this championship out. Both teams were good, Dallas lost because it lacked poise under pressure, which usually comes from experience. People, get this through your heads: The refs had nothing to do with Dallas losing.

    Everyone out there who blames the refs doesn’t understand sports. Period. I’ve played sports for many years and have had a lot of success on the national level. There will ALWAYS be controversial calls, no matter what. It doesn’t matter what sport it is. As soon as you point out one bad call against the Mavericks, you can also watch a tape of the game and find other bad calls against Miami. Honestly, it all balances out in the long run. Ultimately, the better team wins, and champions never use the refs as an excuse to why they lose a game. Never.

    That Simmons guy….ah, he’s alright. I disagree with him on a lot of points. True, his arguments are well thought it out, but I disagree entirely with his idea that the NBA is going in the wrong direction, and that the 90’s era is old, outdated, and just flat out wrong. The 90’s had many unbelievable moments in the playoffs and finals, I don’t understand where his logic stems from. He says that watching 90’s teams with stars was boring. Personally, watching MJ play was awesome, and I have yet to see a series in the “newer, better NBA” that beats the best playoff series from the 90’s. I like the way the Mavs play, and I like the way Miami plays. I think that having different styles is great, and if one team wants to be built around a star then that’s just as legitimate as a team with 4 or 5 really good players, like the Pistons; if every team plays with the same style, I feel that they would be not as much fun to watch as watching teams with totally different styles play against each other.

    Lastly, as much as the NBA depends on fans for revenues to keep the league going, they really couldn’t care less about what Bill Simmons, Mark Cuban, myself or any of you think. This is basketball, and we are fans of the game. The game is not a fan of us. It just irritates me that people like Simmons seem to feel that the NBA has a responsibility towards the fans to keep them happy or some other nonsense. Sure that would be nice, but this isn’t the WWF or some other stupid league where entertaining fans is the #1 goal. This is basketball. This is a sport. The NBA’s priority is to run a credible basketball league, and while nothing is perfect, the NBA has done a pretty decent job. There will always be problems, it’s not as easy as most fans, or our wonderful Bill Simmons thinks. I’d love to see Bill Simmons try to run the NBA, to take it “in the right direction”…since he knows so much and has so much experience running basketball leagues.

    It should be about basketball, not about what the fans want to see.

    Comment by Art — June 21, 2006 @ 2:29 pm

  238. What a bunch of pussy whinny punk ass bitches you mavs fans are. You lost, ACCEPT IT !! maybe next time your punk ass owner would know better than to go on TV talking garbage before the fat lady sings. hey it was meant to be: We have South Beach, you have a one tooth bitch. We have a ring, you got mark Cuban (ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha). Viva David Hasselhoft (ha, ha, ha, ha).

    Comment by alberto — June 21, 2006 @ 2:30 pm

  239. I especially liked the part about Cuban going on Letterman. And let’s not forget Cuban “wanting” to play the Heat. I believe this was a fatal mentality. The Mavs thought they already won the championship after they beat the Spurs, and maybe even more so after games 1 & 2. It seemed the Heat knew this was a long series. That directly relates to Riley.

    Then there is the moaning about officiating. Sure, missed/bad calls can come at crucial situations. However, refs have never won or lost a game for any team. I know there was a big defference in the number of free throws. But we didn’t seem to be bothered when Dirk made 20+ free throws against the Spurs. I guess we “just got fouled more” in that game. Just seems a little hypocritcal to me.

    And that thing about “uglying up” basketball. As Mavs fans we aren’t concerned with the “state of the game.” I think we might all be in agreement on this…I will take an “ugly” 2006 NBA champions trophy over a “pretty” 2006 Western Coference Champions trophy any day.

    Comment by mavsguy29 — June 21, 2006 @ 2:31 pm

  240. If Simmons is your new hero, do him a favor and get him out of his ESPN contract.

    Comment by David Adams — June 21, 2006 @ 2:31 pm

  241. I think that MavsFan1 just sunk the clutch 3 pointer that eluded the Mavs last night. The comments are right on. The whining that ensued after Game 5 was embarassing and Cuban sounded like a 4 year old…but not even a cute 4 year old. I too was embarassed at the display.

    Somehow, I don’t think that it was the officiating (or any other lame reason) that caused our “star” to score only 2 points in the 4th quarter – now there is some clutch basketball – or made the Mavs take lousy jumpers 7 straight times and MISS during the same period.

    All I have to say is: Game 3, 6 minutes and change left, 13 point lead…oh excuse me…I would finish the sentence but I seem to be choking.

    Comment by Southern Canadian — June 21, 2006 @ 4:54 pm

  242. Question: Is Dirk a clutch performer?
    Answer: Dirk is not a big game player. Has there ever been a hyped-up player that avoided taking important shots more than Dirk? Congrats on your two points in the fourth last night Dirk.

    Comment by Dwyane — June 21, 2006 @ 4:55 pm

  243. Question: Is Dirk a clutch performer?
    Answer: Dirk is not a big game player. Has there ever been a hyped-up player that avoided taking important shots more than Dirk? Congrats on your two points in the fourth last night Dirk.

    Comment by Dwyane — June 21, 2006 @ 4:56 pm

  244. Question: Is Dirk a clutch performer?
    Answer: Dirk is not a big game player. Has there ever been a hyped-up player that avoided taking important shots more than Dirk? Congrats on your two points in the fourth last night Dirk.

    Comment by Dwyane — June 21, 2006 @ 4:57 pm

  245. Question: Is Dirk a clutch performer?
    Answer: Dirk is not a big game player. Has there ever been a hyped-up player that avoided taking important shots more than Dirk? Congrats on your two points in the fourth last night Dirk.

    Comment by Dwyane — June 21, 2006 @ 4:59 pm

  246. Bill Simmons is your hero, which is all well and good; but, besides some entertainment value, everyone knows that Bill Simmons is an idiot savant, a court jester. Look man, I’m gonna tell all you blog Mavericks why you lost. No, better yet, I’ll let espn.com editor Dan Shanoff tell you:
    Shanoff: “Whining. It was the refs. It was the league. It was the hotel. It was the exercise bike. It was everything but the Mavs own fault, apparently. As soons as they pushed responsibility for the series’ outcome on external factors, they were in trouble.”
    Now a word from Emperor Stern: “I think [Cuban's] recent loss of self-control is not planned, and not calculated and I think if he could, he would like to take some of it back. Because at bottom, I really do believe it distracts the players and that can’t be good. It sets a bad tone. At times, I think he loses control, and that’s not healthy for either him or the game.” Truer words have never been spoken, and I do not even consider myself a fan of Emperor Stern.
    Lastly, let us hear from Pat Riley: …oh, wait, he didn’t have anything negative to say, not even after his team went down 0-2, and everybody’s mama’s dog said the series was over. What did Riley say? 15 Strong is what he said. No matter what happens, win or lose, it’s on the 15 players in the lockeroom, no excuses. Gee, imagine that: a man taking responsibility for his own actions in the determination of an outcome.
    I say that you blog Mavericks were the unwilling recipients of a master lesson in leadership. If your top dawg catches rabies, soon enough the entire pack is infected. At that point, the best you can expect is for members of the pack to belittle reporters, attack inanimate objects, call great players “fakes,” and deliver forearm shivers to former great players. That’s not leadership, that’s not self-control, and it’s not effective. Meanwhile, the dawgs in the other locker room are pulling together, dropping cards with pithy aphorisms or pictures of their families into a huge bowl, and telling each other to win it for this guy or that guy. See the difference?
    If you all can grow up, then your time will come because you’ve got a great team, a great coach, and very very talented players. But it all starts at the top.

    Comment by Cole — June 21, 2006 @ 5:00 pm

  247. It’s hard to take shots with Haslem draped all over you for an entire series. And they were double-teaming him pretty often when he never even had the ball. It’s tough to shoot the ball if nobody can get it to you.

    Comment by Greg Shurter — June 21, 2006 @ 5:01 pm

  248. It’s hard to take shots with Haslem draped all over you for an entire series. And they were double-teaming him pretty often when he never even had the ball. It’s tough to shoot the ball if nobody can get it to you.

    Comment by Greg Shurter — June 21, 2006 @ 5:02 pm

  249. Amen Dwayne

    Comment by Southern Canadian — June 21, 2006 @ 5:02 pm

  250. This was the absolute worst basketball finals EVER. It was decided by the referees. It brought back everything that I despised about the NBA after Bird and Magic retired. I did not watch a basketall game until Don Nelson made the NBA fun to watch again. I am no longer a fan and the sport is going to financially suffer for this travesty for years to come. Pat yourself on the back Stern for your legacy.

    Comment by SizzleLean — June 21, 2006 @ 5:02 pm

  251. The call on Dirk when D-Wade initiated the contact, as well as the call on Devin Harris when D-Wade dropped his shoulder and plowed him, is exactly what is wrong with NBA officiating in general and especially in this series. Bill Simmons hit in on the head!

    This “superstars” (which is totally subjective anyway) get all the calls crap is what ruins the NBA and keeps the same teams at the top year after year.

    A foul is a foul… no matter who commits it.

    p.s. When you use physical contact on a play to gain an advantage…(like when I go for a block and hit your shooting hand/arm or run through/over you to make a play on the ball) they even call that in Street Ball.

    By the way, that traveling call was right on! A basic call at ay level.

    I will say the Refs seemed to do a better job overall than the travesty in So. Fla.

    Comment by mattaveryxcw — June 21, 2006 @ 5:02 pm

  252. The problem with this series falls strictly on the Mavs…not the officials nor the Heat. It’s all on the Mavs. Whatever Mark Cuban felt and expressed on the Letterman show was an indication of what everyone thought…except for the Miami Heat. I remember hearing people on Florida radio stations claiming it would be a 99% chance of a sweep. A sweep mind you.

    The Mavs sweep the Heat? Unlikely…you know the Heat would get one…then another…and another and that was the problem. The Mavs had so much momentum and then as soon as they got hit in the mouth, they back-peddled and didn’t know how to make it stop. Each game was separate and the Heat treated each game separately. It wasn’t about “we need 4″ no it was about “we need 1″ then the next game “we need 1″ and so on and so forth until you get the necessary 4.

    I remember Mav fans at a sports bar doing the cut-throat maneuver after Game 2…sweep sweep…they said. Cuban thought it was gonna happen, the fans got cocky, the owner got foolish and the players got sloppy.

    You have to win it first, before you can celebrate and the Heat are showing the Mavs how it’s done…win it first, then talk the jive. The Mavs, from top to bottom, from Cuban to the players to the Fans and the media, were on that high of “we did it, it’s over”.

    NOT SO FAST!!!

    Game 3, a loss, game 4, another loss…”naw, they can’t get all 3″.

    Oh shit! They swept the home series.

    “Whatever…they can’t win on the road.”

    Fuck…we lost…what happened…What Happened?

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    We celebrated before we won it…especially Mr. Mark Cuban. And this is surprising that he would do such a thing, being such a smart businessman. You don’t celebrate the deal until after the ink hits the paper. You don’t underestimate your competition. I’m surprised Cuban forgot such a simple ideal in business and competition.

    It doesn’t matter…he’ll have plenty of time to think about it later. Just stop wasting your time sending in any more tapes. You lost.

    The Heat are the Champions! Don’t forget it, otherwise you celebrated too early and you are celebrating for nothing.

    Win it all or go home…crying!

    Oh, and Mr. Cuban…have some more class next time. You are a disgrace of how a true owner should conduct himself before the media. Young children watch the NBA and for you to drop the F bomb left and right only added more negativity in your direction. The negative karma was just piling on you from every direction.

    The Heat are the Champions! In case you forgot.

    Comment by Angel — June 21, 2006 @ 5:04 pm

  253. The Dallas fans were right that Dirk didn’t foul Wade late in Game 5 setting up the two crucial foul shots. It was Harris!!!
    http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/photo?slug=getty-57561981mc045_nba_finals_ga_12_56_10_am&prov=getty

    Comment by Objective Fan — June 21, 2006 @ 5:04 pm

  254. ALL U MIAMI FANS SUCK MY MOTHERFUCKING 12 INCH DICK. :-p

    Comment by STFU — June 21, 2006 @ 5:05 pm

  255. I am so sick of hearing how the Heat are “World Champions”, last time I checked the NBA stood for National Basketball Association, National coming from the word Nation – country, United States. If there was a WBA then they could be “World Champions” Retards.

    Comment by Reed Hardgrave — June 21, 2006 @ 5:05 pm

  256. I just want to start out by saying that I am a die hard Pistons fan. I attended every playoff game until Miami beat them (and, for the record, I believe Miami beat them fairly) and I even enjoyed watching the Pistons beat Dallas on our home floor.
    Having said that, I am now a Dallas fan as well. I am also a fairly new basketball fan, so I haven’t had the pleasure of watching old style basketball. I just have this crazy attitude that a team sport should be just that. I do not get this “superstar” mentality and I do not understand how that contributes to the game in a positive way. For me, it’s incredibly boring to always know who is going to carry the team, who is going to get the calls, etc. I guess I’ve been spoiled watching the Pistons and enjoying seeing a different player step up at any given time.
    The Mavs remind me of the Pistons, which is probably one of the reasons I am a fan.
    I am also a fan BECAUSE of Mark Cuban, not in spite of him. It takes a lot more courage to go against the grain and to speak your mind than it does to sit back and say nothing. He is in a position of power and influence and he is using it to say things that many basketball fans (and NOT just Maverick fans) want to say, but would never be heard. In a world where being politically correct is more important than honesty, his voice is badly needed. I was so frustrated during the finals and it was nice to hear somebody speak up..even if it’s the owner of the team that was losing..because we all saw it on T.V. And I cannot understand an organization that feels the need to fine somebody for having an opinion. It makes me wonder what they have to hide. What are they afraid of?? That this owner is passionate about his basketball team? That he is saying what millons of basketball fans are thinking? That people who have a pure love of sports just want to see players get the same treatment, refs who have the integrity to just call the game, regardless of who has the ball, and teams to play as actual teams? That’s why I buy tickets. If I wanted a “show”, I would rent a movie or watch WWF. I want a game, not a show. I think Dwane Wade is awesome, so I’m not trying to take anything away from him…he’s doing his job. But treat him the same way you treat everybody. CALL THE GAME, that’s it. Mistakes will be made by refs, but this was so blatent. I know Miami doesn’t see it that way…and honestly, if it were the Pistons in that situation, I may do the same thing. But, looking from the outside, as just a basketball fan, I thought it was disgusting…and not the way I would want to win. So, I will still be rooting for the Pistons next year, and I will still cheer when they beat Dallas…but I’m convinced I’ll enjoy that game the most…because there will be a TEAM playing on both sides. So, I say thank you to Mark Cuban for speaking for at least this basketball fan…you read my mind.

    Comment by Allison — June 21, 2006 @ 5:07 pm

  257. My Dicks is biggers than Shaqs. And i can tackle his wife harder than his daughter can. :-)

    Comment by Mines BIGGER — June 21, 2006 @ 5:07 pm

  258. I just want to start out by saying that I am a die hard Pistons fan. I attended every playoff game until Miami beat them (and, for the record, I believe Miami beat them fairly) and I even enjoyed watching the Pistons beat Dallas on our home floor.
    Having said that, I am now a Dallas fan as well. I am also a fairly new basketball fan, so I haven’t had the pleasure of watching old style basketball. I just have this crazy attitude that a team sport should be just that. I do not get this “superstar” mentality and I do not understand how that contributes to the game in a positive way. For me, it’s incredibly boring to always know who is going to carry the team, who is going to get the calls, etc. I guess I’ve been spoiled watching the Pistons and enjoying seeing a different player step up at any given time.
    The Mavs remind me of the Pistons, which is probably one of the reasons I am a fan.
    I am also a fan BECAUSE of Mark Cuban, not in spite of him. It takes a lot more courage to go against the grain and to speak your mind than it does to sit back and say nothing. He is in a position of power and influence and he is using it to say things that many basketball fans (and NOT just Maverick fans) want to say, but would never be heard. In a world where being politically correct is more important than honesty, his voice is badly needed. I was so frustrated during the finals and it was nice to hear somebody speak up..even if it’s the owner of the team that was losing..because we all saw it on T.V. And I cannot understand an organization that feels the need to fine somebody for having an opinion. It makes me wonder what they have to hide. What are they afraid of?? That this owner is passionate about his basketball team? That he is saying what millons of basketball fans are thinking? That people who have a pure love of sports just want to see players get the same treatment, refs who have the integrity to just call the game, regardless of who has the ball, and teams to play as actual teams? That’s why I buy tickets. If I wanted a “show”, I would rent a movie or watch WWF. I want a game, not a show. I think Dwane Wade is awesome, so I’m not trying to take anything away from him…he’s doing his job. But treat him the same way you treat everybody. CALL THE GAME, that’s it. Mistakes will be made by refs, but this was so blatent. I know Miami doesn’t see it that way…and honestly, if it were the Pistons in that situation, I may do the same thing. But, looking from the outside, as just a basketball fan, I thought it was disgusting…and not the way I would want to win. So, I will still be rooting for the Pistons next year, and I will still cheer when they beat Dallas…but I’m convinced I’ll enjoy that game the most…because there will be a TEAM playing on both sides. So, I say thank you to Mark Cuban for speaking for at least this basketball fan…you read my mind.

    Comment by Allison — June 21, 2006 @ 5:08 pm

  259. Cole’s comments rock too!

    I am so happy that there are others out there who think that taking responsibility is a sign of a strong and noble character. What do you think of that Mark?

    Comment by Southern Canadian — June 21, 2006 @ 5:09 pm

  260. Also,
    What the hell is this 15 strong bullshit, the Heat had about an 8 man rotation, at the most, shouldn’t it have been 8 strong, and 7 donkeys???

    Comment by Reed Hardgrave — June 21, 2006 @ 5:09 pm

  261. Owned by D. Wade fools!

    Hey Cuban, enjoy fishing with Chuck and Kenny.

    Comment by Shaq — June 21, 2006 @ 5:09 pm

  262. Its 5 man + 3 refs

    Comment by 5 +3 Refs — June 21, 2006 @ 5:11 pm

  263. Not that I advocate everything Mark says or does, but at least he puts his name behind all of it, good or bad. While you, Southern Canadian, have to hide behind a handle? What do you think of THAT? Pansy.

    Comment by Greg Shurter — June 21, 2006 @ 5:12 pm

  264. Hey Reed,

    It looks like those extra 7 donkeys was all it took to turn the “Mavericks” into “Jack-Asses”!

    GO HEAT!

    Comment by TC FLA — June 21, 2006 @ 5:14 pm

  265. My dick is bigger than Shaqs too

    Comment by Mine Too — June 21, 2006 @ 5:14 pm

  266. I think that the name Greg Shurter is actually an alias and in fact you are the pansy for sticking up for a grown man acting like an idiot.

    Comment by Southern Canadian — June 21, 2006 @ 5:14 pm

  267. Hey Reed,

    It looks like those extra 7 donkeys was all it took to turn the “Mavericks” into “Jack-Asses”!

    GO HEAT!

    Comment by TC FLA — June 21, 2006 @ 5:14 pm

  268. My dick is bigger than Shaqs too

    Comment by Mine Too — June 21, 2006 @ 5:15 pm

  269. With Dirk ranking 7th on the NBA Player Rankings for Scoring, how the hell is he not a big time player? He sure as hell is! And by the way… you CAN’T blame one man for all. If Terry scored in game 6 like he did in the first 2, Dallas would have won. But then again, I can’t blame Terry because he was not the one who lost- it was the whole team. Oh and by the way… I am from Miami but I was still rooting for the Mavs and if someone told me from the beginning that they would DEFINETLY lose… I WOULD STILL cheer for the Mavs… because I don’t let go of a team just because they fall down. So go Dirk, Terry-Berry, Stackhouse, Harris, Howard, Diop, Daniels, Griffin… and everyone else! Use your speed to its advantage!

    Comment by Sofya — June 21, 2006 @ 5:15 pm

  270. Miami won the game last night and I don’t think that you can really say that the Mavericks had a better series with a straight face. Sure there was a phantom foul at the end of game 5 but the bottom line is that your team let distractions like that get in the way of their game. What happened in game 3? Surely, the Mavericks should have sealed the deal then. Ultimately, the Mavericks are a great team and should contend for the title next year. It would probably be best for the sake of the team that you stop antagonizing league officials and referees.

    Comment by Michael Namikas — June 21, 2006 @ 5:16 pm

  271. Next time wear a mavericks jersey to start out with.

    Comment by This is all T.O's fault — June 21, 2006 @ 5:16 pm

  272. And by the way – I am in the witness protection program so I am unable to use my real name.

    By the way – only incredibly unintelligent people with low IQs resort to name calling when faced with oppostion to a point of view.

    “Pansy” really was lame.

    Comment by Southern Canadian — June 21, 2006 @ 5:19 pm

  273. You Dallas fans whining about Wade getting so many foul calls weren’t whining when Dirk was getting those same calls during the whole playoffs. You do know that Dirk is the one player that went to the line the most times during the playoffs? You guys crying conspiracy weren’t saying a damn thing when Dirk the choker was going to the line. Maybe if Dirk played like he did against Memphis, San Antonio and Phoenix, he could’ve gotten to the line more. Or maybe give Miami credit for their defense and not letting him get in his comfort level. But of course that’s not the reason…it’s all a conspiracy and Stern wanted the Heat to win. Get a grip. You guys are the biggest whiners and hypocrites i’ve ever seen. When an opponent is being aggressive and getting to the line, it’s a conspiracy but when it’s Dirk getting to the line more then any one player in the playoffs, that’s ok with you. Grow up people. When Riley and the Heat lost the first 2 games, you didn’t hear them complaining. They focused on the next game and what they needed to do. If Miami is not very good unless they’re getting to the line, like Simmons is saying, then the Mavs are 2000% worse when Dirk isn’t getting to the line. If the Mavs were such a better team then the Heat then there’s no way they should’ve gotten beat 4x straight. Even if the officials were to blame for Game 5, what about Games 3, 4 and 6? Grow the hell up.

    Comment by Nicole — June 21, 2006 @ 5:20 pm

  274. I am sad you lost because I am a huge fan of yours. However, I am glad the Mavs lost because I absolutely hate Jason Terry. He is a dirty son of a bitch. That’s saying something considering he went to my alma mater, University of Arizona.

    He burned us by opening his big goddamn mouth about what the U did for him. He refused to repay any of the money UA had to forfeit as a result of his big mouth. Beyond that, he has done nothing in the NBA to change my opinion of him. Now add to the list, L-O-S-E-R.

    Rock on, MC and HDNet – I love that shit.

    Comment by Brandon Gastelum — June 21, 2006 @ 5:22 pm

  275. I feel for you mav fans you guys thought you had enought talent to win the chanpionship, but you forgot one thing Dwayne wade “in fuego”…..sorry better luck next time hopefully wade wont be in your way….jajajajajajjajajajajajajjajajaja

    Comment by Albert Israel — June 21, 2006 @ 5:24 pm

  276. I feel for you mav fans you guys thought you had enought talent to win the chanpionship, but you forgot one thing Dwayne wade “in fuego”…..sorry better luck next time hopefully wade wont be in your way….jajajajajajjajajajajajajjajajaja

    Comment by Albert Israel — June 21, 2006 @ 5:26 pm

  277. I think that the name Greg Shurter is really an alias.

    Comment by Southern Canadian — June 21, 2006 @ 5:27 pm

  278. I read the Bill Simmons article and I was shocked that an ESPN writer would write such a ridiculous article. I thought sports writers actually watch the games that they’re talking about. To say that D-Wade is a one man show and that superstars like him and MJ are what have hurt the NBA is absolutley pompous!
    If Mr. Simmons would actually watch a Heat game he would realize that yes D-Wade has the capability to take over a game, but only after his teamates clear the way for him to do so. Shaq for example, by simply having Shaq on the floor, he creates problems for the defense because he is so big and dominant in the paint, therefore any teams best chance of stoppong him is to double and tripple team him. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you have double and tripple teams on one player, someone else will be open!
    If you have a player like D-Wade, Kobe, MJ, etc. wide open, wouldn’t you toss him the ball? This would lead him to be a high scorer now would he. The trouble is that most people don’t see the intangibles like a Udonis Haslem or a James Posey. These are players that provide contribute not necesarilly on the stat sheet but in other ways. Having too many stars on one team can be dangerous and usually doesn’t lead to a championship (see Mavericks of the past couple of years). The league has proven that you don’t need five players that can each score 30 a night. This sometimes creates malcontents.

    I just bet that if the Mav’s had D-Wade, they wouldn’t be bitching as much as they are.

    The fact is that superstars are what have made the NBA so great. Could you imagine an NBA without Magic, Bird, or Jordan?

    Bill Simmons…Get a life!!!

    The bottom line is that this Bill Simmons character had nothing better to write about and instead of writing a meaningful article, he instead takes the cheap route and subscribes to the conspiracy theorists and the negative outlook of such a great league. The NBA is about it’s superstar’s and how they play within a team. That’s it!

    Comment by NBA FAN — June 21, 2006 @ 5:28 pm

  279. Bill Simmons is saying in a nutshell that the Mavericks entire “TEAM” got schooled by one player? That doesnt say much for your “TEAM” if 15 Mavericks can’t stop one player while the other players are just “standing around”.
    Bill Simmons is a tool. Miami has the better “TEAM” the better coach, and the best 1-2 punch in the league. Instead of taking shots at the Heat your organization should show some class and give credit where credit is due.
    p.s. How does one team lose 4 in a row in the finals and not give credit. Schools out for summer Mark, Professors Wade, and O’Neal say “class dismissed”.

    Comment by Big Ninja — June 21, 2006 @ 5:28 pm

  280. That picture in 808 very deceiving, if you see the video footage from under the basket Harris’s hand never comes within 5 inches of Wade’s arm. Wade is the most underrated flopper in the league, no one touched him arm that play but he still throws the ball of the backboard and flails to the ground.

    Comment by Kyle — June 21, 2006 @ 5:29 pm

  281. Let’s be a little more courteous!

    If our host, Mavs owner Mark Cuban has found a new hero in fitness guru Richard Simmons, so be it. We should be grateful that he shares his opinions with the community… every single one of them… like a giant toddler.

    PS: Exercycle: 1 – Dirk Nowitzki: 0

    Comment by Dan Hardie — June 21, 2006 @ 5:31 pm

  282. Mark Cuban is A great owner. I don’t understand why the NBA wouldn’t like a man that does so much for the league. Mark, do what you do.

    Comment by Ricardo Campos — June 21, 2006 @ 5:32 pm

  283. I don’t oppose your point of view so much… The Mavs lost those games on their own accord (except for maybe Game 5). However, your comment to Mark Cuban about how “strong and noble” he is for not taking responsibility is completely unfounded. First of all, you can’t even put your real name behind your comments, so nobody can attack what you say personally. If someone said something to you, it wouldn’t really be to YOU because they don’t have any idea who YOU are. Therefore, you are free to spit stupid shit out of your mouth and not be held accountable for it.

    Second, what does Cuban have to take responsibility for in those losses? All he did was put the team together. He didn’t play in the game, not did he coach it. He has millions of dollars invested in his team, so of course he is going to see things through his rose-colored glasses. And as fired up as he was after game 5, he was able to calm down and act rationally about it afterwards. I’m not a Mavs fan, but I was pretty fired up to. I LOVE Dwyane Wade, and I cannot fault him for this, but he inexplicably gets calls that nobody else gets. Yes, he should get credit for being aggressive and taking the ball to the hoop. But he should not get credit for throwing his body recklessly into other players. This is what upset Cuban, Avery Johnson, Mavs fans, and many non-Mavs fans.

    Comment by Greg Shurter — June 21, 2006 @ 5:32 pm

  284. I get by with a little help from my friends.
    NEW VERSE
    “I win titles with a little help from my friends”

    vote here
    http://www.riggednba.com

    Comment by Bball Lover — June 21, 2006 @ 10:39 pm

  285. I’m sick of all the WHINNING on here by the MIAMI FANS basically saying that the Mavs fans can’t be mad and complain about what occured in the game. I hate watching games where the outcome is decided not by the players but by what the refs see or don’t see. I also hate that the league never seems to address this issue and continue to deny that the occifiating needs to improve.
    Its one thing for the Mavs to have to beat the Heat, but to have to beat the Heat and the bad calls is another thing. Why should the Mavs have to put up with that?

    Comment by Kevin Jones — June 21, 2006 @ 10:43 pm

  286. BBall Lover:
    your quote:
    “So how easy is it for you to get hot and play your best when you know that if you come within a foot of the opponent that you are going to get slapped with a foul, yet at the same time your opponent can beat the holly hell out of you and get away with it.”

    You are exaggerating just a bit. There were definitely some questionable calls in game 5. If Dallas had character they would have come home for game 6 so pissed-off and ready that game 6 shouldn’t have even been close. It should have been a blow out. Instead they were still crying about game 5. No focus only disrtactions caused by the owner.

    It was comical to see the out of control Avery Johnson trying to communicate to his players (and giving the time out sign) and then blame the referee for giving Josh exactly what he asked for. If it is such a given the the timeout is called after the second foul shot, then why did he have to even tell his players right at that moment? Instead of saying “my bad” they blame the refs and take it out on Stern. Nice…

    Comment by Rick in Phoenix — June 21, 2006 @ 10:47 pm

  287. THE MAVS? you think the Mavs are the 1st team to get a questionable call against them? Please! Gimme a break! Get over yourselves, hit clutch free throws, make important shots, play some defense. If you do all those things, maybe the Mavs wouldn’t have gotten beaten 4 games in a row. Oh, and maybe hit a couple of baskets in the 4th, points win games,not calls.

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 10:53 pm

  288. Mav Fans, Realize this. D Wade single handedly dismantled your team. Ben, You say that the refs determine his success. ha! The only reason he goes to the line so often is because his athleticism and agility far exceeds any maverick player( on his bum knee). Coming off the screen and changing direction before Marquis Daniels could even blink comes to mind. Hes the real deal. Lebron and Wade are the Magic and Bird of today. Sorry to bring this burst of reality to your deluded Mav world. D

    Comment by Jason Cormier — June 21, 2006 @ 10:53 pm

  289. Mavs fans you still have a chance to go to a victory parade! Friday @ 2pm in Miami. See you there.

    Comment by KD — June 21, 2006 @ 10:53 pm

  290. THE MAVS GOT THEIR ASS KICKED. AND THE BAD PART IS, IT WAS ONLY ONE PLAYER. IF THOSES DUMB ASS PLAYERS LIKE DIRK, HOWARD AND DANIELS WOULDN’T HAVE SETTLE FOR JUMP SHOTS AT THE LAST PART OF THE GAME THEY WOULD HAVE HAD A CHANCE.
    THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE THE MAVS WILL GO TO THE FINALS. BECAUSE THE SUNS GETS AMARIE STOUEMAIRE BACK AND THEY WILL WIN THE WEST FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT 3 TO 4 YEARS.

    Comment by shawn — June 21, 2006 @ 11:04 pm

  291. KEVIN, CAN YOU REALLY BLAME THE REFS FOR ALL 4LOSSES!!! COME ON KNOW 44444444444 losses in a row. MAVS HAD NO ANSWER FOR WADE. HEAT DOMIANTED, and Since Dirk isn’t much of a passer, he didn’t ditribute the ball very well witch is ehy he gave Dampier a pass he could not handle. Face it, Mark blew it when he gave up on MVP STEVE NASH

    Comment by Jason Cormier — June 21, 2006 @ 11:04 pm

  292. Yep – DW did it all pretty much single-handedly. When the party is over he will be the ONLY one remembered. It won’t be the City of Miami, it won’t be the Heat, it will be Wade. The other poor leaches will wonder what their value was as their names quickly fade away into nothingness as they are traded off one by one and soon forgotten. It wasn’t about a team this year – it was about a player. Kinda sad to think about what it will be like when the others think back to how much they really didn’t matter in this one.

    Comment by Keith — June 21, 2006 @ 11:06 pm

  293. lol…that was a good one KD. Maybe they can use their free tickets they got from American Airlines to get here.
    Tip: Wear white !!

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 11:06 pm

  294. lol…that was a good one KD. Maybe they can use their free tickets they got from American Airlines to get here.
    Tip: Wear white !!

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 11:06 pm

  295. Rick, the problem isn’t amare or kurt thomas. Injuries are no excuse, Dallas was one of the most injury plagued teams but they fought through it.

    Steve Nash is past him prime. He played 35 mpg this season and was tired in the 2nd round. The suns need to get him a good backup and do what shaq/tim did all season and play halfass so he has gas left in the tank comes playoffs.

    Comment by Kyle — June 21, 2006 @ 11:07 pm

  296. lol…that was a good one KD. Maybe they can use their free tickets they got from American Airlines to get here.
    Tip: Wear white !!

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 11:07 pm

  297. Dwayne Wade is not the next MJ. In fact, before the finals, wasn’t Kobe the next MJ, then Lebron? It is just a story!
    Since all of the Heat fans are saying we are complaining, well, what are you doing on the MAVERICKS BLOG anyway? It is named after our team, and we can complain about the refs if we want!
    We will be back next year, with DIRK leading the way! He is the true sensation here!

    Comment by Mavs Fan — June 21, 2006 @ 11:09 pm

  298. Scoreboard!

    Now shut up and start acting like men or risk going down in infamy as the whiningest losers in the history of sports.

    Comment by Bob Flanders — June 21, 2006 @ 11:11 pm

  299. Wade did not beat you. Miami’s defensive adjustments in game 3 did. They exposed your team’s offensive vulnerabilities. Instead of adjusting your offense, you arrogantly continued with the “New Style”. Miami exploited it for the next three games.

    If you wanted your utopian NBA then Dirk should have driven to the basket more, Terry should have shot less 3s, and Dampier should have posted up. Next year, prove to the other teams that your style of basketball is better by doing what it takes to win the game.

    Comment by B.I.G.G. — June 21, 2006 @ 11:11 pm

  300. Oh, his bum knee…just like Tony Parker’s injuries we had to hear excuses about. At least Wade didn’t need excuses in the end…I think they were psychologically trying to get the Mavs to not cover him as well.

    His talent exceeds our players in certain areas. There are many things Dirk can do that he cannot, and vice versa (3 pointers, etc). Dirk just did not bring his “A” game for reason not known…be glad he didn’t.

    For all you guys who don’t think calls are crucial…the continuous calls that Wade got were extrodinary to the outcome of particular games and in the end the series. When the Mavs defended him well, they still were called for fouls or he wasn’t…this totally disrupted the flow of the game from a Mavs standpoint, especially mentally. It’s like, no matter what you do he either scores or we get a call…did not happen on the other side of the court, but the Mavs were not the aggressor either. I really admire the way Mourning played, and I was happy when Shaq was in and he was on the bench. I don’t recall a player ever wanting sometyhing as bad as he did. With all he has been through, he will be looked up to by many, especially those with physical ailments. Congratulations, enjoy your NBA champions, and stop coming on here talking trash (those of you that do).

    As we learned from our Cowboys, you never know what lies ahead, or if you will even ever make the playoffs for a while…anything can happen.

    Comment by Ryan Downey — June 21, 2006 @ 11:12 pm

  301. Shaqs Elbow: I just want to thank god… for letting me find the courage to knock players to the ground multiple times a game. I want to thank deven harris for being so smeall i was able to bounce him up into cubans lap. I want to thank Dirk for falling for my pregame bullshit so he wasnt suspecting a couple of concusions from me. and i want to thank the NBA 2006 FINALS MVP the crawford refs With out you Joey and Dan none of this is made possible. Thank you God bless. i hope this superman tatoo doesnt make me people think i like buff white guys in red panties.

    Comment by Ben (MFFL#1) — June 21, 2006 @ 11:12 pm

  302. HEY MARK CUBAN DON’T SIGN JOSH HOWARD HE IS A DUMD ASS. LET HIM GO AND SIGN KEVIN GARNETT. THEN YOU WILL WIN IT ALL.

    Comment by shawn — June 21, 2006 @ 11:12 pm

  303. One man team ehh
    1. Posey takes 14 off fouls
    2. Udonis Haslim come up with 5 critcal off rebounds/putbacks
    3. Gary Payton hits game winner in g 4
    4. Posey sticks knife with that three in g6
    5. Shaq helped spread the floor
    6. Alonzo Mourning had a freaking Block Partty. man those blocks were dam sweet!!!!

    on eman team my ass

    Comment by Jason Cormier — June 21, 2006 @ 11:13 pm

  304. I wish we could get Kobe…

    Comment by Ryan Downey — June 21, 2006 @ 11:15 pm

  305. Mr. Cuban,
    This is one of my favorite posts on this site. Bill Simmons says it all! I look forward to the Maverick triumpth in 2007!
    – Jonathan

    Comment by Jonathan — June 21, 2006 @ 11:15 pm

  306. Anybody in their right mind (READ: A person who understands the game of basketball) KNOWS that you dont get breaks shooting JUMPSHOTS..the top two guns for Dallas were an abysmal 0-11 shooting..ok so is that the REFS/NBA’s fault?.NO.
    Again, quit your whinning. Please learn the rule book, then go bitching.
    The fact is, again, WADE was aggressive, drove the basket, made the Refs CALL fouls basically..i give you maybe 1 or two calls..but ONCE AGAIN the mavericks choked, their inability to play to their strengths, the disappearance of Dirk, the slowing of the tempo, their lack of capitalizing on a 14 point lead and progressively building it…All of these are contributing to the fact that the Mavs lost..period ..LOST.
    Cuban shut your piehole, fans quit your whinning, players man up and just train harder next year….

    Go kobe, long live the lakers….
    I know this is ADvertising..but CRAP..here ALL
    TAKE A LOOK AT THIS VIDEO…..this is what a REAL franchise and TRADITION is about..

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ0lONJ5Rqk&search=lakers

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 11:16 pm

  307. Well, Mavs Fan, mostly because I like Mark so much,I think he’s a great owner,and Avery’s a great coach,Dirk is a superstar, and his Merry Men are very complimentary. I’ve never blogged before, so why not on “Weblog” besides, if I say something really indepth, I might wind up on ESPN, the Ocho.

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 11:17 pm

  308. This has gotten completely out of hand. The hypocrisy is beyond belief. If Bill Simmons is correct, then the same logic applies to the San Antonio series. But it’s funny. Mark Cuban want to complain about officiating but God forbid he gripe about a call if it goes against the opponent. You see, Mark Cuban seems to forget and will never mention that the Spurs led Dallas with 10 sec. left in 3 of their 4 losses…and that Dirk Nowitzki shot free throws to take lead in their last possession of each of those games. Why is that ok? Why isn’t there any effort to call the NBA out on those calls? However, when it comes to a call against the Mavs, then and only then will you see Cuban complaining. If he were really interested in making officiating better in the NBA he would be talking about those calls against the Spurs too!! But I guess Bruce Bowen really did foul Dirk with 7 seconds left in Game 3. Mark, you have absolutely no credibility anymore.

    Comment by Tony Kylitis — June 21, 2006 @ 11:18 pm

  309. Ryan Downey, He got to the line bc hes faster and smarter than all the Mav defenders!! If you knw anyhting about basketball, you know the quicker more agile player will always get the calls. He’s not as quick as Harris, but he was smarter. Harris is still a dumb Kid, FACE it Wade is the future and at only 24 …sscary!!!

    Comment by Jason Cormier — June 21, 2006 @ 11:18 pm

  310. You guys who think Mark is not a great owner are totally missing the point…he cares so much about his players, and the team in general. We will never probably have to worry about a sub 50 win team being put on the floor…

    Comment by Ryan Downey — June 21, 2006 @ 11:20 pm

  311. Anybody who thinks that Stoudemire…coming back will be the SAME player as before his injury..WRONG.
    Look at what happened to Chris Webber..after the SAME injury…Amare will never be the same..sorry. He will never have the mobility again…look what happened when he tried to come back to soon.
    The mavs wont make it again either…
    anyway..
    Lakers in 08….KG will probably join the lakers soon!

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 11:21 pm

  312. I agree, there will never be another Jordan. Those three can ball, but it takes alot more that than to get anywhere near the respect that Jordan commanded in the league. He had class. Those three come off as spoiled punks.

    Jordan also played the game in the days when you had to have real talent to pull through. It wasn’t enough back then just to pounce into the nearest defender to get to the line like today’s superstars do – he earned his points and his greatness. The league now changes the rules to make it seem like today’s players have that kind of talent. Well guess what, some of us are not impressed.

    Comment by Keith — June 21, 2006 @ 11:24 pm

  313. Ditto on the never another MJ!Never ever never.

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 11:25 pm

  314. The Bill Simmons article was spot on. The NBA (at least the playoffs and finals) have become less about competition of the game of basketball and more about the competition of getting to the foul line. I lost interest in the series as it went on. It’s just not fun to watch. It’s just not the best product the NBA can be putting out there.

    Comment by David — June 21, 2006 @ 11:27 pm

  315. Ditto on the never another MJ!Never ever never.

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 11:27 pm

  316. If I had my choice:

    1) Kobe: He can make a shot anywhere on the court
    2) LeBron: He’s faster than lightning for a big guy. He has no supporting cast, and made it to round 2.
    3) Wade: He’s proven he’s a winner, but he has more supporting cast also. I actually went to game 1 and he really did impress me too.

    Comment by Ryan Downey — June 21, 2006 @ 11:28 pm

  317. The Bill Simmons article was spot on. The NBA (at least the playoffs and finals) have become less about competition of the game of basketball and more about the competition of getting to the foul line. I lost interest in the series as it went on. It’s just not fun to watch. It’s just not the best product the NBA can be putting out there.

    Comment by David — June 21, 2006 @ 11:28 pm

  318. Keith your jealousy is so obvious. You dont know what your even talking about!! It takes talent, strength, smarts, and quickness to get to teh free throw line. Karl Malone come to mond as the all time FT attmpts champ. If the MAv defender cant get therer quick enough they either blocked him or reached in(harrris Photo with hand on his Arm!!)

    Comment by Jason Cormier — June 21, 2006 @ 11:28 pm

  319. Ditto on the never another MJ!Never ever never.

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 11:28 pm

  320. One man team ehh
    1. Posey takes 14 off fouls
    2. Udonis Haslim come up with 5 critcal off rebounds/putbacks
    3. Gary Payton hits game winner in g 4
    4. Posey sticks knife with that three in g6
    5. Shaq helped spread the floor
    6. Alonzo Mourning had a freaking Block Partty. man those blocks were dam sweet!!!!

    on eman team my ass

    Comment by Jason Cormier — June 21, 2006 @ 11:32 pm

  321. http://i5.tinypic.com/14vmbte.jpg

    Here go to this link and debate this photo. Should shut all you Mav Crybabies up

    Comment by Jason Cormier — June 21, 2006 @ 11:33 pm

  322. Top 10 reason the Mavs Didn’t win the title

    10) Greed. You should have just been happy when you broke the .500 mark years ago
    9) Roger Clemens was still retired 8) Everything is bigger in Texas including choking
    7) Two cities in Texas with championships is enough; three’s a crowd.
    6) Cuban can’t afford the fine he would get for winning the Larry O’brian trophy
    5) Riley had on his lucky hair spray
    4) If only they could aquire a guy by the name of Steve Nash
    3) You can’t have your best player getting pumped up by listening to David Hasselhoff
    2) The road to the championship was rigged
    1) Karma.

    if you think you have a better top ten send them to doug.towsley@gmail.com… I would like to hear them

    Comment by DT — June 21, 2006 @ 11:33 pm

  323. Note to Ryan Downey:
    Wade made it to the Semi’s his ROOKIE season, with roughly the same team that Lebron has now.
    Just thought that might be important to you in your Fantasy draft.

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 11:35 pm

  324. YOUR BLOCK = OUR FOUL

    http://www.riggednba.com

    Comment by Bball Lover — June 21, 2006 @ 11:36 pm

  325. Wade got the championship, the MVP and his cover on the Wheaties box.

    Nuff Said

    Comment by WADE — June 21, 2006 @ 11:37 pm

  326. The point on those three never meeting Jordan’t level of greatness goes way beyond talent on the court. Jordan was a great player – but he was a mature and respectable role model too. Those three (and most in the league) have a considerable aount of growing up to do before they come anwhere near the great MJ.

    As far as calling out the “blurbs of greatness” for the rest of the Miami team, trust me, their glimmers will be forgotten. Wade is the only one who will be remembered from this one. In a couple years, you will think back to this posting and realize how right I was.

    Comment by Keith — June 21, 2006 @ 11:41 pm

  327. mark, snap out ot it man. start posting to YOUR blog. we know it hurts, but do not hold it in or it will destroy you. we all breathlessly await your next blog gem.

    Comment by doug — June 21, 2006 @ 11:42 pm

  328. Props go to Cuban for putting a good team together along with his desire to win. But he crosses the line at times and can also hurt his team more then helps. What is staring down the Commish going to accomplish? And what about his Letterman appearence? He has every right to sit in the front row and cheer, but does he have to be in the huddle?

    It’s funny how he has no problems throwing away millions of $$$ for fines, but when it came tiem to pay Nash what he deserved he put his wallet away.

    Yes, Nash is slightly past his prime(even though he just won another MVP), but its not the stats that Dallas needs, it a leader. One that doesn’t throw tantrums when thing don’t go your way (this could be describing Cuban or Nowitzki, take your pick)

    Comment by Rick in Phoenix — June 21, 2006 @ 11:42 pm

  329. Oh stop it with the foul! It was a foul, the Mavs know it was a foul. I didn’t agree with the Stack suspension,but it’s not like he was that impressive in Games 4 or 6 anyway. Is there no other subject besides fouls and the magic bullet?

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 11:42 pm

  330. KEITH!!!I THINK Poseys CLUTCH THREE POINTER WILL ALWAYS BE IN my memories WHEN I THINK OF THIS CHAMPIONSHIP. I SAW THE HEARTS OF MAVS FANS DROP TO THE FLOOR on that very shot. hahahahahah. AND IM AN UNBiased canadian form Victoria bc

    Comment by Jason Cormier — June 21, 2006 @ 11:45 pm

  331. Believe it or not, I am not a Mavs or Heat fan – I live in Minnesota. When I started watching the finals I actually wanted Miami to win – mainly because I was disgusted with some of the disprespectable comments Cuban made about San Antonio. When I felt Dallas was getting a raw deal, my choice for winner changed.

    Comment by Keith — June 21, 2006 @ 11:50 pm

  332. Sorry Cowboys,gotta go watch DWade on Letterman. So hard being the 3rd/4th(maybe even 5th?) player in the league. Gosh, I can only imagine what Kobe’s schedule must be like for the summer.

    Comment by afequiere24@yahoo.com — June 21, 2006 @ 11:50 pm

  333. THANK YOU to the NBA for making the post-season not only relevant, but appointment television again. The last couple of months have restored my faith in the game I grew up watching as a Celtics fan in Boston and have struggled to watch as a reluctant citizen of Atlanta for the past few years.

    Mark – do you have any brothers or cousins or clones out there that can buy up other NBA franchises so the enthusiasm you bring can spread elsewhere?

    Comment by Mike Knight — June 21, 2006 @ 9:40 am

  334. This has been one of the most exciting years of watching NBA basketball in my life! I want to thank all of you for giving us such a great experience. You guys are the BEST and I can’t wait til next year. Everyone on that Mavs team is a MVP in my book…..plus Avery & Co. Having Avery has given this team a HUGE boost…you can see the love between he and his guys..and the respect they have for him. I’m so proud of them all…..and I’m a little sad it’s over for now. You can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be the first one there, when the doors open!!! Dallas Mavs…you are the winners…..we all know it!!!!!!!

    Mark…thanks for all you’ve done for this club. It’s come a long way baby!!!

    til next year…..
    LOTS OF LOVE FROM A MAVS FAN !!

    Comment by Sophie — June 21, 2006 @ 9:41 am

  335. Jordan?????? Okay Dwayne Wade had a good series. He made some amazing shots. The shots he didn’t make always seemed to be followed by a whistle. If I hear this guy compared to Jordan one more time I’m going to throw up. NO ONE, I repeat, NO ONE is as good a Michael Jordan. Why can’t the NBA be like MLB and celebrate and turn their history into players of mythical proportions instead of trying to find the next Jordan. Does the MLB say that this guy or that guy is the next Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron or Bob Gibson or Ozzie Smith or Mickey Mantle? Hell no. They almost guard the great names of their sport and there is no name that should be guarded more in basketball than Jordan.

    Wade had four good games. A good portion of his points came from the NBA….er…..um… the foul line. When he changes the way the game is played, when his team wins more than 70 games in a single season, when he has six rings. Call me. Four games, although good, doesn’t mean anything. Shawn Bradley had four good games but I don’t see his lanky disproportioned outline gracing the sides of basketball shoes

    Comment by Grant — June 21, 2006 @ 9:44 am

  336. I wont waste too much time because this comment probably won’t make it through the “screen,” but here goes…You had a good season Mavs, but unlike the Heat, Spurs, and Pistons, you did not have a great season. Sour grapes taste good, but not as good as the taste of victory. Texas is Spurs country! Three…zero…three…zero…three…zero.

    Comment by James the Pessimist — June 21, 2006 @ 9:45 am

  337. I wont waste too much time because this comment probably won’t make it through the “screen,” but here goes…You had a good season Mavs, but unlike the Heat, Spurs, and Pistons, you did not have a great season. Sour grapes taste good, but not as good as the taste of victory. Texas is Spurs country! Three…zero…three…zero…three…zero.

    Comment by James the Pessimist — June 21, 2006 @ 9:45 am

  338. I wont waste too much time because this comment probably won’t make it through the “screen,” but here goes…You had a good season Mavs, but unlike the Heat, Spurs, and Pistons, you did not have a great season. Sour grapes taste good, but not as good as the taste of victory. Texas is Spurs country! Three…zero…three…zero…three…zero.

    Comment by James the Pessimist — June 21, 2006 @ 9:45 am

  339. give it up, Mark.

    Wade was the best player on the court, yes…but clutch performances by Walker, Haslem, Mourning and Posey were every bit as vital to your team’s choke. The Heat had a MUCH BETTER TEAM EFFORT than your guys.

    Comment by Tim — June 21, 2006 @ 9:48 am

  340. Im continually distressed not by david stern or the officiating, but by the mavericks fans and owner that have the nerve to call themselves “adults.” how every mavericks fan here can continue to stress how dwyane wade is a one man show when it was antoine walkers brilliance that got them through most of the pistons series, and an incredible 2 man job of james posey and udonis haslem that kept dirk from doing anything special in these finals. I would like to see some class shown by a mavericks fan, at least one. Hopefully that one fan can be Mark Cuban. The officiating isnt making the nba look bad, its the poor sportsmanship, its the cry baby antics of running on the court throwing a temper tantrum like a kindergardener who doesnt get what he wants and throwing excercise bikes against the wall after you miss the freethrows that would have won game 5 for dallas.
    Bill Simmons isnt a “basketball prophet” he’s an economic thinker. There was a demand for someone with media power to take the mavericks cause with officiating, and he simply wrote an article to provide the supply. What mavericks fans should keep in mind that no amount of officiating can change the fact taht the mavs blew three double digit leads (games 3, 5, &6). they cant change that Dirk couldnt come through as the man to lead the mavericks. and they cant change that the mavericks “enlightened” style of play ran out of breath after 2 games and 3 quarters. These are the isses the maverick loyal need to look at in preparation for next season, not spend a summer whining about how they gave it their best and Mr. Stern took it away. Because the only place its gotten the team so far is a lonely night in dallas talking about how it MUST be a conspiracy, whereas the heat can celebrate coming back to win a series where just last week the dallas parade was already being planned.
    the mavericsk have noone to blame but themselves, and if theres a shred of decency left in teh program, they’ll give it up to their opponents.

    Comment by vlad — June 21, 2006 @ 9:49 am

  341. Mark, I truely admire your tenacity to always get better and have an ultra competitive attitude. But sometimes I feel that you are trying to back-up your team way too much. Like giving them a reason other than their own performance that they lost. Maybe if you had said, “we suck, period”, it might have lit a fire with the Mavs players. I know it’s not what the typical owner says but you are not a typical owner.

    I don’t know how this goes down with the business side of things but everyone in the world, except in Dallas, hates the Mavs.

    Comment by Ray — June 21, 2006 @ 9:49 am

  342. Mark there is only one thing I can say to you get a point guard that makes your team better and is a leader. Heat could have been beaten with one. Dirk is a great leader but he doesn’t bring the ball up the floor. Guys that lead, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Gary Payton, Jason Williams (although a little wild at times), Baron Davis, and Derek Fisher even if the last two are getting long in the tooth. You need a point guard that makes the players around him play better. I would love a response if you would be kind enough to give me one Mark.

    Cheers.

    Comment by Ed — June 21, 2006 @ 9:50 am

  343. The apocalypse is now…Heat Win!!! Heat Win!!!

    Mark, See you at the parade on Friday. Go Heat!!!

    Comment by Roby — June 21, 2006 @ 9:50 am

  344. Bah!

    Growing up in Chicago and watching the Bulls win all those championships, there were times I was convinced the game was rigged in favor of the Bull’s opponents (ie…the NBA was growing tired of the Bulls winning it all every year).

    It’s not rigged. It is the belief that it is rigged because you want your team to win it so badly. Refs make mistakes, the NBA doesn’t endorse – nor ever could – instant replay for such a fast-paced sport, and the refs are human – only three people to manage a stage of 10 players each doing their own thing.

    The Mavs gave away the games – Howard’s “Chris Webber-ish” timeout, Nowitski’s ill-fated pass to Dampier – it was there for the taking, it’s just that the other team did the taking.

    But you want to believe it’s rigged when you want your team to win it so badly…been there.

    Comment by DP — June 21, 2006 @ 9:50 am

  345. Regardless of whether Dirk or Terry had a good game is irrelevant as other teammates stepped up to that occasion. In my opinion the officiating was less than desirable. Nobody could even get close to Wade without that whistle blowing. And the fact that Wade’s percentage at the line is very high helps tremendously. I’ve never seen where a player can throw an elbow and the guy on the receiving end winds up with the foul. Pathetic.

    Comment by Brad — June 21, 2006 @ 9:51 am

  346. Cuban how about you stop crying and give props to Miami, I mean they beat you 4 straight. Plus the formula for winning is to have the best player on your side. Jordan with the bulls, Shaq with the Lakers, Wade with Miami. Maybe if you weren’t such a dumb ass and kept your star, Nash, you would be alot happier right now…possibly with 2 rings!

    Goooooo HEAT!!!!

    Comment by rV — June 21, 2006 @ 9:51 am

  347. Wade is not the next Jordan. You can not expect a player to carry a team his whole career it will not happen. wait until next year. Love the mavs no matter what great season guys. we will be back!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by trish — June 21, 2006 @ 9:51 am

  348. Being from Texas I should’ve rooted for the Mavs to win the championship, but I couldn’t bring myself to become part of the whining. It all started when derogatory remarks were made about the Spurs and the Riverwalk area. I thought “what kind of class is this?” And after watching the Heat seal their victory last night I was absolutely appalled at the behavior of the fans. GROW UP!!!! There’s a lot of talant on the Maverick’s team and I enjoy Avery Johnson – kudos to him for bringing his team so far. Maybe once all the excuses and whining come to end, things will settle down and the appropriate personnel can take a hard serious look at what went wrong…aside from the weather, bad refs, the NBA commissioner, etc.

    Comment by Janet Rannefeld — June 21, 2006 @ 9:52 am

  349. I would just like to say to everyone it was NOT the Mavericks who planned the parade it was the stupid City Council!!!! That is not the first dumb thing they have done.

    And to the Spurs fans. Quit crying. I know I as a Mavs fan rooted for you. But I am a Texas girl and if my hometown can’t go I want my State to represent.

    Keep your heads up MAVS!! We will be back

    Comment by Kim RIos — June 21, 2006 @ 9:53 am

  350. Memo to Dirk: Don’t pass the ball to Dampier 20 ft from the basket with less than a minute left in the game.

    Cuban should buy Dirk an iPod and fill it with Hasselhoff songs that he can listen to during the timeouts. Maybe that would have calmed his nerves and he wouldn’t have disappeared.

    I thought you guys had finally gotten over the hump, but some things never change, and you went back to being the same old Mavs. Almost getting it done, but then end up pulling the trigger on themselves.

    Comment by Travis — June 21, 2006 @ 9:56 am

  351. Mark:

    Great season. Now, let’s make some great movies! It’ll be a nice distraction until next season.

    Comment by Steve Marra — June 21, 2006 @ 9:57 am

  352. THANK YOU to the NBA for making the post-season not only relevant, but appointment television again. The last couple of months have restored my faith in the game I grew up watching as a Celtics fan in Boston and have struggled to watch as a reluctant citizen of Atlanta for the past few years.

    Mark – do you have any brothers or cousins or clones out there that can buy up other NBA franchises so the enthusiasm you bring can spread elsewhere?

    Comment by Mike Knight — June 21, 2006 @ 9:57 am

  353. My favorite line from the article “That was a totally legal foul” what an idiot. The word foul implies that something incorrect or illegal has happened and that foul of Stackhouse on Shaq (excessive or not) was a foul and there was NOTHING legal about it.

    My favorite response that sums up the article…
    “The Mavs are a great team. Wade is a great player. And that’s the difference. ” So how great is a team that can be defeated by on player?

    I am a die hard Spurs fan and I was mortified when Ginobili decided to play hero and block Dirk’s driving dunk with a Spurs 3 point lead in the closing seconds of game 7. But I decided to root for the Mavs anyway because they were representing the Western Conference and they were from Texas. Then something happened, the Dallas organization disrespected the enitre playoff series, which has been spectacular to say the least, with their incessant whining. At first I thought it was just karma coming back on the Mavs and that they would make it through. Whether Mavs fans, players or coaches agree the Mavs were the benefit of many questionable calls in the Spurs series. Dampier and Diop bumped and battered Duncan to the tune of 8 whistled fouls per game on average between just them two. That doesn’t include the rest of the team or the calls that weren’t made. Or how about the foul Terry got against Ginobili when he stopped pentetration looked back for Ginobili then jumped backwards into him to try and draw contact then made the bucket and got the call. It left Tim Duncan complaining after every no call and even led Del Harris to scream at him “Quit whining, you are better than that!” Was it karma, where are you Del? I don’t see you telling Nowitzki to shut up and play, I didn’t see you educating Harris on the sidelines after his temper tanturm on the floor during game 7, or Terry after his game 6 flop when he couldn’t defend Wade with his “Jet” arms stiff defensive tactics and wanted to scream foul instead of giving pursuit.

    In the end, the Mavs got what they deserved based on their play in the finals, SECOND PLACE and by doing that let down the team that dethroned the defending champions. The finals should be labeled “The Tale of Three Teams” The Heat, The Mavs and The Heartless Whiners. I can’t wait for next season…Go Spurs Go

    Comment by Go Spurs Go — June 21, 2006 @ 9:58 am

  354. Mark,

    Maybe shining the light on yourself is a calculated strategy to take some of the pressure from your team. I’d caution you that it is backfiring terribly, as evidenced by the results. I think you get a pass for now because you seem like a fun-loving guy who is enjoying his wealth. Sort of an “everyman” billionaire, if there is such a thing. As you get older though, just watch out that you don’t become like Al Davis, George Steinbrenner or Jerry Jones. The game is about the players and what happens on the court. You should stay off of it.

    Comment by Chris — June 21, 2006 @ 9:58 am

  355. Perception.
    Big word NBA, there is a perception that the game is fixed.
    Mark, great season for both our Team and you.
    Keep working on getting the perception of the game being rigged fixed.

    Comment by Jim — June 21, 2006 @ 9:59 am

  356. What a season the MAVS had. I dont care that the Miami are the champions because they are not worthy one. You cannot be a champion from the freethrow line. A champion alternates the Basketball from his right hand to the left hand while airborne. I hope that when Miami submits their finger sizes for the rings, that they incluse Joe Derosa and Stu Jackson’s finger sizes.

    Comment by Mogesi — June 21, 2006 @ 10:00 am

  357. Video for Game 5 whiners, just something to clear your mind:
    http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/nbatv/nunn_insiders_060620.asx

    and still if you have complains against refs.. something more to read:
    http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=bayless/060519

    In the end.. The Better Team Won it ALL

    Comment by HeatRULE — June 21, 2006 @ 9:59 am

  358. Sorry about the disappointing ending to the season. You are the best owner in the league. I only wish you owned my favorite team, the Boston Celtics.

    Comment by Dan — June 21, 2006 @ 10:01 am

  359. I think the Mavericks and the Heat are both good teams. That’s right good teams. Basketball in the USA has declined at every level. Our college players were deemed useless for international competition and then we sent the professionals and the results were the same. Don’t get me wrong, the NBA has the greatest athletes in the world but not necessarily the greatest basketball players. As far as the debate over the NBA finals, it was enjoyable to watch average teams play a good series. Hats off to Nowitzki and Wade; they are two of the NBA’s most humble and repsectable superstars.

    Comment by Mickey — June 21, 2006 @ 10:03 am

  360. The NBA is now a joke I would like my money from the last twenty years of buying tickets, jerseys, cards, etc… returned. Yes the games are fixed Simmons was correct the heat were handed three games in the Finals.
    Yes Dallas could have won them but the refs are the ones that didn’t let the players play and yes Stern is to blame he is a marketer and a salesmanfor the NBA, nothing more, no sense of the game or of competition. I have loved the sport since I can remember but no more not at a professional level.
    Sports are supposed to be enertaining yes, but the proffesional sports are not sports enertainment, that is wrestling and crap like that, pro sports are supposed to be enertaining due to the competition, fair competition the best, hardest working, strong willed win, no B.S. But it is no longer as such and hasn’t been for a while but these finals were rigged; a sports sin that is a sin abve all others and cannot be forgiven so I am done with you MR. Cuban, your team, the players,the league and any of it’s players or affiliates and I urge all others to do the same. If you want some basketball watch the H.S. or College kids, better yet go to the park and start a game because the shit you have seen the last two weeks sure as hell was not it.

    Comment by Kyle — June 21, 2006 @ 10:04 am

  361. lets see…..the Heat get three double-doubles ON THE ROAD. Simmons needs not worry about the future of the NBA’s style of play. The TEAM that played better won.

    Comment by Tim — June 21, 2006 @ 10:04 am

  362. WAHH! we choked and now we’re blaming the refs because we got beat in 4-straight games WAHH!

    How are the permits for the parade coming along?

    Comment by hydra — June 21, 2006 @ 10:07 am

  363. Mark,

    With comments like these, you need a hero, but Simmons is not it.

    “I can’t think of anything funnier than a 3-year-old cursing.” “Me, I couldn’t think of anything I would rather see and hear. But that’s me.”

    “You can make me a transsexual to put me in that situation any time you want.”

    Maybe Pat Riley, Rudy T, Greg Popovich, Phil Jackson, or anyone who IS a winner would be a better hero.

    How do you look in the mirror and be happy with what you see?

    Comment by BobbyC — June 21, 2006 @ 10:11 am

  364. When Dywane Wade drove to the hole and blatently pushed off Dirk with his off arm to free himself for a shot and actually got a whistle in his favor, I knew it was a wrap for the Mavs. It reminded me specifically of Jordans crossover against poor Byron Russell (you know, the one where he crossed him over and pushed him to the floor with his off hand to make the foul line jumper that won the game). It was “kingmaker” time and the refs clearly had to choose one over the other. There is no doubt in my mind that in the Dirk/Wade mtachup, in the refs clouded minds, Wade won everytime. In the freaking PLAYGROUND, Wade would not have called the foul for HIMSELF!

    For all the people that say “calls go both ways”, yeah they do, but some calls clearly swing the outcome of games, especially in the last half of the fourth quarter. That is supposed to be the winning time, where ballers get to man up and make buckets or go home, where the “no blood no foul” rules take over. This ticky-tack bulls*it disgusts me, and I think it ruins the integrity of the game.

    Stop fronting, Dallas CLEARLY has the better crew, top to bottom, just not better storylines and more marketable players. Refs from the Rucker would have done a better job…and they surely would not have called that crap at the end of Game 6.

    I’ll forget the Heat are NBA champs in a few weeks, but I’ll never forget how the Mavs got jobbed.

    Comment by Chizz44 — June 21, 2006 @ 10:12 am

  365. I don’t understand how Dirk Nowitski can stop dribbling the ball at the center court and run to the basket for a lay up and NEVER be called for traveling…back in the day it was referred to as walking.
    Mike

    Comment by Mike — June 21, 2006 @ 10:13 am

  366. Mark, I have to say I’ve never watched basketball until this season. You have not only brought a team up who was the butt of jokes in the NBA to playing in the finals, but you helped make the game interesting. I can’t wait until next season. I have to say my husband probably thought I was nuts yelling, screaming, and jumping up and down on the couch last night at the game. I’m dissapointed we lost. We need to watch those fouls. That’s what did it. I look forward to seeing a team next year who’s ready to give it their all. Keep up the good work and nevermind those assholes who try to keep you down. Remember: A calling is only great when greatly pursued. You fit that number. Thanks for a great season!!!! Go Mavs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Condi — June 21, 2006 @ 10:15 am

  367. The mavs fans at basketballboards.net look forward to next season.

    Bottom line is that we are still the Western Conference Champions.

    Keep your chin up and keep on fighting!

    Comment by EdwardCYH — June 21, 2006 @ 10:16 am

  368. hey mark I guess you couldn’t decide which was your worse loss becasue it had not happened at that point in time. Now it has, so now you know.
    Go Mavs.

    Comment by doug — June 21, 2006 @ 10:16 am

  369. Congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes on winning the Stanley Cup! Now those are real athletes playing a real man’s sport where no one player is bigger than the team. Nor is any one owner bigger than the game itself. May hockey reign forever!

    Comment by Richard Petty — June 21, 2006 @ 10:17 am

  370. Wade pushed off on Dirk. Perhaps

    But Dirk sealed his own fate by coming up SMALL IN CLUTCH TIME……0-4 in the 4th quarter of an elimination game.

    Dirk needs to look in the mirror, not the replay, to see why the Mavs choked

    Comment by Tim — June 21, 2006 @ 10:17 am

  371. You choked. All of you. I hope you enjoyed this season, because you’ll never get to the finals again. I can’t stop laughing. It’s great to see Dallas whine and cry so much, exactly what you accuse other teams of doing. I really can’t stop laughing. This is a great day. *sigh* Classic. I love it!

    Comment by Juliana — June 21, 2006 @ 10:19 am

  372. Bill Simmons really did write a good article there. It sure makes me feel a bit better after last nights B.S. fest!

    Comment by Josh — June 21, 2006 @ 11:26 am

  373. Mark – Thanks for another great season of entertainment and watching some amazing atheletes play their hearts out for over 100 games. Looking back, anyone that thought the Mavericks would get to the NBA Finals back in November is lying to you – no one had you guys there. Everyone had San Antonio and Detroit in the Finals. At the end of day only one team wins their last game and this year Miami was destined to win it. Amazing to think that this was Avery’s first full year as coach and developing Dirk into a better player. As you mentioned earlier in the year, the Mavericks have one of the youngest teams in the league and the team will only get better.I think this year shows the end of the 1990s style of basketball and usher in a new era of up tempo basketball instead of the slugfest that bored the fans to death the last 15 years. That’s what the Mavericks proved this year – that their style of play can in fact get to the championship level. Thanks for bringing the fun back to the league.

    Comment by Shake — June 21, 2006 @ 11:27 am

  374. Hey Eric…..You still dont have a championship!

    You lost to a better team.

    Maybe you can enter the International League of Haters and get yourself a championship.

    Comment by SC — June 21, 2006 @ 11:27 am

  375. Yes, the Mavs are young and have talent, but blaming the officials when they let the championship get away – NO excuse.

    Mr. Cuban does more with his mouth and his bad attitude to hurt his team than help it. Okay, he’s rich and a fan, as well as an owner – does he have to show a lack of class and dignity, too? Sir, you remind me of John McEnroe (sp) of tennis in the 80’s.

    I feel the same way for the crybaby who punted the basketball, and knocked over the exercise bike – today’s stars are overpaid babies who need to try growing up…mentally.

    You Dallas fans want something to feel bad about, think about the families of those poor Soldiers who knew nothing but torture and agony…before they really died. Think of the brave men and women putting their butts on the line every day. Sorry…it’s still nothing but a GAME…

    Comment by CAREY, U.S. ARMY — June 21, 2006 @ 11:28 am

  376. I have to say that I am EXTREMELY DISGUSTED. I am a diehard Mavs fan. MFFL. That said, the fans at the game last night should never be allowed to attend another sporting event outside of their childrens little league games. YOU DO NOT BOO DURING CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY PRESENTATIONS. YOU DO NOT BOO DURING MVP TROPHY PRESENTATIONS. What the hell is wrong with you rich, corporate idiots? Hell, even if Dallas had somehow won the series DWade should have gotten the freakin MVP. You people give the passionate blue collar sports fans in Dallas a bad image and I am ashamed of each and every one of you who stayed for the presentation. Where was all that noise DURING the game. There were times on tv I could hear the video crews chewing their “build your own” nachos. Yes, I am dissapointed the Mavs didn’t win. But I am disgusted with the people at the game. I shouldn’t call them fans. Hell, only 1/8 of them were season ticket holders. Horrible display folks. Congratulations to the Heat. That was unbelievable, 4 in a row. Nicely done. DWade is unreal. And the officiating was as good as it has been this postseason. The game was called well.

    Comment by MavsFanForLife (Go Cuban) — June 21, 2006 @ 11:28 am

  377. Well the league has been set back years I suppose. Boo hoo! You and Bill Simmons can go talk about how the Heat just ruined the league by putting the smack down on your Mavs 4 straight!

    Comment by Alex Grosholz — June 21, 2006 @ 11:28 am

  378. wow, you people are crazy. Wade is amazing and so is Nowitzski…lay off the kool-aid kid. Miami won cause they were the better team, it’s really that simple.

    Comment by Billy — June 21, 2006 @ 11:28 am

  379. AMEN, BILL SIMMONS
    The NBA thanks they have found a superstar that they can market because he is young and can sell jerseys and what is the best way to promote him? Let him score whatever way possible and that includes giving him the calls to send him to the line. Plus, they had to win the title to make him legitimate. The NBA could not do it with Vince Carter and Kobe wound up in court….so now there is Wade. The NBA also knows it can’t promote Dirk because he is German and doesn’t relate to the average fan. Dirk will sell jerseys in Dallas but know where else. Wade will get shoe deals and everything else…unless he starts to get hurt and slow down then he needs to move over for LeBron

    Comment by CHRIS — June 21, 2006 @ 11:29 am

  380. AMEN, BILL SIMMONS
    The NBA thanks they have found a superstar that they can market because he is young and can sell jerseys and what is the best way to promote him? Let him score whatever way possible and that includes giving him the calls to send him to the line. Plus, they had to win the title to make him legitimate. The NBA could not do it with Vince Carter and Kobe wound up in court….so now there is Wade. The NBA also knows it can’t promote Dirk because he is German and doesn’t relate to the average fan. Dirk will sell jerseys in Dallas but know where else. Wade will get shoe deals and everything else…unless he starts to get hurt and slow down then he needs to move over for LeBron

    Comment by CHRIS — June 21, 2006 @ 11:29 am

  381. While it would have been great to see Dallas win, especially after Miami got so lucky with the Piston’s implosion, I’m glad it’s over. Why am I glad it’s over? Because Dwayne Wade can now get his apparent inner ear problem taken care of. I mean, there’s no other explanation for falling over that much.

    Comment by DotCom — June 21, 2006 @ 11:31 am

  382. This is the best article I have read in years. I’m neither a mavs nor a heat fan but it puts a whole new perspective on what is going on behind the scenes in the NBA. Someone needs to start taking a little responsibility. I have remembered in the past (last year) Detroit receiving the same treatment that miami has this year. Market size should have nothing to do with success.

    Comment by ryan — June 21, 2006 @ 11:31 am

  383. Yo Eric…..We did land on the moon, Elvis is Dead, There is no Loch Ness Monster, and the sky is not falling.

    Nowitzki is also NOT the MVP.

    I also hate to break the news to you that the Easter Bunny, Santa, and the Tooth Fairy…all those guys aren’t real either.

    Comment by SC — June 21, 2006 @ 11:32 am

  384. MARK, face it, your team was good, but not great. No heart, no determination. Good job celebrating and think you guys have a 3-0 lead in the 4th quarter of game 3. I guess Dirk and company forgot about flash and diesel. Johnson was crying like a big mofo after game 4 instead of preparing his team. Classless. But I didn’t really expect class from these Mavs fan anyway. It’s nice of you to applaud for the heat, didn’t know if it was from your heart though.

    Comment by Miami HEAT CRAZY!! — June 21, 2006 @ 11:33 am

  385. Isn’t there a Micky Arison blog you fu$kers can go play around on??? Oh…guess not…

    Comment by Josh — June 21, 2006 @ 11:33 am

  386. mavs suck aZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

    Comment by williep — June 21, 2006 @ 11:33 am

  387. Eric … Scoreboard!

    Comment by Freaky Smooth — June 21, 2006 @ 11:33 am

  388. Mr. Cuban,

    I’d be the first to admit that I’m not a diehard Mavs fan- I’m from Houston and still have some bitterness from last year.

    However, since I read a Sports Illustrated article on you back in High School you have been a personal hero of mine. I love the way you run the Mavs, and I love the team you’ve put together. I don’t think people realize how much you’ve given to the Mavs- right down to the vistitor amenities. Heat fans can complain about your managerial style, but I venture to say that none of the heat players were complaining as they dried off with your hotel style towels after their little victory party.

    Anyways, congratulations on a great season, on choosing a great coach, and on taking that last game in stride.

    Good luck in the draft. Next year is yours.

    Comment by Ryan Stephen — June 21, 2006 @ 11:34 am

  389. i have to admit, i’ve ragged on cuban alot in here because, well personally he seems like a big whiner. but it was a class act on his part clapping for the heat and not kicking a chair into the stands like i expected.

    also, how about blogging some kudos for miami. who knows… maybe DWADE will end up playing for you some day.

    Comment by hahahaha — June 21, 2006 @ 11:34 am

  390. Re Bill’s article … Wade is Heat’s weapon, if Mavs had a Wade, then O would be focused around him. Also, Mavs play a team game without a single go-to, superstar player; hence their O is built around that. Chicago had Jordan, Lakers Magic, etc. and same strategy there.

    ABC did try to portray a Heat Championship around Wade as being the MVP, even prior to winning it. The media always has a spin.

    I was happy for Payton, Walker, Morning and Wade. Common, Shaq and Riley don’t need more … those 2 are just trying to add to their marketability.

    Yes, it’s true; after Jordan’s departure, the NBA is looking for another saviour … a person or a team. Let’s just say the NBA needs a USP (Unique Selling Product / Person / Personnel).

    The Mavs did blow point and game leads to lose this series, and they had (potentially) 4 games at home.

    About Mark … you care about your team, unlike the other stoggy owners you just sit around in their boxes, er, “think inside their box”. And despite all your fines, you received a lot of PR around that and your style of play, which is great ROI for you and your businesses.

    Good luck next year Mavs … you guys are creative in both work and play.

    Cheers,
    mb.

    Comment by mb — June 21, 2006 @ 11:34 am

  391. Hey, Mark and Mavs….I was really pulling for you – since you represent the lone star state but after seeing Cubans’ temper tantrums and his classic 5-year old move of the eyes turning up I was throughly embarassed. At the very least the Spurs don’t say much and that makes them boring in most NBA fans eyes but for the mavs to talk out of their own a**s and motivate the Heat just proves your teams inability to put up or shut up. Maybe we can burn the pacifiers and baby bibs and try your hand at the western conference next year. GROW UP – The way you beat the refs is to….SCORE MORE POINTS.

    Comment by Eva Hernandez — June 21, 2006 @ 11:35 am

  392. For all you who are concerned with the refereeing, take a look at post no. 448 above!

    Comment by JerryG — June 21, 2006 @ 11:35 am

  393. Fuck, that was an awesome article. Thanks Mark. Hope to see the Mavs in next year’s finals.

    Comment by klaus — June 21, 2006 @ 11:35 am

  394. Charley Rosen sums up Dallas’ problem:

    “Mainly because, deep in the secret places of their individual hearts and souls, the Mavs don’t believe in each other.”

    http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5715680

    That’s an indictment of Cuban’s lack of ability to build a team with chemistry. He only knows how to spend money, and that’s why his teams will always collapse like Paul Allen’s Blazers did (cf., 2000 Western Conf Finals).

    Money can’t buy you a championship, dude.

    Comment by Kevin — June 21, 2006 @ 11:36 am

  395. Hey Mark:

    I’m gonna head on over to that “filthy dirty trashy Riverwalk” and scoop out a nice big jar of that filthy water for you to drink with all that crow you’re gonna be eating for a long long time !!!

    Might help with your dehydration after the big LOSER parade you’re hosting.. You have got to be the NBA’s JOKE of the Century !!!!!!

    And PLEASE do not bring Avery Johnson down to your white-trash level. He went there with class, please let him leave there at least a hint of it.

    Comment by Janet Carter — June 21, 2006 @ 11:36 am

  396. HEAT FAN, FINALLY, SOMEONE ELSE WHO FEELS THE SAME WAY I DO ABOUT THE SPURS SERIES (entry 461) I am in complete agreement with you on the Mavs getting all the calls in that series. The Mave should not have even been in the finals!!! Plain and Simple!!!

    Comment by Andrea — June 21, 2006 @ 11:37 am

  397. Still no Championships, what a bunch of losers. Get back to me when you guys actually do something meanigfull in the NBA. Laker fan for life!!!!

    Comment by Parker Dressler — June 21, 2006 @ 11:37 am

  398. Re Bill’s article … Wade is Heat’s weapon, if Mavs had a Wade, then O would be focused around him. Also, Mavs play a team game without a single go-to, superstar player; hence their O is built around that. Chicago had Jordan, Lakers Magic, etc. and same strategy there.

    ABC did try to portray a Heat Championship around Wade as being the MVP, even prior to winning it. The media always has a spin.

    I was happy for Payton, Walker, Morning and Wade. Common, Shaq and Riley don’t need more … those 2 are just trying to add to their marketability.

    Yes, it’s true; after Jordan’s departure, the NBA is looking for another saviour … a person or a team. Let’s just say the NBA needs a USP (Unique Selling Product / Person / Personnel).

    The Mavs did blow point and game leads to lose this series, and they had (potentially) 4 games at home.

    About Mark … you care about your team, unlike the other stoggy owners you just sit around in their boxes, er, “think inside their box”. And despite all your fines, you received a lot of PR around that and your style of play, which is great ROI for you and your businesses.

    Good luck next year Mavs … you guys are creative in both work and play.

    Cheers,
    mb.

    Comment by mb — June 21, 2006 @ 11:38 am

  399. dallas is unworthy of any championship with fans like you guys. crying for everything… bunch of wusses. HEAT ARE CHAMPIONS….THEY BEAT YOUR TEAM 4 IN A ROW… THAT’S SAD! WADE IS MVP. HE COULD BEAT YOUR SORRY ASS TEAM BY HIMSELF AND YOU GUYS CAN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. GO HEAT. LOOKS LIKE YOU GUYS ARE GONNA HAVE TO THROW A PARADE FOR SOMETHING ELSE LOLOLOLLLLLL……… HAAAAAAAAAAAAA LOLOLOLOLOL
    MIAMI HEAT N.1 … THIS IS A MAN’S GAME FOR ALL YOU WUSSES THAT COMPLAIN ABOUT FOULS THERE’S ALWAYS THE WNBA FOR YA. DALLAS GOT TO THE FINALS BY LUCK NO OTHER EXPLANATION. THEY WON’T MAKE IT TO THE FINALS NEXT YR

    Comment by eli — June 21, 2006 @ 11:39 am

  400. Great Article. Regardless, congratulations to the Heat and their fans. Also, it was still a great season, and a great playoff ride. No doubt the Mavs will be back in the Finals next year.

    Comment by Ernie Flores — June 21, 2006 @ 11:39 am

  401. I am proud to say that I am still a Dallas Mavericks fan because of their heart. I really feel that we will be back in it next year because of your ownership and love of the game. I just hope that the league figures out the ref. situation before then. Thanks for a great year and Go Mavs.

    Comment by Lance — June 21, 2006 @ 11:39 am

  402. Hi Mark,

    Tough deal last night. Sorry. I love Avery and I think you have a great team. You’ll be back.

    I read the Simmons article yesterday. Though the foul situation was one-sided, Wade was a lot more aggressive than the Mavs were. Same thing last night. Jump shooting teams always suffer in the playoffs because they don’t get the calls. Why not? Because they don’t go to the cup. Perhaps this is the peril of building the team around a European player?

    Unrelated question: What does the NBA do with the fine money? Do they donate it to a charity? It would be lame to find out that it just goes into some NBA kitty at the local bank.

    Comment by Brian — June 21, 2006 @ 11:41 am

  403. Re Bill’s article … Wade is Heat’s weapon, if Mavs had a Wade, then O would be focused around him. Also, Mavs play a team game without a single go-to, superstar player; hence their O is built around that. Chicago had Jordan, Lakers Magic, etc. and same strategy there.

    ABC did try to portray a Heat Championship around Wade as being the MVP, even prior to winning it. The media always has a spin.

    I was happy for Payton, Walker, Morning and Wade. Common, Shaq and Riley don’t need more … those 2 are just trying to add to their marketability.

    Yes, it’s true; after Jordan’s departure, the NBA is looking for another saviour … a person or a team. Let’s just say the NBA needs a USP (Unique Selling Product / Person / Personnel).

    The Mavs did blow point and game leads to lose this series, and they had (potentially) 4 games at home.

    About Mark … you care about your team, unlike the other stoggy owners you just sit around in their boxes, er, “think inside their box”. And despite all your fines, you received a lot of PR around that and your style of play, which is great ROI for you and your businesses.

    Good luck next year Mavs … you guys are creative in both work and play.

    Cheers,
    mb.

    Comment by mb — June 21, 2006 @ 11:41 am

  404. ERIC….NEWS FLASH: D-WADE: 43PTS DIRK:20 PTS DWADE=MVP…

    Comment by eli — June 21, 2006 @ 11:43 am

  405. Keep campaigning to improve the NBA. Any dedicated fan of an NBA team sees the bias that is so evident on the part of select referees. Who knows if they get direction to do these things or if it is done independently, but it is the leagues responsibility to fix it. Unfortunately it is many of the most experienced refs who practice the bias.

    David Stern seems to have become with the NBA somewhat like Juan Antonio Samaranch became as President of the International Olympic Committee — non-responsive to criticisms of the league and an expert at silencing internal criticisms. Long term it is not healthy for an organization to be lead by such an individual. Fairness is critical in all sports and Stern as head of the league must be relentless in seeing it is delivered.

    Comment by DJ — June 21, 2006 @ 11:43 am

  406. Let me start out by saying thanks- for this blog. It isnt often that a fan gets to tell an owner that hes the gayest guy ever. LOL. You cost your team the Championship by your big sausage sucking mouth. Even a novice spectator can see that the Mavs were way off their game in game 6, a home game mind you. That is why REAL owners who are professionals, keep their mouths shut and stay out of the spotlight for the sake up their teams. You didnt see Micky Arrison whining and bitching after the Heat went down 0-2. The Heat deserved to win and more importantly, Mark Cuban deserves to lose. Thats the bottom line. So stay on your stairmaster this summer. Youre gonna need to firm up back their because you know that Dirk likes it tight!!
    GO HEAT!!!!

    Comment by RIch T — June 21, 2006 @ 11:44 am

  407. I am in complete shock! Wade is a great player, so give him his credit. I did not hear anyone complain when Dirk took approximately 25 free throws against the Spurs. Get over it! The better team won the series. Spurs will take it next year.

    Comment by Cordero Montoya — June 21, 2006 @ 11:45 am

  408. Dallas has a Superstar also… What did he do? take controll of the game like Wade did? no… he could not… not enough Heart… you can make all the faces hitting a lucky out of balance fade away, and then Push a hard nose player in the back on his shot and then Cry , Why did you call that?? Get over it… if you all woulda stopped complaing after Game 3, you may have won this Title….

    PS.. thanks for the Rule changes Mark… the ones you spoke about on Letterman… yep.. Thanks..

    GL NEXT MAVS FANS>…

    Comment by Carlos — June 21, 2006 @ 11:46 am

  409. WADE IS NOT ANOTHER ARMSTRONG. YOU LOOSER MAVS FANS CAN SET AROUND ALL SUMMER ABOUT SHOULD OF COULD OF WOULD OF, MEANWHILE I HAVE A PARADE IN MIAMI TO GO TO.
    PS-IN ABOUT 10 MORE YEARS WE’LL ALL BE COMPARIN WADE TO MJ LEGITAMATLY, WHILE THE MAVS STILL WON’T HAVE A TITLE. ALSO IS IT ME OR DOES DIRK LOOK LIKE MISS KRAUSE FROM THE TV SHOW “BENSON”

    Comment by HEATSTA BILL — June 21, 2006 @ 11:47 am

  410. Only one thing will be remembered, and rightly so after the Mavericks collapse: Cuban and the Mavericks LOST. Plain and simple. I’m sick of all the excuses, you got outplayed in games 3-6.

    Your pathetic hack-a-shaq backfired, your defense was sub-par (except for fleeting moments), and you let an almost rookie dominate your whole team while double and triple teaming him.

    Take a few aspirin, go to bed, and beginning tomorrow, start thinking about how you can bring some strong defense and committment to the games next year.

    This year was a good starting point, build on it and quit complaining. We are all sick of the whiners.

    Comment by diehardlakerfan — June 21, 2006 @ 11:47 am

  411. DALLAS IS THE 2006 NBA CHAMPIONS IN MY MIND AND IN 13 BILLION PPL’S MINDS. ALL YOU HATERS CAN GET OUT OF HERE. BLOG “MAVERICK”, NOT BLOG HEAT

    Comment by Eric — June 21, 2006 @ 11:48 am

  412. Chris, let me get this right. So NBA officials meet in a room, one of them says “I think we can market Dwayne Wade! Let’s call up all the officials…. Hello officials, we can market Dwayne Wade make sure he gets to the foul line 25 times a game.” True the NBA relies on marketing their players and has done a better job of it then any other sport, but you can’t be serious. Why would they not want to market Dirk? Why is Dirk not marketable? Not only could Dirk be marketed well in the States but he has an advantage in the overseas market i.e. Yao Ming. This also gets into the recent debate of NBA players being “from the streets” and this not relating too many of the viewers, which I don’t really agree with, but I can see where the argument comes from. This also plays into Dirk’s favor; you don’t think the NBA wants a “White Poster Boy?” a next Larry Bird? Even Larry Bird said that the NBA needs a “white” superstar, and Dirk and Nash are those guys right now. This being said Dirk needs to act like a superstar, take over a game. He is a 6′11″ powerhouse that can shoot from the outside; there is no reason why he shouldn’t be scoring 45 a game.

    I was a Mavericks fan but all of their whining, excuses, and Dirks reaction after game five they are my least favorite team in the NBA and rank up there with the Yankees as top organizations that need to re-evaluate their complaining.

    Comment by Matt — June 21, 2006 @ 11:49 am

  413. This is for post 431. Yes everyone seen the tug of the jersey that Payton did on Terry but that was before he was even going to take a shot, I have dvr so I just watched it over again and terry to 2 steps after the tug and then took the shot. So lets say the ref called a foul so then what Terry goes to the line and takes 2 shots with 1.8 on the clock big deal you still dont tie and you only hope that he misses and you get a put back and still then its only tied and then I can see it the refs called a foul so you guys could not win. Its the same story all over again you still cry about the refs. Its not Miami’s fault you star player played like crap in the 4thQ looking like a guy trying to just pass the ball and not take the shot. And terry wow he talked alot of smack then he didnt do shit in this game I guess he really came from a ATL hawks team cause it shows alot of smack but no show. And a guy said something bout the rucker, do you think Dirk could ever play there? cause this guy looked good but he has no heart shit man drive the lane in the 4th. I played basketball in Germany and this is how most players from Germany are they dont drive the lane more pull up shooters. So everyone can cry on hear about how you were robbed but I didnt hear one heat player complain about the officials when they lost the first 2 games. Your team just got a beat down in game 4 and a beat down it was. After game 4 I knew this series was over. And on stackhouse anytime you do a football move in the NBA your going to get the 1 game off, I mean haslem threw his mouth piece and got 1 game off I didnt hear any heat fans cry about it. Not all but some Dallas fans take your loss and be proud your team got through SA for the first time. You all should be proud and have a parade like you planned after game 2 lol sorry had to add that. You have a great owner and a alot of good fans who dont cry about everything.

    Comment by Chris Rotten Crotch — June 21, 2006 @ 11:49 am

  414. The NBA, it’s BADTASTIC!

    Seriously, that was the worst thing I think I have ever witnessed, in any sport. That is aside from that useless referee in the US World Cup game the other day. At least that didn’t cost the game or cup, so far. The instances of what I refer to as “NBA fouls” far outweighed the real fouls. The worst part is now we have to listen to stories about how great Wade was throughout the series and his wonderful scoring average and his blah blah blah.

    Bottom Line – The fix was in. Sorry Mark, but that little bastard is never gonna let you win a title in Dallas. Do me a favor and buy the KNICKS from douche Dolan. That way it would be in Stern’s interest to let you build a championship!!

    BUYTHEKNICKSCUBAN.com – not a real site, yet…

    Comment by Ryan — June 21, 2006 @ 11:51 am

  415. Chris, let me get this right. So NBA officials meet in a room, one of them says “I think we can market Dwayne Wade! Let’s call up all the officials…. Hello officials, we can market Dwayne Wade make sure he gets to the foul line 25 times a game.” True the NBA relies on marketing their players and has done a better job of it then any other sport, but you can’t be serious. Why would they not want to market Dirk? Why is Dirk not marketable? Not only could Dirk be marketed well in the States but he has an advantage in the overseas market i.e. Yao Ming. This also gets into the recent debate of NBA players being “from the streets” and this not relating too many of the viewers, which I don’t really agree with, but I can see where the argument comes from. This also plays into Dirk’s favor; you don’t think the NBA wants a “White Poster Boy?” a next Larry Bird? Even Larry Bird said that the NBA needs a “white” superstar, and Dirk and Nash are those guys right now. This being said Dirk needs to act like a superstar, take over a game. He is a 6′11″ powerhouse that can shoot from the outside; there is no reason why he shouldn’t be scoring 45 a game.

    I was a Mavericks fan but all of their whining, excuses, and Dirks reaction after game five they are my least favorite team in the NBA and rank up there with the Yankees as top organizations that need to re-evaluate their complaining.

    Comment by Matt — June 21, 2006 @ 11:51 am

  416. Eric, get your head out of your ass, and wake up, the real world is calling, maybe you should answer!!!! HELLO THIS IS THE 2006 NBA CHAMPIONS, THE MIAMI HEAT, HOW CAN I HELP YOU???

    Comment by Andrea — June 21, 2006 @ 11:51 am

  417. Just to say a couple things…

    HEAT are World Chaampions, Dirk threw it away to Dampier, and Jason Terry missed a crucial shot and yes if payton grabbed his jersey than it would have 2 free throws….

    Next Wade is not a ball hognotice the 5 assists… You guys arent even complaing about refs ur basically saying Dwyane Wade was to good forus!!! In a crucial situation why should he pass when u guys cant guard him…I mean just because you guys dont have that go-to-guy doesnt mean you have to blame the other teams best player…

    Lastly, when the heat went down 0-2 they were saying that they were disgusted with THERE OWN polay. Dallas after losing 2 in a row said they were disgusted with everything other than there play!!!

    HEAT WORLD CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by James — June 21, 2006 @ 11:52 am

  418. I am sorry Eric, but they are not. Whenever you lose 4 straight, there is a problem. Great comment Janet!

    Comment by Cordero Montoya — June 21, 2006 @ 11:52 am

  419. Cuban, you’re an idiot and a sore loser.

    GO HEAT!!!

    Maybe more time on the treadmill next time, you might’ve been able to guard Wade…because none of your players could.

    Comment by Dave — June 21, 2006 @ 11:52 am

  420. It’s still unbelievable Wade got the calls on the road after all the controversy surrounding game 5. Every time I turned around he was on the free throw line. Some were legit but most weren’t (See the charging play against Devin). And where were the refs on the last play when Miami had a handful of Terry’s jersey?

    People will say Wade’s numbers were great but they were greatly inflated. The refs essentially handed him 18-20 points at the start of every game. Game 6 had yet another free throw disparity – Wade shot 2 fewer free throws than then entire Dallas roster (21 to 23).

    Next Jordan? Doubtful. Jordan worked for his status. The NBA handed Wade his because they are continually searching for a new face and the next best thing. Wade needed to be legit so league assisted in the Heat getting their “title”. No wonder the NBA continually turns away a new fan base every year. People never see any consistency in what the NBA does other than pushing for the next Jordan.

    Congrats Mavs on a wonderful season. We can’t wait til next year. We love you!

    Comment by Jared M — June 21, 2006 @ 11:52 am

  421. This is the best article I have read in years. I’m neither a mavs nor a heat fan but it puts a whole new perspective on what is going on behind the scenes in the NBA. Someone needs to start taking a little responsibility. I have remembered in the past (last year) Detroit receiving the same treatment that miami has this year. Market size should have nothing to do with success.

    Comment by ryan — June 21, 2006 @ 11:53 am

  422. OH MY GOD….what a bunch of cry babies!!! Oficitating does not make you lose 4 games in a row. Just admit your whole organization blew it thinking the series was over when you where up 2-0. Planning parades, going on Leterman talking SWEEP,SWEEP,SWEEP. You brought this upon yourself!

    Go by a pacifier Dallas Fans!!!!

    MIAMI HEAT 05/06 NBA CHAMPIONS

    Comment by HeatFan — June 21, 2006 @ 11:53 am

  423. Wow, will the whining ever stop? Miami Heat, 2006 NBA Champions! Face facts, the better team won, the game is won on the court, not in the media with whining about the refs.

    Comment by Classless Stackhouse — June 21, 2006 @ 11:54 am

  424. And you still dont have a championship…..

    Comment by SC — June 21, 2006 @ 11:54 am

  425. BUYTHEKNICKSCUBAN.com!!!!!

    Comment by Ryan — June 21, 2006 @ 11:55 am

  426. Wade drove at will. He got fouled several times. He deserves the attempts he got. Dirk took tons of free throws against the Spurs, so stop complaining. A superstar was born last night! He is not Jordan, but a hell of a player.

    Comment by Cordero Montoya — June 21, 2006 @ 11:57 am

  427. Laptop broken???? Only own one, cannot borrow one……only option an internet cafe? hahaha.You went into hiding after the first loss, just like your team. Could not have happened to nicer fellow……it’s called Karma
    dude.

    Comment by Travis — June 21, 2006 @ 11:57 am

  428. Post 499 by Jarred your a real winner check out the stats from all of jordan’s finals this guy was on the line more than Johnny Cash look up the stats then make a post dont be a idiot your whole life. When you make a comment get your facts right. Infact Jordan led the whole league almost every year he played look that up 2

    Comment by Chris Rotten Crotch — June 21, 2006 @ 11:57 am

  429. “He is a 6′11″ powerhouse that can shoot from the outside; there is no reason why he shouldn’t be scoring 45 a game.”
    Miami molested him everytime he had the ball but fouls were hardly ever called. If he got the preferential treatment Wade did he’d have 45 easily.

    “I was a Mavericks fan but all of their whining, excuses, and Dirks reaction after game five they are my least favorite team in the NBA and rank up there with the Yankees as top organizations that need to re-evaluate their complaining.”

    Bye!

    Comment by Jared M — June 21, 2006 @ 11:58 am

  430. Eric,
    Keep dreaming. you need to be institutionalized, for lack of accepting reality. Is the dallas trophy in you mind too? Too bad cause no one else can see it.
    WADE = MVP
    HEAT = 2006 NBA CHAMPIONS

    Stop whining.
    Get over it.

    Avery rules, I love hime, but hate Cuban for his mouth.

    Hey Mark SHUT UP FOR ONCE!

    Comment by scon — June 21, 2006 @ 11:58 am

  431. Laptop broken???? Only own one, cannot borrow one……only option an internet cafe? hahaha.You went into hiding after the first loss, just like your team. Could not have happened to nicer fellow……it’s called Karma
    dude.

    Comment by Travis — June 21, 2006 @ 11:58 am

  432. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT ABOUT D. WADE, BUT I AM AFRAID THAT I MIGHT GET CALLED FOR A FOUL!!!!

    MARK CUBAN PAID FOR MIAMI’S CHAMPIONSHIP WITH THAT 250,000 FINE. ALL THE NBA DOES IS RECYCLE MONEY.

    I WILL NEVER WATCH ANOTHER NBA GAME AGAIN. THE NBA IS ALL ABOUT THE BLOODY DOLLAR! THE NBA FELT THAT D-WADE WAS MUCH MORE MARKETABLE THAN ANYONE ON THE DALLAS TEAM.

    DALLAS KEEP YOUR HEADS UP. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT YOU WERE THE BETTER TEAM. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT D-WADE IS ON A TEAM WITH A BUNCH OF LOOSERS!

    DALLAS WILL BE BACK!!!!!!!

    AT LEAST I ENJOYED STACKHOUSE DROPPING THE WANNA BE COP AKA SHAQ TO THE FLOOR. I LOVED IT!!!

    Comment by tracy — June 21, 2006 @ 2:33 pm

  433. I love good NBA playoff basketball. As a Piston’s fan I wasn’t rooting for either Miami or Dallas in the finals. I just wanted to see good competitive, athletic basketball played at its highest level. Let the best team win. These finals left a bad taste in my mouth. I can’t accept that Miami – the more physical team who’s obvious strategy was to intimidate Dallas with hard fouls – had so many fewer fouls called against it. And I can’t accept the Stackhouse suspension. I hope the owners wake up and get rid of David Stearn ASAP. He is, wittingly or unwittingly, destroying the integrity of the game.

    Comment by Darryl Paffenroth — June 21, 2006 @ 2:35 pm

  434. Ive been a mavs fan for as long as i can remember and this has to be the biggest choke I have ever seen. MAVS CHOKE MAVS CHOKE MAVS CHOKE was all i saw in my dreams last night. If this was our time and our team to win it, then they will never be back in finals, at least not in my lifetime. I hope Avery does win a title, he is gonna be a good coach, but he will never win 1 here with a mediocre player like Dirk and streaky players like Jet and J.Howard. Defense can be taught, but HEART and TOUGHNESS have to come from within. Yes it was a nice season, and you can all say maybe next year, but that is loser talk and you know it. I hope you enjoyed the ride that was this season, because it will never happen again. Say goodbye to all the suporting cast that in the end couldnt support, say goodbye to the nba finals which we’ll never see again, say goodbye Terry, say goodbye to D.Armstrong, say goodbye to Stackhouse, say goodbye to J.Howard if he gets offered the right amount of money, and say hello to being the little team that just couldnt. Hey, isnt that San Antonio and Phoenix I hear laughing as they prepare to put us in our place next year. Hello mediocrity, hello 4th best in our DIVISION, hello ’90s all over again. Avery, get out while you can!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by mavschoke — June 21, 2006 @ 2:35 pm

  435. nah, you all are just pathetic losers. all this whining and bitching about referees. saying mavs are the best yet they have to hack-a-shack so the heat won’t comeback… even though they still did. maybe they should place dallas in WNBA instead so you guys won’t cry so much. interesting note… miami probably didn’t play their best game last night from the 3-pt line (2 for 16) and they still beat your sorry asses.

    dallas is unworthy of any championship with fans like you guys. crying for everything… bunch of wusses. HEAT ARE CHAMPIONS….THEY BEAT YOUR TEAM 4 IN A ROW… THAT’S SAD! WADE IS MVP. HE COULD BEAT YOUR SORRY ASS TEAM BY HIMSELF AND YOU GUYS CAN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. GO HEAT. LOOKS LIKE YOU GUYS ARE GONNA HAVE TO THROW A PARADE FOR SOMETHING ELSE LOLOLOLLLLLL……… HAAAAAAAAAAAAA LOLOLOLOLOL
    MIAMI HEAT N.1 … THIS IS A MAN’S GAME FOR ALL YOU WUSSES THAT COMPLAIN ABOUT FOULS THERE’S ALWAYS THE WNBA FOR YA. DALLAS GOT TO THE FINALS BY LUCK NO OTHER EXPLANATION. THEY WON’T MAKE IT TO THE FINALS NEXT YR

    Comment by eli — June 21, 2006 @ 2:35 pm

  436. Get rid of the refs and call your own fouls, like the ol’ skool days at the park. If the refs are so bad, do it yourselves. I’ll be glad to attend an NBA game if that was the case. I am sick of the NBA because can lose on their own accord anymore. Hockey, with more contact and more gray-area calls, is way more respectful to its fans and officials. They don’t whine after losing; when you look at all the opportunities a team has to win a game (like making shots or free throws) during the course of a game, then to throw the monkey on one call or two is classic whining. Then again, Americans have never taken responsibility for their own actions. We are the most lawyer-happy nation on Earth. Why? Because it’s never OUR fault, but someone else’s.

    I wouldn’t be surprised if someone filed a lawsuit against refs because they don’t like their calls. That would be so American.

    Comment by oedipus — June 21, 2006 @ 2:35 pm

  437. MARC CUBAN IS AN HONEST PERSON AND THE NBA CAN’T ACCEPT THE FACT THAT HE TELLS IT LIKE IT IS.

    MARC CUBAN, KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING?

    Comment by tracy — June 21, 2006 @ 2:36 pm

  438. The Mavs, from the owner to the coach to the team, Dirk the Jerk most particularly, will go down as the WHINIEST BABIES IN THE HISTORY OF TEAM SPORTS.

    THEY DESERVED TO LOSE.

    Oh Mark, by the way, don’t forget to call Laura Miller and cancel the parade!!!

    Comment by Mike Geele — June 21, 2006 @ 2:37 pm

  439. Mark, Please buy my Knicks away from James Dolan. Thanks, Jon

    Comment by Jon Harpula — June 21, 2006 @ 2:38 pm

  440. check out who really won the title…

    http://www.miami.com/multimedia/miami/sports/archive/heat/05-06/wallpaper/1152mavssix1.jpg

    Comment by #1 Mavs fan — June 21, 2006 @ 2:38 pm

  441. Great post Art. Finally, someone who “gets” it.

    Dwyane Wade is not the “chosen one”, if Dirk had been more aggressive instead of disappearing, we might have seen a different outcome.

    Comment by MadDog73 — June 21, 2006 @ 2:38 pm

  442. The NBA is not destined for failure or is not rigged! Dwyane Wade took more fouls shots because he was the individual on the floor who truly wanted the “ring” by aggressively attacking the basket. Dallas took too many crazy shots that resulted in Wade points.

    Comment by Shawn Wiederin — June 21, 2006 @ 2:39 pm

  443. Mr. Cuban,

    Stop being the Jerry Jones of the NBA. You were more of a distraction to your team than a benefit. Congrats on beating the Spurs in the playoff series. I’ll hand letter a posterboard that says “We beat the Spurs in 2006″ for you to put in your trophy case. Meanwhile, we’ll just sit by our “muddy-ass river” drinking margaritas and admiring the three (3) O’Brien trophies we’ve already won. You’re a punk and a clown and proof that money can’t buy class. Karma, baby.

    Spurs Fan For Life

    Comment by SFFL — June 21, 2006 @ 2:40 pm

  444. yesterday, when dwyane wade reaced out with his right arm, and cleared dirk out, a clear offensive foul i thought justice might finally be served in this series, i am not even a dallas mavericks fan, i am a Lakers fan, but yesterday when that foul went AGAINST dirk, i cried for basketball and mavericks fans alike, its a pity this year the championship was decided by possibly two games of the worst officiating i’ve ever seen in a row.

    Comment by Arpan Patel — June 21, 2006 @ 2:40 pm

  445. There was only one Cuban crying in Miami last night!!!
    GOOOOO HEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Rory Sparrow — June 21, 2006 @ 2:40 pm

  446. being aggressive is part of being a good player….Dirk is not aggressive…nor is he anywhere nearly as talented as Wade…

    Comment by #1 Heat fan — June 21, 2006 @ 2:41 pm

  447. Unfortunately for the Mavs they took on the personality and undisciplined approach of their owner Mark Cuban. Even Avery turned into a whiner. Cuban insists on being the center of attention to the detriment of the game and his very own team.

    For all the good Cuban does he kills it with his antics and self promotion. He’s a 10 year old that owns the only ball in the neighborhood. Things are great when they’re out front but when the pressure is on we saw the real personality of this team and its owner come out. Cuban took his ball and ran.

    Anyone who gets a kick out of “listening to 3 year olds cursing” is morally bankrupt.

    RIP Mavs

    Comment by Scott — June 21, 2006 @ 2:43 pm

  448. Let’s look at ourselves honestly…

    I especially liked the part about Cuban going on Letterman. And let’s not forget Cuban “wanting” to play the Heat. I believe this was a fatal mentality. The Mavs thought they already won the championship after they beat the Spurs, and maybe even more so after games 1 & 2. It seemed the Heat knew this was a long series. That directly relates to Riley.

    Then there is the moaning about officiating. Sure, missed/bad calls can come at crucial situations. However, refs have never won or lost a game for any team. I know there was a big defference in the number of free throws. But we didn’t seem to be bothered when Dirk made 20+ free throws against the Spurs. I guess we “just got fouled more” in that game. Just seems a little hypocritcal to me.

    And that thing about “uglying up” basketball. As Mavs fans we aren’t concerned with the “state of the game.” I think we might all be in agreement on this…I will take an “ugly” 2006 NBA champions trophy over a “pretty” 2006 Western Coference Champions trophy any day.

    I think the Mavs orginization/fans learned a severe, yet valuable lesson on what it takes to win the whole thing. As a Mavs fan this will be fuel for next year. We have a great young team. Nothing is for certain. We have key free agents, Phoenix gets Amare back (that’s frightening), the Spurs will make their roster adjustments (they always do) and let’s not rule out the rise of the Clips.

    Lessons learned…Let’s go in 2007

    Comment by mavsguy29 — June 21, 2006 @ 2:44 pm

  449. Hey Tracy, #663. You posted the same garbage on the OffTopic forums and got blasted for your ignorance. How funny to see you take your song your dance to a more friendly forum. Too bad a more friendly forum didn’t help the Mavricks any, huh? Well, too bad for you anyways.

    You complained about the final calls, now you have 2 pictures that show you what happened and that they were both fouls. You got the call in Spurs series with less contact, while Dirk was still backing Bowen down. Stop whining, if you aren’t going to watch anymore don’t. All that will do is spare us your idiotic tyrades.

    Comment by James Young — June 21, 2006 @ 2:44 pm

  450. The only thing that brings a smile to my face, is knowing that Mark Cuban still does not know what a championship feels like. HaHa Cuban… The Riverwalk may be muddy, but it’s because of all the traffic created from all the Championship parades we have on it… but I guess you’ll never know! You crybaby! You and your conspiracy theories and your loud mouth only make you look like an ass, and ultimately bring a curse to your team. I am glad you have a bitter taste in your mouth today, cuz that’s all that comes out of your mouth. I only wish Avery did not have to coach your sorry team. But I guess wanting to know what a Championship feels like when you watch the Spurs collect them, you did the next best thing… you hired a Spur with a championship ring. So tally hoo Cuban. I hope the Heat dancin on your floor last night gives you nightmares!

    Comment by Joey — June 21, 2006 @ 2:45 pm

  451. WOW, I don’t know who talks more crap, Cuban or the Mavs fans.

    Stop whining and accept it you lost to a better team.

    GO HEAT!!!!!!

    Comment by House — June 21, 2006 @ 2:46 pm

  452. Dont worry Mavs, this is just the begining. You will have even worse season ending soon with great owner and wonderful whining strategies.

    But dont worry I know it’s never your fault :)

    ->ESPN: What was the Mavs’ downfall?
    Shanoff: Whining. It was the refs. It was the league. It was the hotel. It was the exercise bike. It was everything but the Mavs’ own fault, apparently. As soon as they pushed responsibility for the series’ outcome on external factors, they were in trouble. < -

    oh, and Cubes, still if you think that you are always right then check this Video out from Director of Officials Ronnie Nunn looks at some of the close calls from the end of Game 5.

    http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/nbatv/nunn_insiders_060620.asx

    Still dont believe it? Then keep whining for few more season when you’ll see other teams holding up the championship trophy..

    Good Luck

    Comment by HeatRULE — June 21, 2006 @ 2:46 pm

  453. the mavs lost the series when after game 2 the dallas mayor announced plans for the victory parade including times, dates, and routes. and also when mr cuban announced on david letterman that all the mavs had to do was win 1 in miami and 1 at home to wrap up the series.

    the mav players read and saw this and subconsiously relaxed a little and lost their edge and pat riley who is a master motivator made sure to rub the newspaper articles etc burying the heat in his players face.

    the heat players responded and upped their game, the mav players responded and lowered their game and the rest is history

    i hate that it happened but it did. here is hoping the players, the city, and the owner learn from this and take it to a new level next year and remember to respect their opponents and save their visions of grandeur to themselves until after the job is completed!

    i have been and will always be a mavs fan. mr cuban has done a very good job as has avery and the coaching staff.

    onward and upward!

    Comment by duane sparkman — June 21, 2006 @ 2:46 pm

  454. First of all the better team did not win this series. The best team had the series jacked from them. You heat fans talk about dallas being whinners. Listening to all you miserable little bitches whine about mark is great. You just got the championship handed to you on a silver platter, and where are yall at??? Your on Mark’s blog bitching. Cuban OWNS the heat fans. Hey alex, get a job….Go Mavs

    Comment by kenny — June 21, 2006 @ 2:47 pm

  455. Dirk No”trophy”ski choked and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer owner.

    Comment by Chris — June 21, 2006 @ 2:48 pm

  456. It seems to me that all Mavs fans are crying and Heat fans are complaining about the crying. So what about the neutral fans? Most neutral fans I have heard from say that d.wade got special treatment. It’s not like Bill Simmons is on the Mavs payroll. I want all neutral fans to put themselves in a Mavs fan’s position and say to themselves “would I disagree with that call if it were my team?”….Hell yeah you would. I am also a big STARS fan. When they lost to NJ in the cup finals, I can honestly say they were outplayed. I wish that were the case this year with the Mavs. As far as the San Antonio fans go……….where do you think we learned the whining from? Just observe Tim Duncan during every game and every call against him.

    Comment by Kenneth Pickerill — June 21, 2006 @ 2:48 pm

  457. A scan of the comments posted herein seem off topic.

    This is not an NBA Finals message board. Although this is the blog of Mavs owner Mark Cuban, in it he covers a broad range of topics.

    Let’s stay focused. It’s not about Dirk or Dwyane. It’s about Mark Cuban.

    –

    Mark Cuban is a dot com ignoramus, and as such follows every good decision with ten poor ones.

    Comment by Dan Hardie — June 21, 2006 @ 2:49 pm

  458. Mark, I would love to just give you a pat on the back. I’m a life long Dallas fan, and i just want to say Thank You. You have done an outstanding job. You gave all of us MFFL something we never knew if we would see, a trip to the big show. We are a young team and we will be back. You and the boys keep taking steps forward and you will get the trophy and the ring. BESIDES, WE DID GREAT CONSIDERING WE HAD TO PLAY THE HEAT, THE REF’S, AND THE LEAGUE. Keep your chin up Mr. Cuban, you are the man!

    P.S. Regaurdless of a ring or not, WE STILL BEAT THE SPURS! I’ll smile about that all summer!!

    Comment by Clint Vannoy — June 21, 2006 @ 2:50 pm

  459. Me, there is no way I wanted Dallas to win entering this series. You know, because Zo, GP, Riley, shandon anderson were retiring, and they deserve to win the title. I mean it’s like Walter Payton leaving without getting one for himself. It’s just sad, and stupid. Although I DID, have GREAT respect for Dallas players, and even the staff. But now, after all the whining, and cursing about the game, is just made me loose whatever respect I had for them. Espicially Cuban. I still like the players, but the fans, and staff are unbelievable idiots. Just face the facts. DALLAS LOST. Give credit to heat for showing their game out their. If Dallas was truly a better team, they would have won GAME 3, even if all the calls went to Miami. But look at Dallas’s shooting percentages in the next few games, and look at the lead advantages they had. Great teams don’t just leave their plays to take jumpers, and give the lead back it’s just stupid. Although Dirk will alway be one of my favorite players, and Avery Johnson always will be one of my favorite coaches, there is no way I can root for MAVS, after all this whining. It’s just hard to believe

    When the heat lost Game 7 last year in Detroit, did they whine, and say the game was rigged, or the officiating was poor.

    And for all those that say the last play in Game 5 wasn’t a foul on Dwyane, by Harris, or Dirk, is just stupi. There was definitely contact on the play. Dirk pushed him a bit from the back, and Devin Harris tripped him. Either way there should have been a call fouled.

    So there. Have a sportmans like conduct, because there is always next year.

    Comment by sujith MEDARI — June 21, 2006 @ 2:50 pm

  460. Mr. Cuban has left the building.

    Comment by Keith — June 21, 2006 @ 2:53 pm

  461. After I watch the game6. I feel sad because you don’t seem at home this in game.
    But I think next season sitll belong to MAVS.
    Because we have exceptional boss、the best coach and many shining players.
    We jsut short on the champion.
    Althought there is big more’s the pity in the year.
    But i still adhere to the MAVS forever.
    You can get the champion exactly next year,I always believe it!

    Comment by est — June 21, 2006 @ 2:54 pm

  462. I think Simmons is right on target there. Right. On. Target.

    Comment by Jesse — June 21, 2006 @ 2:54 pm

  463. That’s so lame,

    I read that whole article, and all the writer wanted to do was instil his own values and his own beliefs with what the NBA should be. I’m not a journalist but I know they shouldn’t bring their personal politics and beliefs into it.

    Shaq never looks happy on the court, ever. Shaq never really looks happy ever, that is ridiculous to use shaq’s mood as an indicator with how good a team is.

    And comparing this team to the early 90’s? That’s lame. This team is at most a 2000 Spurs team. The author uses different words to describe the same phenomenon. And quite frankly, with Pat Riley as the coach, that makes this team more cutting edge than anyone out there. Blaming Wade’s goodness as the only thing keeping this team winning is ludicrous and maybe the most worthless argumentative point I’ve ever heard. Yeah, if MJ wasn’t so good, the Bulls wouldn’t have won. Now as a Phildelphia fan myself, maybe if Iverson weren’t… Um, yeah.

    Comment by John M — June 21, 2006 @ 2:55 pm

  464. I agree with Justin completely. The Heat won some close games that could have gone either way. Sometimes that says something about character, sometimes it does not. I really mean it, sometimes it is just plain luck. As a Heat fan i am glad the Heat won, but calling it domination or any synonym is as insane as all those conspiracy theories. If one team dominated it was Dallas in the first 2 games.

    I always loved Mark. When Miami was not competitive (sorry Anthony Carter) Mark was my favorite person in the NBA.

    City officials may look bad now but all they did was do their job. What if they had won and there was any last minute problems that could have been resolved in advance? Everybody would be criticizing them for ever doubting.

    Justin, you are also right about how partial every fan is. Somene wrote to Steve Kerr recently to ask why the refs were always against the Pistons while there is that refusuck.org or something like that, saying the same thing about Miami. Have you notice that when they play the replay in the giant screen, even if the fouling boby part doesn’t show, people still boo?

    I don’t believe Riley will get credit as a prophet for saying Dallas has a bright future. Very important Heat players, that were decisive in those close games, will soon retire while there is no reason for Dallas not being the next dynasty.

    Comment by DWC — June 21, 2006 @ 2:58 pm

  465. I love how all the Heat fans come on here to trash talk even after they win the Championship. Can’t you fuckers just be happy that you won without slamming the Mavericks? Didn’t Mark Cuban walk out on the court – OUR HOME COURT – when the game ended and clap to show his congrats to Miami?

    I have two words for the shit talkers in Miami and all the supposed Dallas fans who are now saying the Mavs will never win a title – FUCK OFF!!

    True Mavs fans never give up.

    Comment by NBA (NO BASKETBALL ALLOWED) - ONLY FOULS — June 21, 2006 @ 2:59 pm

  466. Hey Kenny #691,

    The better team is the team that wins, so the better team won. No one is whining about Mark Cuban, people are bashing him (stupidly for the most part), there’s a huge difference. We are world champions, and all the whining and crying will not change the headlines and the record books.

    The reason we’re here is to rub it in, deal with it.

    Comment by James Young — June 21, 2006 @ 2:59 pm

  467. What’s the process for getting rid of Stern? I’m not being cute. Really? I think he’s bad for the game and I’m likely not the only fan of that persuasion.

    Comment by GUNNY HARTMAN — June 21, 2006 @ 2:59 pm

  468. Is there a giant cloud of LSD over Dallas today? Must be as everyone still thinks the Mavs are the best in the league, yet I recall something about Miami winning a game last night. You can guess, photoshop pics, whine, complain, bitch, say it was a paid off set up by the NBA officials and all the other crap you Dallas fans are saying but the bottom line is SIMPLE, you lost and Miami won. If the Mav fans that are reacting this way are an example of “typical Texas Mav fans” I am very glad that I live in Arizona. Lastly, thank you to Mr Cuban for giving all of us this forum, good or bad, right or wrong, we all can say what is on our minds

    Comment by DJ in AZ — June 21, 2006 @ 3:00 pm

  469. Mark, get Ben Wallace!!!

    Comment by Jake from Arlington, TX — June 21, 2006 @ 3:01 pm

  470. I was rooting for Miami to win. Thought I’d throw that out there before making my point ;)

    Mavs complaining about the officiating is more than simple ‘whining’. It sends a message that questionable calls are noticed and refs will be called out on them. Ideally, pointing out the officiating would help balance out the calls some.

    Give both teams credit. Those guys all work harder and sacrifice more than most of us can imagine.

    Dallas definitely is a overall better team…but what can you do when D-Wade hits those spin jump shots so easily with people on him? Maybe answer right back someone who can do the same.

    Comment by Benny Wilson — June 21, 2006 @ 3:02 pm

  471. i heard this guy in a late night show dissing riley about his style of play and steve nash and the championship being in the bag. even donning speedo when recieving from stern the trophy. there goes your pride goeth before destruction. the mavs just blew it big time and lost to a more hungry team. well, mavs will be back next year in the finals- NOT! (heard of suns and spurs?). they just blew their only realistic chance this year. heat may not be there again next year but hey, they got this one. that’s all that matters. kids, how do you spell mavericks?- C-H-O-K-E-R-S

    Comment by jeff — June 21, 2006 @ 5:33 pm

  472. I think that whole series was bull shit. Not because the Heat won, but because of all the bullshit calls Miami got. Stackhouse should NOT have been suspended by the way.. What the hell is the point of a flagrant foul if you’re going to suspend the guy after it? Dallas will be back, and we’re gonna win it too.

    Comment by MAVS OWN — June 21, 2006 @ 11:53 pm

  473. First I’d like to say that I am a huge D. Wade fan and believe that he and LeBron are the new saviors of the NBA, just to get that out of the way.

    All the praise in the world to Dirk, I’ve never been more amazed by a big man in the NBA. Maybe I’m a minority on this, but I’d much rather see a rainbow fadeaway swish from dirk from 15 feet than a monster dunk from shaq. What’s more difficult? I guess they’re both worth the same two points though…

    Mavs fans have all the right in the world to complain, this is sports, and what sport has ever been free from controversy? If the heat had lost game 5 on a “questionable” foul call in the last seconds, miami would’ve been screaming bloody murder. The refs probably wouldn’t have made it out of the building alive. Was it the right call? I thought it was, but then again, I was rooting for wade.

    D. Wade may not be the next Jordan, but he damn sure looked like him in the fourth quarter of every game. That is what dallas lacked, outside of stackhouse, there was no killer instinct in the fourth quarter. In game three, the mavs looked happy to just try and hold onto the lead and waltz to the next game up 3-0. When you have a big lead in the fourth, yes you can try and kill the clock, but still attack at the same time! If there were even 3 controversial calls or fouls in the last 6 minutes of that game, they shouldn’t have even made a difference when you’re up that big. Yes the refs were part of it, but the majority of it was lack of wanting to destroy the other team, not just pull out a win.

    Yes, the mavs were the better “team”, but somehow Wade made himself better than that whole team. He broke triple teams and still scored with ease. He got a lot of calls his way, but he got them by attacking, not lobbing up jumpshots. Wanna talk about the discrepancy in fouls? First let’s count all the intentional fouls that dampier, diop, and mbenga had to do on shaq, that’ll even things out a bit (14 or so each game). Then take a look back at the game and count how many times that dallas attacked the basket and compare it to how many times D. Wade by himself attack the basket. There’s your discrepancy, or lack thereof.

    As for the article, I read it, and I mostly disagree with it being a chicagoan who still gets shivers thinking back on watching the bulls in the NBA finals and just knowing that Jordan would take over when they needed him. Jordan was the greatest thing that ever happened to the NBA. To say that people try to hard to emulate him ruins the game because they start lobbing up “32″ shots a game is terribly mistaken. You brought up Gilbert Arenas and Vince Carter, both who had spectacular years and were both in the playoffs, is that bad basketball? Kobe dropped 81 this year and single-handedly carried his team to a victory, is that bad for the nba? When Dirk dropped 51 points on Phoenix, was that bad basketball? I personally don’t think so, we all need heroes, and I hope the NBA and its fans keeps cheering and applauding these heroes over and over.

    But let’s end on a high note, I personally admire Mark Cuban and the fire he brings to the NBA. I love his rants, and a lot of times agree with his beef with the NBA. So Cuban, keep up what you’re doing (And kudos to you for standing their applauding the heat after they won while the rest of the crowd booed, that showed a lot of class).

    After watching the Mavs play the entire season and the playoffs, don’t complain now, you have the ability to win not one, but MULTIPLE championships in the years to come. From the looks of it, you’re only going to get better. All respect to the dallas fans that don’t look at this year as a failure, but the first step in the creation of a possible dynasty

    Comment by Just A Fan — June 21, 2006 @ 5:35 pm

  474. CHARI #653 SAID IT ALL WHEN SHE SAID THE REFS HAD A HUGE PART IN MIAMI WINNING !!!MIAMI THINKS DALLAS FANS ARE A BUNCH OF WHINERS,WHAT WOULD THEY BE DOING IF THEY HAD LOST?ALOT OF PEOPLE SEEM TO THINK THAT DALLAS WONT BE BACK NEXT YEAR…WRONG!!!!THEY WILL BE BACK AND THEY WILL WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!!!MIAMI SHOULD BE ASHAMED THAT THEY NEEDED THE REFS HELP TO WIN!!!A MAVS FAN WITH OR WITHOUT THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by MARY FROM CORPUS CHRISTI TX. — June 21, 2006 @ 5:36 pm

  475. Mark,

    The shot of you clapping for the victorious Heat after last night’s Game 6 was as classy a thing as I have ever seen.

    I think that most people confuse your passion with cockiness. But, it is just the drive of a competitive, successful person. You love the sport, and that applause showed it.

    I now applaud you!

    Comment by Scott Walker — June 21, 2006 @ 5:37 pm

  476. All this crap about “The Refs-the refs”
    Its gotten so bad that my kids are doing it!
    I tell them “when you play a perfect game and the coach coaches a perfect game- then you can demand that the refs ref a perfect game. Until then you must go out and WIN it without leaving any doubts even inspit of the refs. If you do lose dont cry about.”

    Comment by Stirk — June 21, 2006 @ 5:40 pm

  477. It is easy to be on a high horse when the calls go your way. Had Wade received all the offensive fouls he deserved, and had the Miami team been officiated as harshly as the Dallas team, the Miami Heat Nation would be crying afoul as well. It is easy to say “oh it was fair, quit complaining” when you benefitted from the situation.

    I would like people to go look at the tape of Wade’s game-winning-phantom-foul at the end of Game 5. Compare the contact there to the last shot Jason Terry took in game 6. The Heat defender grabbed and pulled his jersey out of his shorts as he was in the act of shooting. Yet no foul.

    Personally I’m a Celtic fan. But anyone objective and not blinded by loyalty to either organization can clearly see the Mav’s have every right to be angry and feel cheated. If it had gone the other way the Heat would feel the same.

    Comment by puck3939 — June 21, 2006 @ 5:40 pm

  478. I moved back to Texas in 2000. I renewed my passion for basketball when I realized I lived within the vicinity of an NBA team. I’ve watched the Mavs develop and have become a big fan. I get the privilege to see a few games in person every year. I am loyal to the TV on game nights. (Drives my husband crazy.) Thanks for a great season. I still believe.

    Comment by D B — June 21, 2006 @ 5:41 pm

  479. I love how Heat fans have come in here and turned a Mavericks blog into their own Internet playground.

    So. Awesome.

    The Mavericks just didn’t have the will to win. If it is so easy to drive recklessly to the hoop and get fouled, why didn’t any of the Mavericks players do the same thing? It worked against San Antonio and Phoenix. Not against Miami when they had Shaq and Mourning (five blocks in Game 6!!!) back there. This wasn’t about the refs, no matter what your leader would have you believe. This was about the brilliance of the next NBA superstar — Dwyane Wade.

    Comment by Mike Beyer — June 21, 2006 @ 5:42 pm

  480. Simmons’ article was right on. However, I give the Heat credit for executing in the 4th quarter like a team. They did not get lucky shots on scramble plays, they ran their plays and executed. Haslem and Posey hit big shots. It was not just Wade dribbling and the Heat standing around. Wade hustled to the offensive glass and simply outhustled the Mavs.

    Comment by QTLAW — June 21, 2006 @ 5:44 pm

  481. In scanning through the comments up to this point I have done nothing but laugh! Yes, the Heat won 4 games in a row and yes some of the calls were hard to see. We all know this already, but why is it that Heat fans have nothing new or different to say. Most of them gloating and carrying on, name-calling like a bunch of high school girls in the parking lot. And may I just say that if you can’t spell or use correct grammar that no matter what you say, you look silly. With all that being said, it was a great run this year Mavs and I can’t wait to do it again next year!

    Comment by AJB — June 21, 2006 @ 5:44 pm

  482. You also can’t read , can you?

    I am simply asking Mark what he thinks of the notion of people taking responsibility for their own actions…just a general question…I said nothing about him “being strong and noble by not taking responsibility” – this is what you wrote – and that DOESN’T EVEN MAKE ANY SENSE…do you even know what you are trying to say…and again taking an angry tone to a debate is also a sign of a low IQ…

    If I were you, writing these ridiculous comments I would seriously consider an alias.

    By the way I already responded that I am in the witness protection program and am not able to reveal my tru identity…

    Okay Greg – fire back with more name calling and hostility…but at least make sense.

    Comment by Southern Canadian — June 21, 2006 @ 5:46 pm

  483. Is it just me or does ESPN suck? Dan Patrick and Stu “Shifty eye” Scott can both bite me!! Bill Simmons is the only one there with a brain. Mr. Cuban, We all are very proud of you and the team. We beat the real champs “Spurs”. Congrats to the Heat, but they better hurry up and figure out their medicare plans, cause Mr. Riely, Shaq, Payton, and Walker wont get there senior citizens benefits if they dont get that paperwork in on time. Isnt Miami where all the old people live anyway? They wont have to drive far. Besides, its already next season, and this will be the year of the MAV’S. This playoff run was just a warm up for the 8 year run were about to go on! MFFL

    Comment by Clint Vannoy — June 21, 2006 @ 5:47 pm

  484. this is crap, the heat were totally given the title, no disrepects. Bill Simmons article was exactly on the money and i agree with everything he wrote. dwyane wade is a great player, but what i saw in the finals was totally fucked up! the refs were giving him calls to Mavs players who were 3 feet away, as long as he pretended to fall down. Good call Simmons, that’s a hell of a lot more than the calls of the refs

    Comment by keith — June 21, 2006 @ 5:53 pm

  485. Where was all the love when Wade got all the calls in the Conf Finals?

    Detroit bias?

    But it doesn’t matter, there is only one thing that can beat “bad refs” and that’s great defense. If you are too offensive minded, you’ll never win.

    Don’t believe me… ask the Suns

    One more point according to Mark himself it is his fault for the refs creating an environment of “sissy-ball.” So if you don’t like the calls, blame Mark.

    Comment by Justin Young — June 21, 2006 @ 5:54 pm

  486. To Stirk.

    You and Your kids can suck my PERFECT DICK

    Comment by Stirk — June 21, 2006 @ 5:54 pm

  487. OK, I’m a huge Mavs fan, but I have to say, they didn’t deserve to win. After the first 2 games, it just fell apart, and you’ve really got to hand it to Dwayne Wade, because he was the one who turned it around single-handedly. I’m disappointed sure, but I feel that the Mavs are a young team with a bright future, and they had a heck of a run this year. There’s nothing to be sad about here. The only thing that disappoints me is that the Heat weren’t a better team, but Wade was a better player, and with Nowitzki struggling almost the entire series, that was the difference. Please Mark, keep this team together and maybe add something more inside, and this team could easily make it back next year. But you really do have to give it to the Heat though, they played some strong ball down the stretch.

    Comment by Ross — June 21, 2006 @ 5:56 pm

  488. Is mark’s laptop battery still dead?

    Comment by kronicfatigue — June 21, 2006 @ 5:58 pm

  489. Regarding 832, I too have seen the video replay several times and even in slow motion it is hard to discern Harris’ hand movement. Which is why the photo provides the best evidence. Look at Harris’ middle 3 fingers fingers clearly and briefly wrapped around Wade’s arm while his pinky and thumb are not, but instead laying flat on his arm. I would be hard pressed to think that Harris’ hand would look like that naturally without it holding something.

    Comment by Objective Fan — June 21, 2006 @ 5:59 pm

  490. NBA has no hope. After watching game 5, I know MAVS will lose. Not because Heat is a better team or Wade is a great player. It is because Mavs have too much to overcome if refs are on Wade’s side. They will call fouls virtually everytime he attempts the shot. The difference between Mavs and Heat is not great enough for the Mavs to overcome this. Mavs lose by 3 in the game 6, one missed call for Mavs and one phantom call for Wade could make a difference. People says that the reason for the FTA differential in game 6 is because Mavs settled for jump shots. It is partially true. But I think how the officials call the game could be the reason why Mavs settled for jump shots. If they know that they won’t get the call, what is the point of attacking the basket and getting hurt without being called foul? Maybe taking the chance to shoot jump shot is not a worse option. I give up NBA. I won’t watch another game of NBA. It is more close to pro wrestling than sports. US basketball has no hope in the international stage, Wade or any other “American-born superstar” of the NBA won’t get those calls when playing real basketball in Olympics or other international games. NBA may have the best basketball players, but they are not playing real basketball games.

    Comment by Bryan — June 21, 2006 @ 5:59 pm

  491. Okay, so here are the early results from the poll last night up until now…

    Question of the Night:
    Why did the Mavs lose in the NBA Finals?

    - Heat just played better 25%
    - Mark Cuban’s big mouth 10%
    - The Refs 44%
    - Dwayne Wade 18%
    - Other 4%

    Please click here to vote! I’d also love to hear why you voted the way you did.
    http://www.BryanHauer.com

    Comment by Bryan Hauer - Official Blog — June 21, 2006 @ 6:00 pm

  492. **** All those who say the Mavs deserved to win, and are the more “Classy ” team than the Heat, Spurs, etc… check out recent headlines:

    “Cuban fined $250,000 after game 5…”
    “Mark Cuban fined $200,000 for running onto…”
    “Nowitski fined $5,000 for kicking ball…”
    “Jerry Stackhouse suspended for game 5…”
    “Jason Terry Suspended for game 6…”
    “Avery Johnson likely to be fined…”
    “Avery Johnson is one Mad Maverick…”
    “Cuban takes shot at Heat coach on Letterman”
    “Jason Terry defends controversial rap video”

    Yeah the Mavs are real “Classy” and deserved to win, (and if you believe that let me talk to you about prime beachfront property). Fact is, Dallas is becoming a laughing stock around the NBA thanks primarily to their owner. Just like the Trailblazers, they may assemble talent… but absolutely no character. Dallas will never, and I repeat-”NEVER”-win a championship as long as they have what i like to call- “THE CURSE OF CUBAN”. Sorry Dallas fans, maybe it’s better ya’ll didn’t win the championship, cuz ya’ll may have just reverted to your old primal ways, rioted, rip up your city, and taint a championship… just like when the Cowboys won their Superbowl.

    ****** HEY PEOPLE OF DALLAS ******
    YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO WIN AND YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO LOSE!

    San Antonio, please don’t ever become like Dallas! Let them try to be like you!

    Comment by Joey — June 21, 2006 @ 6:01 pm

  493. Ross and Other Mav Fans,

    When are you going to get it through your head that the better team – the Miami Heat – won. Seven game series are, by design, used to help ensure that the better team wins. And when it goes only 6, there should be no doubt that the better team – the Miami Heat, did win. Unless your definition of better team means the team that loses, you are just grasping at straws at this point. Celebrate the Mavs season as it was a good one. They just ran into a better team in the Finals. Teams pull together and win in tough situations (Games 3, 5 and 6) and that is exactly what the Heat did.

    Comment by KD — June 21, 2006 @ 6:09 pm

  494. “Toby, don’t let the door hit you. “Bad” calls come and go, and even out in the long run. You’re an idiot.”

    I just randomly scanned through all these comments and landed on this. YOU ARE WRONG. Bad calls do not always even out. Rarely they do. Can they? Sure. But thats not enough to just accept them and say “oh well.” YOU’RE CLUELESS.

    Comment by Brian — June 21, 2006 @ 6:10 pm

  495. You and your organization are a bunch of crybabies. Your guys were beaten by a better team and coach. Your team choked….plain and simple.

    Lots of raw talent…but bad coaching, bad breaks, and more important, a egotistical owner who distracted his young team and caused them to lose.

    Riley, even after losing the first two games NEVER bitched about the officals, the weather, the hotels, his hemerrhoids or anything. He quietly regrouped adn motivated his team.

    Arison let his staff do it too. Take some lessons from Mick and even Bill Gates on how billionaires should act.

    What “employee” likes their “boss” to look over their shoulder.

    Take a billion, Mark, and get some mental help.

    What a tool you are!

    By the way, I am neither a Heat Fan nor a Mavs fan….just a fan of good b-ball and lean towards the Lakers.

    Comment by John Bolsa — June 21, 2006 @ 6:11 pm

  496. Mark, do what ever you have to do to get Ben Wallace in here to face Duncan and Stoudamire next year. Also see if you can get something for a Daniels/Dampier trade… thanks for everything… MFFL

    Comment by Brad — June 21, 2006 @ 6:12 pm

  497. Mavs fans are just like Cowboys fans- a bunch of whiney bitches.

    Comment by Dallas Sucks — June 21, 2006 @ 6:14 pm

  498. One more thing…
    Miami fans – are you kidding me? Regardless of the outcome, calls, and all of that…to accuse Dallas of having no class because they booed at the end is so hypocritical. You guys BEAT Detroit and your owner had to ask the stadium to stop booing the Pistons and give them a little credit. It has nothing to do with class…it’s human nature to want to boo the other team. I didn’t appreciate when the Pistons were booed by Miami…especially considering Miami WON..does that mean your fans have no class? I don’t think so. So get off your high horse and give Dallas the right to be upset their team lost.

    Comment by Allison — June 21, 2006 @ 6:14 pm

  499. Thank you for clapping after (according to you) our one player: Wade beat your whole team (does that really make the Mavs sound better, come on). I’m sure Alonzo, Shaq, Haslem, and whoever else that wears those funny little black and red jerseys appreciate the sportsmanship you, your team, and fans have exhibited throughout the series. It’s no wonder our “hopeless” win is just so damn sweet.

    I have nothing against you, you’re an incredible owner and a great fan of your team- absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, the future of the NBA is not heading south because the win did. Don’t ever make an incredible basketball player look like he’s the downfall of the NBA when it’s just the opposite.

    Better luck next year, as of now I’ll be deciding on which parade to attend.

    Comment by Michelle — June 21, 2006 @ 6:17 pm

  500. Mavs fans are used to criticism and trolls and whomever else talking bad about them. I’m a loyal mavs fan…Live or die…Rowdy, Loud and very Proud. All you people who come on this blog and talk smack after the finals are over, please don’t even once think that it matters. It’s something that we’re used to and even come to embrace. There’s nothing wrong with being an underdog. Mavs may have had their problems in the finals, but the team has a solid core of talent that can easily bring them back to better places.

    So please, feel free to talk smack, make fun, do whatever. It doesn’t matter. We’ll be here next season and seasons after that. We’ve put up with the worst fans ever and no one here is bringing anyting new.

    Let’s Go Mavs! Let’s Go Mavs! Let’s Go Mavs!

    Dynasty starts in 2006….

    Comment by DeepMoz — June 21, 2006 @ 6:21 pm

  501. M,

    I am completely and totally sickened by the calls lately in the NBA, especially towards the Mavericks. I, one again, disagree with the call made in the final minute of Game 6 when the refs called a foul on Nowitzki. Wade is suppose to be the new “MJ” and the men up in the front offices of the NBA want to make sure they capitalize on that. I truly appreciate your comments and for standing up for the fans who do not have a voice.

    Robert

    Comment by Robert Kinzie — June 21, 2006 @ 6:24 pm

  502. Well, Cuban I’ll say this for you: you’re consistent.

    Pathetic, but consistent.

    Comment by sfbinms — June 21, 2006 @ 6:27 pm

  503. The article is silly. Let me get this
    straight—because the Heat win two games more than the Mavs the future of the NBA will
    change?
    Haaaa! NBA GMs will suddenly say–”Hmmm…I have Vince Carter (etc)
    and Miami winning has convinced me that we’re set to make a championship run”??? Give me a break.
    The reason the Heat won wasn’t because they had Wade. It was because they had Wade AND Shaq. Cry all you want about officiating but the Mavs simply had no answer. Nowitzki is very very good, but he’s not dominant all the time. Do you think for one minute that if the Mavs had Wade and Shaq they wouldn’t do the exact same thing that Miami did?
    The Mavs have several very good players. The Heat has two great ones.
    Shouldn’t have let Nash get away, dude!!!!

    Comment by Ron — June 21, 2006 @ 6:29 pm

  504. At the end of the day (and boy it’s been a long day!), I want to thank Mark and Avery and all of the Mavs. What a great year, never have I been so emotionally, passionately committed to a basketball team.

    You’re STILL the Western Conference Champs, and that’s a great place to be. Congratulations! I love you guys!

    Thanks to Bill for an extremely insightful sports article that addressed everything. Nuff said.

    MFFL

    Comment by LadyWhoLovesSports — June 21, 2006 @ 6:33 pm

  505. Hey DeepMoz #864,

    Wasn’t your team the favorite? Didn’t you guys (and by you guys I mean the fans) win two and then get so cocky you actually thought you were going to sweep us? The amount of times I heard sweep after those first two games was hilarious.

    Oh and btw, unless you resign Terry you’re going to be in a bad way next year. It’s obvious who your big game player is, seeing as how this is the 2nd year in a row where Dirk has done squat in the Mavs final series of the year while Terry has lit it up. Without Terry you guys would have lost the first game as well, and we could have finished it at home.

    Comment by Mark Cuban — June 21, 2006 @ 6:34 pm

  506. OK OK OK the Mavericks lost. I believe and agree with Mr. Simmons. The game of basketball lost as well. The mavericks had an innovative game plan that in fact was working, entertaining to watch, and most of all involved all of its players. No real super star the team was a super team. They fell on hard times and shots weren’t falling. That’s why its Basketball and not horse shoes. It wasn’t a choke and it wasn’t because the team played a superior team.

    Mr. Cuban and the Mavericks will be back and maybe Basketball will become a winner again.

    Comment by MIchael Law — June 21, 2006 @ 6:37 pm

  507. I just wanted to say thanks for a great season, it was definitely much better than anyone expected at the start. Let’s stop arguing about what might have been, because it didn’t happen. We are a young team with much improvement still to do. We should learn from what happened and use it to win it all next year.

    Anyways, congrats to the Heat on your championship.

    Oh, and in response to #859, please replace “Superbowl” with “Superbowls” (5 to be exact, but who’s counting).

    Comment by YetAnotherMFFL — June 21, 2006 @ 6:49 pm

  508. What was the single most important game to influence the outcome of the 2006 NBA Championship: Heat /Mavs Games 3, 5, or 6, Heat/Pistons Game 7, Mavs/Suns Game 5, or Mavs/Spurs Game 7? Would it surprise you if I said it wasn’t even a play-off game? In my opinion the final regular season meeting between the Clippers and the Grizzlies did more to influence the Heat’s Championship than any other factor.

    Prior to the start of the game it was known that the winner of the game would be rewarded by having to face the fourth seeded Mavs in the first round of the play-offs, while the loser would get to face the third seed Nuggets. Even though the Mavs had the second best record in the Western Conference, the Spurs, with the best record, were in the same division, so it pushed the Mavs to a lower seed than the two other division winners, even though they had a better record than either. Thankfully, there is a rule change that has been proposed to change this seeding procedure. Hopefully, it will go through.

    Clearly, neither team had any incentive to win the game. I’m sure the players who were in the game played like they wanted to win it, but a review of the box scores should tell you that neither coach went out of the way to position themselves for a win. Fratello didn’t dress Gasol, and no regular starter logged 30 minutes. However, Dunleavy who didn’t play 3 starters, and only let Brand play 22 minutes outdid him. I wonder how big the grins of the Clippers were once the cameras were turned off?

    Let us suppose that the Clippers had won this game. I still don’t think the Grizzlies would have gotten past the Nuggets in the first round, but I think they would have been able to win at least a game, or two; let’s say two. The Mavs would not have been able to sweep the Clippers. I could see this series going 5, 6, or 7 games. I think the most likely outcome would have been Mavs in 6.

    That would have made the second round match-ups: Spur/Mavs, although they would be meeting on a more equal footing rest-wise both coming off 6 game series, and Suns/Nuggets.

    Even with the Suns coming off a hard fought, come from behind, seven game series with the Lakers, I don’t think they would have had as much trouble dispatching the Nuggets; most likely in 5 games. Because the original Mavs/Spurs series was so close, the fact that the Mavs had a more difficult first round series, and less rest, may have been enough to tip the scales, and allow the Spurs to win Game 7.

    A Spurs/Suns Western Conference Finals with a rested Suns squad is a coin flip. Let’s say the coin comes up tails, and the Suns advance. I believe the Suns could have maintained the pressure on Heat, much like they did against them in the regular season, and like the Mavs did in Games 1 & 2, throughout the entire series, and it would have resulted in the Suns celebrating their first Championship and not Miami.

    Go ahead, call me a ‘homer.’

    Comment by Joe Cthulhu — June 21, 2006 @ 6:50 pm

  509. HERE IT IS!!!I’m going to let everyone in on the one real reason the Dallas Mavericks lost the championship. Ready?

    Dwayne Wade tore them up for most of the series. Why? Well, for one, he’s a great player and he benefitted from a lot of calls. But the main reason is this –

    THE MAVERICKS NEVER MADE HIM PAY FOR HIS POINTS

    The Mavs reverted to the old perception Nick Van Exel once said the other teams in the league had about the Mavericks – SOFT.

    After what Wade did to them at the end of game 3 Avery Johnson should have told his players at the beginning of game 4 that the first time Wade touched the ball someone should knock him on his ass. And they should have kept doing that, using spares like Mbenga, Van Horn, Armstrong, until he got the message – the refs might put him on the line but he was going to have to limp to get there.
    The Mavs gave Wade the same kid glove treatment he got from the referees. How many times in the 6 games did they knock him down, rattle his teeth, put an elbow into his jaw. I’m not advocating hurting a player, just a little honest intimidation. The Heat did a pretty good job of muscling up on Dirk, Terry, etc., but the Mavs, with the exception of Stackhouse’s hit on Shaq, played like pussies the entire series.

    I’m a Mavs fan & I’m really hurting today but that’s the way I see it.

    Comment by Disgusted NBA fan — June 21, 2006 @ 6:50 pm

  510. In my opinion Mr. Cuban and the Mavericks had nothing against the Heat players, coaches, or organization. They only wanted to point out that the ratios of fouls were a bit over one sided. I call that a true fan of his team. The act of applauding the other team was in fact a sign of great respect and a true class act. To be honest I have never seen that kind of a display before. Mr. Cuban along with the brothers up there in Sacramento are the class in the league. They sit with the fans and not in sky boxes or in other countries on vacation. Mr. Cuban has heightened my admiration for him with his act of sportsmanship and owner pride.

    Right on Mark Cuban

    A Laker fan

    Comment by MIchael Law — June 21, 2006 @ 6:50 pm

  511. I agree with Bryan Hauer completely. It just sounds like Simmons is randomly bitching. What nba days of yore is he longing for? Pro sports has always been about marque players; Bird vs. Magic; Mj, Shaq, Kobe… Uh, yeah.

    And I wouldn’t want to be an official for any sport, pro or amateur. All the armchair quarterbacks and idiots come out of the woodwork to blame losses on the officials. One way to win basketball games is to… hold the lead, score when you need to, get some clutch play from your squad. But I guess it’s easier to blame someone else.

    Comment by Rick — June 21, 2006 @ 6:51 pm

  512. Hey Mark! What do you think your chances might have been if you had a real point guard, like maybe Steve Nash? Oh yeah, you really like the kid, but he didn’t play like an MVP for you! Instaed you have Jason Terry and you’re in the Finals and Steve Nash is home watching. Steve Nash is home watching because it took your Mavs 6 games to dispatch a Phoenix Suns team missing Amare Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas. That’s the same amount of games it took the Miami Heat to take care of the Mavs. FOOL!
    If you had a veteran point guard to run the show, distribute and score a little, you’d have the championship right now. Instead you opted for Jason Terry, who couldn’t set up a teammate if his life depended on it.

    Comment by Patrick Mertz — June 21, 2006 @ 6:53 pm

  513. comment #865..who gives a rat’s ass about a WESTERN CONF.championship…
    John Bolsa,
    Thanks for being a Lakers fan.
    You obviously have REAL class, recognizing a true franchise with TRADITION, CLASS, and POISE.
    The mavericks “fans” are just like your typical Dallas bandwagoneers…
    Half of these people couldnt name their own starting five players..

    Mavs will NEVER win a championship…i thought i hated the Spurs..but crap…mavs are up there with their whinny, little girl attitudes…

    hey mavs shooting 28-73 in the second half…hmm..hardly the refs fault…
    thanks…see you never again in the finals.

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 6:53 pm

  514. comment #865..who gives a rat’s ass about a WESTERN CONF.championship…
    John Bolsa,
    Thanks for being a Lakers fan.
    You obviously have REAL class, recognizing a true franchise with TRADITION, CLASS, and POISE.
    The mavericks “fans” are just like your typical Dallas bandwagoneers…
    Half of these people couldnt name their own starting five players..

    Mavs will NEVER win a championship…i thought i hated the Spurs..but crap…mavs are up there with their whinny, little girl attitudes…

    hey mavs shooting 28-73 in the second half…hmm..hardly the refs fault…
    thanks…see you never again in the finals.

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 6:53 pm

  515. I am a sports fan of just about everytype of sport. After watching the NBA playoffs, I’m infumed. I have defended the NBA for years to friends, coworkers, and family members. The first thing, on {PTI} Wilbon has repped the mavricks for winning, that cuban was ambarressment to his team, the NBA, and owners. And on PTI David Stern said the same thing, as did your channel 8 sports reporter. Me as well as my family and friends, believe that Mark Cuban has done nothing wrong, but making us believe in the Mavricks again. Secondly I’m not saying that the league is rigged. I would never say that, but when we are talking about officials, there were very bad calls called, and calls missed. Wilbon, Stern, and your reporter Hanson, all said that Cuban’s outburts, with the teams release of anger. Would cause the refs to make calls the other way. If we have refs in the league that do this, then do we really want these refs. i say hell no. Give me refs that call a fair game on both sides, and i will be happy. Finally four times in games 5 and 6 shaq fouled with more force than the stackhouse hit. There is a indention in the floor where Harris got thrown threw it. Same with Daniels, terry, and dampier. And since they fined dirk for kicking the ball in the stands, shouldnt they fine wade for throwing the ball in the stands.
    thanks for letting me rant

    Comment by scott webster — June 21, 2006 @ 6:55 pm

  516. Michael Law…(glad you are a lakers fan) cause i would be all over you right now also..

    cuban has “class and displays sportsmanship”?
    please tell me what class of drug you are on sir, so I can get me some …..
    that is the most ridiculous observation ever…(see game 5 “took my rattle away” “pouty” Cuban ranting raving and being a lunatic…

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 6:56 pm

  517. Great job Mavs! Unfortanately the calls didn’t go our way but from my point of view, it should’ve been ours!! Will tip my hat off to Wade though, but some calls were just ridiculous…refs owned it… It’s ours next year for sure though!!! GO MAVS!

    Comment by Crystal — June 21, 2006 @ 6:56 pm

  518. Hey Mark! What do you think your chances might have been if you had a real point guard, like maybe Steve Nash? Oh yeah, you really like the kid, but he didn’t play like an MVP for you! Instaed you have Jason Terry and you’re in the Finals and Steve Nash is home watching. Steve Nash is home watching because it took your Mavs 6 games to dispatch a Phoenix Suns team missing Amare Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas. That’s the same amount of games it took the Miami Heat to take care of the Mavs. FOOL!
    If you had a veteran point guard to run the show, distribute and score a little, you’d have the championship right now. Instead you opted for Jason Terry, who couldn’t set up a teammate if his life depended on it.

    Comment by Patrick Mertz — June 21, 2006 @ 6:58 pm

  519. Rick,
    you hit it dead on..referees have it TOUGH.
    Another thing is most people will watch 3-4 regular season NBA games, then watch the finals..and join in..and then attempt to make ludicrous observations, without having any concept or understanding of the team playing or the NBA.
    stupid.

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 6:59 pm

  520. No class loser fans(booed Heat on the podium), No class loser owner(self explanitory) a loser Joke of the year and a soft loser team(with a spineless “star”) that can’t take a championship when they had it. Are you starting to see a trend. You fools don’t seem to understand, it dosn’t matter what you think of the calls or the suspentions or whatever excuses you use to justify your failure, the Heat are the World Champs. Long after all of the crying and whining and complaining fall by the wayside, Wade, Shaq and the Heats legacy will be forever set in stone for all time. What do you guys have? Well, at least you guys got second place. Really there shouldn’t be any more posts after this beacuse I’ve said it all. I know you chumps will respond though because you guys have nothing better else to do. Us Heat fans have a parade to get ready for. HOL-LER. Du du du du du du du du du du 1-2-3 HEAT!!!!!!!!

    Comment by HEAT ARE THE CHAMPIONS — June 22, 2006 @ 12:03 am

  521. Its not fun watching NBA anymore with so many free throws. We dont get to see skill much, its rather shooting practice.

    I didnt even watch the game 5 & 6, NBA is annoying now. MC should think of making another Basketball League better than NBA

    Comment by Cindy — June 22, 2006 @ 12:09 am

  522. Where was the outrage when Nowitzki was getting the calls against San Antonio? Oh yeah, I know, those were real fouls, and Wade’s were gifts…. right.

    Comment by David Kraus — June 22, 2006 @ 12:16 am

  523. #1051..that IS the point of the foul..He was justly suspended..the man made NO play on the ball whatsoever…even if he fouled a 330 pound LUG in shaq..point is he didnt go for the BALL…justified.
    period.
    Haslim got suspended for throwing a mouth piece in the general direction of referee Joey Crawford….that was more bogus than what STackhouse did to shaq..which was malicious..

    What Raja “tinker”bell did to kobe (clothesline him) warranted way more than 1 game suspension….

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 22, 2006 @ 12:28 am

  524. That was an excellent interview on Letterman. Didn’t talk crap about the other team like some other people who own this blog.

    Comment by Alex — June 22, 2006 @ 12:28 am

  525. jason cormier

    that pic was done by photoshop when you know what your talking about leave a comment otherwise just dont waste the space

    Comment by josh — June 22, 2006 @ 12:31 am

  526. Dwayne Wade looked good because the refs made him look good. No one could get near him without a foul being called and that is the truth!!!!! The Miami Heat looked like a bunch of tired has-beens except for Wade who was having a party running up and down the court with his “Can’t Touch This” attitude.

    I loved it when he got a foul (the one time) and he went to talk to the refs. I’m sure he was saying, “Baby, I’m a superstar!!! Didn’t David tell you that I can’t foul tonight? I’ll let you kiss my trophy if you help me win.”

    Comment by Amy — June 22, 2006 @ 12:37 am

  527. Mavs got beat by a team who wanted it more … although the NBA Refs should let the players play ball and only call the obvious fouls.

    Comment by mikloyd — June 22, 2006 @ 12:40 am

  528. I agree with most of that article EXCEPT the part where D Wade is the next Jordan and players like Kobe are wanna bes. Place any other francise player in place of Wade and we would be commenting on how Jordanesque he is. The need to fill Jordans shoes in the media is obsured. Sorry guys but the closest player we got to Mike in the league now is that “wannabe” Kobe. And even he has alot to do before we can give him the throne. You see the game everytime a player is putting up a big number he flash his picture and his stats next to MJ’s and say how this could be then next coming. Come on this is why I can’t stand the media. And scoring in the 40’s is easy when an opposing player smiles at you and your at the line 14, 15 times a game. Anyway Go Mavs and Mark I liked that hometown support for Ben on Letterman and please buy these buccos!

    Comment by Jonny Walnuts — June 22, 2006 @ 12:49 am

  529. Do you all think this downfall will cause Mr. Cuban to sell his team?

    If he does, it could be the top in the sports market.

    He’s done it before… some dudes have timing…

    CJ

    Comment by Carl Johnson — June 22, 2006 @ 12:52 am

  530. hey. i am from NYC. i am a Mavs fan and i am looking forward to see Mavs to win the trophy. GO MAVS!

    Comment by chelsia — June 22, 2006 @ 12:53 am

  531. Just curious, after the Piston’s won in 2004 NBA decided they would change some rules because they wanted to make basketball a come back. Stern said people wanted to see the superstars get to the basket, and so they would not get hurt by the other teams hard plays. Well I haven’t seen MJ, Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, Magic etc walking around w/ canes because it was so ruff, oopps, maybe they were not superstars, hmmm.

    What would happen if next year he decides to change the rules again so the stars running to the basket don’t get hurt. Maybe the rule would be if you charge the basket and run bounce off the other player it would be a automatic offensive foul if your making the initial contac? What teams/players would be affected? I think we would find out who is talented, and faster play would be nice. The best playoff game was the Clippers hardly any whistles, you didn’t have a chance to move because you might miss something. Sometimes I turned the mute on because I was sick of hearing all the wistles in some games, and that was in regular season.

    Comment by Donna — June 22, 2006 @ 1:00 am

  532. #1064..that WANNABE kobe..scored 63 points on a mavericks team which scored 62 points in three quarters..

    81 points…hmm ..he WILL be better than Jordan.
    Point is we dont and shouldnt give points/kudos for being a class act..or being moral..or being ethical (in your own personal life/agendas)…i know this may rub people the wrong way..but HOW IN THE F@#$@#@# world does KOBE not get MVP this year..look at his TEAM!..
    yah ok..
    kobe will not be the next jordan..he is the FIRST KOBE…he is the measuring stick now..
    watch. and learn..
    the man is incredible…ask that to the mavericks…again..he is the “mavs killer”..

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 22, 2006 @ 1:39 am

  533. 1034. Posted Jun 21, 2006, 11:18 PM ET by Tony Kylitis

    This has gotten completely out of hand. The hypocrisy is beyond belief. If Bill Simmons is correct, then the same logic applies to the San Antonio series. But it’s funny. Mark Cuban want to complain about officiating but God forbid he gripe about a call if it goes against the opponent. You see, Mark Cuban seems to forget and will never mention that the Spurs led Dallas with 10 sec. left in 3 of their 4 losses…and that Dirk Nowitzki shot free throws to take lead in their last possession of each of those games. Why is that ok? Why isn’t there any effort to call the NBA out on those calls? However, when it comes to a call against the Mavs, then and only then will you see Cuban complaining. If he were really interested in making officiating better in the NBA he would be talking about those calls against the Spurs too!! But I guess Bruce Bowen really did foul Dirk with 7 seconds left in Game 3. Mark, you have absolutely no credibility anymore.

    AMEN!!!!!! ALL MAVS FANS AND THEIR OWNER ARE COMPLETE HYPOCRITES, ONE DAY THEY’LL REALIZE IT… I HOPE…

    Comment by Dylan — June 22, 2006 @ 1:39 am

  534. I’m not quite a Dallas Maverick fan as I live in Washington DC, but with that aside…I’m very glad that someone is challenging this “Star System” that the NBA has going. A foul is a foul regardless if Erick Dampier commits it, or Alonzo Mourning. Keep up the good fight.

    Comment by patrick — June 22, 2006 @ 1:44 am

  535. Well the article was obviously subjective, which is totally alright, nothing wrong with that at all. I don’t agree with how Bill thinks the teams are going to go into this Star player with sidekick all star player format like in the past. I think it may look that way at times but everyone knows how important the role players are to a team. Just look at the trend. Scouts aren’t going to europe NOT to find their franchise player, but for guys that fulfill a basic role. Of course with the exception of Dirk, but I’m talking on a majority scale.

    Another trend that I’m starting to see is that it will be harder to maintain and/or achieve dynasties now. I think the league will come to operate much like the NCAA. Since there aren’t as many lifetime contracts like the notorious “Alan Houston-Knicks” one, teams aren’t locked down to stick with players who sign big contracts for long periods of time and end up becoming total busts. Meaning, rebuilding is something that’s constantly going to happen more often, and teams can adjust to other teams easier. So management becomes a bigger role now than in the past.

    Also antoher trend currently for championships are mixing the old with the new. This heat team seemed very similar to the 2002-2003 spurs team that won the championship with David Robinsion, Keving Willis, then young guys like Tony Parker, Tim Duncan.

    And just like the spurs, the heat won because of defense. They were able to make stops, which none of the teams did in the west against the mavs. Suns didn’t do it, Spurs didn’t do it on a consistent basis and memphis definitely didn’t do it. So you have to give credit to defense like always. Who would have known Riley’s zone defense would be so effective? Avery’s small line up didn’t do the damage it did on the spurs. Then defensively, the mavs didn’t take the Heat out of their “team” gameplan. If anything, I would have put Dirk on Wade and make wade shoot over dirk as opposed to a 3 inch shorter dev harris.

    Ah well, could’ves and would’ves. But b/c the right adjustments weren’t made, the Mavs lost, but again, who would’ve known?

    Comment by Chris — June 22, 2006 @ 1:47 am

  536. This pic shows it all:

    http://i5.tinypic.com/14vmbte.jpg

    Comment by Don Trevino — June 22, 2006 @ 2:11 am

  537. I can’t belive these mindless comments. It’s evident that Cuban’s constant whinning and complaining has not only ruined a team with some potential,it has also permeated all Maverick fans. Why don’t you people stop sucking up to Cuban and get a brain. Any owner who does not know that NBA Basketball channel has a program that in fact does go over the rules and show expamles from games where those rules apply, has no business being and owner. In fact, yesterday, they went over some of the “bad calls” from this championship series, with explainations. Bill Simmons is a clueless as you people.

    Comment by Denise — June 22, 2006 @ 2:17 am

  538. That’s a great picture Mr. Trevino, I didn’t see that one when it happened. I did, however, see the one that everyone claims didn’t happen as plain as day. Norwitzki pulled Wade’s jersey in the back as he went between him and Harris on the same play. That’s what the back ref saw. That’s why Norwitzki got called for the foul and not Harris. Norwitzki got called for the same foul on Wade eariler in the game. That seems to be his favorite way of stopping his opponent from scoring.

    Comment by Denise — June 22, 2006 @ 2:35 am

  539. Come out come out wherever you are, Mr. Cuban.

    Are you and your PR guys trying to come up with some talking points to help you and the team not look like the whiners you are. TOO LATE THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS!!

    You got your grand stage and now the whole world knows what we in TX and Dallas have know for several years you are a sore loser and a WHINER.

    What a shame that you and your fans feel that it is okay to BOO people. You told the MAV fans to boo Fin during the Spurs series and then said it was all in fun.

    No wonder your fans thought it was okay to BOO during the presentation of the trophy to the Heat. You just showed your lack of class.

    I guess money can’t buy everything.

    P.S. While you may be the majority holder in the MAVS how do the minority holders feel about your antics? I do not see them making an ass of themselves.

    Comment by Cuban Hiding — June 22, 2006 @ 2:42 am

  540. Shum-on now, give me a break! Dwayne Wade the next me? I don’t think so! HEEE! HEEEEEEEEE!

    Shaquille Oneil is not my lover, he’s just a girl who claims that I am the one, but the kid is not my son. She says I am the one but the kid is not my son.

    Comment by Michael Jackson — June 22, 2006 @ 2:45 am

  541. Perhaps the people defending the NBA’s officiating should get back to work in their day jobs as “yes men”. The officiating has been bad for years, and I applaud Cuban for standing up for what he believes is right. You’ll never enact change by silently accepting the status quo.

    Comment by Greg O'Neil — June 22, 2006 @ 2:46 am

  542. They weren’t booing the Heat retard. They were booing Stern.

    Comment by Tim — June 22, 2006 @ 2:47 am

  543. Shawn, if you are upset at Josh Howard and the fact that we lost, I understand. But he is a fine young man and is on his way to becoming a very good player. I can only hope after getting over our loss you come to realize what a dumb ass statement it is to suggest that we do not resign him. Miami would love to talk contract with him.

    Comment by Bob — June 22, 2006 @ 2:50 am

  544. What difference does it make a BOO is a BOO and it still shows a lack of class.

    Comment by Cuban Hiding — June 22, 2006 @ 2:50 am

  545. BOO, BOO, BOO

    Every fucking team in professional sports does it. Hell, the Miami Heat were booing there own players late into game 3.

    Comment by Tim — June 22, 2006 @ 2:54 am

  546. Hi Denise

    Wade has been getting to the line all season.

    I agree he may be getting the MJ treatment from the refs……….the refs made the right call on the wrong guy that night

    Don

    Comment by Don Trevino — June 22, 2006 @ 2:56 am

  547. Hi Denise

    Wade has been getting to the line all season.

    I agree he may be getting the MJ treatment from the refs……….the refs made the right call on the wrong guy that night

    Don

    Comment by Don Trevino — June 22, 2006 @ 2:57 am

  548. As soon as I saw a certain Quadroon on the court, I knew exactly who would win the game.

    So what’s your “D.C.” count at now Mark, 2-14 maybe.

    http://4.1911encyclopedia.org/Q/QU/QUADROON.htm

    Comment by Danforth Crawford Esq. — June 22, 2006 @ 2:58 am

  549. Mark, 2 things… Either sell the team, or atleast most of it… or sit in a box, and stay out of the cameras eyes… You embarassed alot of Mavericks fans this week. I like your enthusiasm, and most things you do, but I hate when you whine…

    Comment by Douglas Lang — June 22, 2006 @ 2:58 am

  550. Ashamed Miami fan says it best!!!

    I AM EMBARRASSED THAT WE WON THE WAY WE DID. tHE REFS WERE HORRIBLE. tHE GAME IS TARNISHED. tHE CALLS FAVOR A FEW PLAYERS AND BREAK THE GAME RULES. tHE REFS SIMPLY SUCKED ALL PLAYOFFS….ESPECIALLY FINALS. tHE CHAMPIONSHIP WAS GIVEN TO US….WE DID NOT EARN IT.

    i AM NO LONGER AN NBA FAN. i SAW IT DONE TO SACRAMENTO A FEW YEARS AGO & NOW TO DALLAS.

    THE NBA IS A DISGRACE. ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY. THE SPORT IS RUINED.

    Comment by Grace Brock — June 22, 2006 @ 3:01 am

  551. It doesnt matter what calls Dwayne Wade got. We shot like wussies. Dirk choked. We missed free throws in 2 games that it would have sealed it for us. We gave it to them.

    Comment by Douglas Lang — June 22, 2006 @ 3:03 am

  552. This is the reason why the Heat “won”.

    http://www.geocities.com/FashionAvenue/Catwalk/8809/briefs/KAZAAM.JPG

    Stern had his steamed before the game.

    Comment by Danforth Crawford Esq. — June 22, 2006 @ 3:05 am

  553. Hundred bucks says Grace is an idiot Mavericks fan trying to pose as a Miami fan. I guarantee not a single Heat fan is upset about us winning, especially considering we did it FAIR AND SQUARE. Asshole.

    Comment by Alex — June 22, 2006 @ 3:16 am

  554. Why does Riley keep showing a card that says 15 strong. There’s more than 15 refs in the NBA, right.

    Comment by DICK Bavetta — June 22, 2006 @ 3:17 am

  555. First of all i would like to admit that i’m a Heat fan and i’m very glad Miami won. I from one was sure that going 0-2 that we have no chance, but glad i was proven wrong. But i got to say, reading about 300+ of the comments here, i see more Heat fans comlaining about Mavs fans whinning then actual Mavs fans whinning. But after seeing those two images of Dirk and Harris fouling Wade in game 5 at 1.6 seconds, i think it was one of the few call that was correct. But unfortunately for the Mavs it was the MOST important foul call of the series. There were bad calls on both side, but none were as important game changing calls. Seriously do you really think that a few points in the beginning would change the game at the end? Mavs has been horrible during the 4th period, and Wade was just more aggressive. From the entire series we have learn that it is not how you start that matter most, it is how you end. Wade for most of the series started bad(except game 4), and Mavs strong.

    On the matter of Stackhouse getting suspended and Shaq not for other fouls, you must remember that it is INTENTIONAL HARD FOUL. Shaq didn’t intend to bleed Stackhouse, in fact everyone been saying how hard it is for Shaq not to pick up offensive fouls because the game require him to tuck in his elbow more now, to be more ‘elegant’ and spins more. With Shaq strength any fould would be hard because he is just that strong, but you have to imagine how hard Stackhouse must of been to knock Shaq to the ground like that. Most of the time guard bounce off Shaq like rubber, he even got calls where he is standing still and got call for fouls when people ran INTO his elbow.

    Again i’ll admit that Wade got some call his way, but so did the Mavs. It’s funny how i see writers both produces clips and pictures proving their points, but totally ignores the pictures and clips of call that goes against them. One guy on espn have clips about how Wade didnt get foul, and another have clips when Wade did get foul but no calls…since both work for the same company… wouldnt both have the same resources? simple, they ignore evidences that doesnt support their case. Its so true, you never complaint if the call is in your favor. One fan said they would of rather, “Honorable loss then dishonorable win”… then please give the Conf Championships back to Spurs and Suns so they can play for it because Bowen did not foul Dirk. You can not blame the refs because of bad calls, if they have to review every single call then it would be the end of refs as we know it. Teams would call fouls on every contact and huddle around a screen looking at dozen of camera view, games would take 5-6 hours. Sure 99% of the calls would be correct but the NBA will be a league of whiners. If Al Gore can let go of Florida without a lawsuit, Mavs can let a few calls down.

    Now for why Mavs did not win:
    - They fell in love with 3 pointers, Suns live and died by the 3s, and so did Mavs.
    - Dirk die digging dirt……I’m sorry but Dirk was horrible in 4th quarters, the most important time of any game.
    - Too good too early, most of the time they got hot in the beginning(in both games and series) and it really made them too confident.
    - Dont piss of a giant, plan for your victory parade and speeches…but dont announce it on national TV and piss off an entire team with people who all let go of their own stardom to be role players so they can get a ring.
    - Miami changed, Mavs didnt, simple as that. I hear alot about Mavs can play any type of game but i did not see it, they ran and ran like Suns, all their center were basically the same. Suns totally ran so they had a guy who entire the league (Boris Diaw) as a PG play center….it work for Suns, but it only gave the Mavs and Illusion of being able to change. Van Horn is not a running center…and he barely play at all.
    - Illusion that Mavs had deeper bench…why do everyone say that? Heat rotate 8 guys….so did Mavs!!!! Heat got Payton,Mourning,Posey. Mavs got Dampier, Stackhouse, Griffen, then later Daniel replaced Griffin. Why does it seem that Mavs have better bench? Stackhouse was their 6th man, but so was Posey. Mourning and Shaq almost shared the center because they were Def and Off respectively. Diop and Dampier shared center too. If anything, Heat had more stable bench because Mavs had no bench forward.
    - Fts, well of course they will have more when you intentionally use up all your fouls on Shaq in the beginning. It was good planning that Wade got fouled mostly only after Mavs past the limit.
    -After replaying the clips, Howard for sure at lease signal timeout twice, but I did not see eyes contact with refs. but that does not garenteed that Mavs would of got in a shot considering their poor 4th quarter plays in the entire series.
    - Mark Cuban, I love your passion. but come on, excuses can only go so far before you got to admit that your team share in the total result. Especially even at trashtime in Game 4 and when the bench was emtpy and you STILL only score 7 pts. And ask any coach/player/blindman, it is VERY hard to win a game if the team is shooting 30s percentage.
    - Miami play better double team that forces Dirk to pass to open shooters, and sorry to say that the shooters were shooting…sadly…in and out shots.
    - Miami was HUNGRY!!! This is the only series in which i see Shaq go out to the perimeter to defend people, Shaq wanted it bad, so did the rest of the team. And they look to themselves for the victory, not to any calls or outside sources.
    -Death Men Walking, the most dangerous people are those who dont have anything to lose and know that this is their final shot. That was the thinking for Mourning, Payton and many other. Gene Hackman said it best, “OK they havnt been afraid of you and that is their mistake. Because for many of you there is no tomorrow, AND THAT MAKE YOU VERY DANGEROUS MEN!”
    - Last reason…..D. Wade….simple as that.

    All that said, Congrat to the Heat for winning it all. Congrat to the Mavs for a great season and you guys really do have a chance to win it all next year.

    Comment by Travis P — June 22, 2006 @ 3:27 am

  556. Spurs fan here. Lots of respect for the Mavs, props on a great season and for beating us. I feel bad for Avery the most. Here’s to another great season guys. Hopefully our teams meet again in the playoffs next year (too bad it wasn’t WCF this time thanks to the wack playoff seeding), just with a different outcome :p

    Sorry for the loss. Heat are a good team but I wanted it to stay in Texas. There will be another night guys. See you in November.

    Comment by BJ — June 22, 2006 @ 3:33 am

  557. This explains why Miami residents truly believe that the Heat earned an NBA title on their own merits.
    http://www.bizjournals.com/specials/pages/10.html

    Comment by Dr. Phil — June 22, 2006 @ 3:49 am

  558. The funny part in all of this is all the haters that spend so much time in this blog. i am just amazed really. Great way to show your hate to someone by giving him the time of your day.

    Comment by Ninya — June 22, 2006 @ 3:56 am

  559. Come on Mark,what do you say? http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5714172

    Comment by pugmug — June 22, 2006 @ 4:01 am

  560. Hey 1070, what happened on the possession before they called Bowen for fouling Dirk? Yep they called a foul on Josh Howard that they wouldn’t even call in favor of Wade. Wasn’t even close to Manure Ginobli’s hand.

    The Dirk/Bowen foul was a make-up call for the screwed up call they made 20 seconds earlier, but I guess your VCR doesn’t rewind that far. That’s O.K., mine does.

    Comment by Stevie Wonder — June 22, 2006 @ 4:06 am

  561. Travis,
    I applaud your civil comments, but you’re missing the point why Mavs fans, and many non-Mavs fans are so upset. For example, at the end of game 5, it wasn’t just the end foul, but the entire sequence. (1) Miami’s possession opened with a backcourt violation right in front of the refs – no call. (2) Wade pushed off on Terry, sending him sprawling into the bench, again right in front of the refs – no call. (3) Ticky-tack foul on Wade’s shot – suddenly the refs find their whistles. I have no problem with the first two if the decision has been made to let them play, but there needs to be consistency. Three chances for the refs to make a correct call at the game’s most important moment, and every result favored Miami.

    For another example, consider the non-call on Terry’s shot at the end of game 6, where the Miami player nearly ripped down his jersey. It was a much more obvious foul than the one they gave Wade at the end of game 5. Again, Wade gets free throws for a chance to win, Terry gets a non-call. That’s what eats at me – the inconsistency at key moments unanimously favored Miami.

    We will never know if it would have made a difference, but from where you are sitting as a Heat fan, it is pretty easy to say everyone else should just accept it when it was your team getting the breaks.

    Comment by Greg O'Neil — June 22, 2006 @ 4:07 am

  562. Tom Cowlishaw is my new Hero.

    http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/062206dnspocowlishaw.1663079.html

    Comment by Michael Main — June 22, 2006 @ 4:41 am

  563. Someone set me in front of a T.V. and everytime the refs blew their whistle, you wouldn’t imagine what I saw.

    Comment by Stevie Wonder — June 22, 2006 @ 4:54 am

  564. Once again, it was clear it was a foul:

    http://i5.tinypic.com/14vmbte.jpg

    This is not proof?

    The Mavs were suppose to blow the Heat out. The HEAT were big underdogs. TNT,ESPN all picked the Mavs
    Now they cry about 1-2 possesions. Pretty pathetic.

    The simple truth is, the Mavs choked in the final minutes in the last 4 games, missing foul shots, calling timeouts etc…. it was a total breakdown.

    Mr. Cuban, i dislike you very much, but i like that you speak your mind, nobody has told off David Stern like you.

    Hope to see a rematch next year!:)

    >>>
    Heat Fan

    Comment by Don Trevino — June 22, 2006 @ 5:05 am

  565. clASS act…why would Cuban’s wife care if their kid curses?

    http://www.deadspin.com/sports/nba/mark-cubans-relaxation-techniques-182344.php

    Comment by Michael Main — June 22, 2006 @ 5:09 am

  566. Tough break *****!!!!!

    Comment by Mike — June 21, 2006 @ 10:39 pm

  567. Whoever wrote post 929, now that guy knows what he’s talking about.

    I like the part about Hammer pants.

    Comment by David Stern — June 22, 2006 @ 5:10 am

  568. Hey dumbass 1101. He grabbed his arm after the whistle was blown so he couldn’t get an And1. Check the tape. The whistle was blown way before he was that high in the air.

    http://www.bizjournals.com/specials/pages/10.html

    Comment by David Stern — June 22, 2006 @ 5:16 am

  569. Nice try,

    this is the in motion still shot on the foul.

    As you can see Nowitzki has a hand on his back

    Comment by Don Trevino — June 22, 2006 @ 5:21 am

  570. Mr. O’Neil,
    Again I totally agree and admit that Wade got calls in his favor. Firstly Wade did not get foul by Dirk at the end of game 6, that was very very bad. But a non-call that benefited the Mavs was the foul by Payton on Terry jersey, it was pointed out that if Terry got the foul he would of got 2 fts because he was on the line, but they were down 3. so if he got to the line for 2, it would of been very hard for them to make one, and miss the 2nd and rebound over Miami which been out rebounding Dallas lately. So there are example both ways in which the Refs failed.

    But you are right, you should not accept it. Refs bad call should never be the decising factor to winning, but some of the Mavs fans are acting like it was the ONLY reason why the Mavs did not win. Of course there will always been ‘what if’, but some fans have the mindset of ‘being robbed’, ‘refs are ONLY reason Mavs didnt win’. I personally think this is counter productive to any team and lack personal honestly to yourself if you think any ONE reason is to blame for ANYTHING in life.

    Dirk is one of the most complete player i have ever seen, with a stroke that is almost unblock/stoppable. But honestly i think the reason Mavs could not finish is because for some reason near the end of the series he could not do well in the 4th quarter. Dirk will set the standard for all big men entering the league now, but Dirk for your own good…post up and drive that your quality german horse power to the rims! Take a few pointers from Rasheed Wallace, a PF that do everything.

    Comment by Travis P — June 22, 2006 @ 5:38 am

  571. Putting your hand on a players back/hip area is only a foul if the offensive player is pushed or his forward progress is impeded. Check the NBA rule book.

    Now, pulling someones jersey out of their shorts as they try to shoot a three…

    Comment by David Stern — June 22, 2006 @ 5:44 am

  572. I LOVE YOU MARK! THE MAVS WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR.

    Comment by Alex Whitfield — June 22, 2006 @ 7:58 am

  573. I want to dedicate the song “20 eyes” to the refs of the nba, meanwhile reminding you to “never trust an insect”.

    20 Eyes in my head
    20 Eyes in my head
    20 Eyes in my head
    They’re all the same, they’re all the same
    20 Eyes in my head
    20 Eyes in my head
    They’re all the same, they’re all the same
    When you’re seeing 20 things at a time
    You just can’t slow things down, baby
    When you’re seeing 20 things in your mind
    Just can’t slow things down

    Then all those eyes
    They’re just crowding up your human face
    Then all those eyes
    Take an overload
    20 Eyes in my head
    20 Eyes in my head
    20 Eyes in my head
    They’re all the same, they’re all the same
    When you’re seeing 20 things at a time
    You just can’t slow things down, baby
    When you’re seeing 20 things in your mind
    Just can’t slow things down
    Then all those eyes
    They’re just crowding up your human face
    Then all those eyes
    Take an overload
    20 Eyes in my head
    20 Eyes in my head
    20 Eyes in my head
    They’re all the same
    20 Eyes in my head
    They’re all the same
    20 eyes in my head
    They’re all the same
    20 eyes in my head
    They’re all the same

    Comment by huckit — June 22, 2006 @ 8:25 am

  574. I actually think the underdog always has the advantage. As far as season records go, that of the Heat sucked. The Pistons, San Antonio, and Dallas all did great and went into the playoffs with overconfidence while the Heat played like they needed to prove something. I think that was their advantage, as it was for the two prior champs. With that said, those teams are now the underdogs, expect them to come out on fire and put out the Heat next year. The fact that Miami now also has a ring will work against them too next year – it did for both San Antonio and the Pistons.

    Comment by Keith — June 22, 2006 @ 8:29 am

  575. I actually think the underdog always has the advantage. As far as season records go, that of the Heat sucked. The Pistons, San Antonio, and Dallas all did great and went into the playoffs with overconfidence while the Heat played like they needed to prove something. I think that was their advantage, as it was for the two prior champs. With that said, those teams are now the underdogs, expect them to come out on fire and put out the Heat next year. The fact that Miami now also has a ring will work against them too next year – it did for both San Antonio and the Pistons.

    Comment by Keith — June 22, 2006 @ 8:30 am

  576. Can we get one final posting Mr. Cuban? I have never seen you with such a loss for words.

    Comment by KD — June 22, 2006 @ 8:37 am

  577. Piston fan here,just would like to give my hats off to the Mavs for a great run unfortunately did’nt make it thru the championship nevertheless a job well done.I guess the guys made the same mistake as the Pistons did,in Avery’s words -”They fell in love with their jumpers”.Good luck to you Mr. Cuban I really admire your all out support for your team I wish our detroit owners has the same passion.Hope to meet you guys in the finals next season.

    Comment by Paul — June 22, 2006 @ 8:59 am

  578. Yes, he did congratulate the Heat. Also, did you not see him standing there clapping for them after the game???

    And one final thought….you know nothing about what he has brought to Dallas. Until you live here, have followed this team for years, and know a little something about the Mavs, Dallas, and the fans, keep your mouth shut and keep yourself from looking like a complete idiot.

    Comment by Kelley — June 22, 2006 @ 9:14 am

  579. Greg Z,

    Good to see your straight-forward opinion. You must hate the Cowboys also…

    You guys who keep bashing Mark are not looking at the whole picture…he helped make this team into a championship caliber team. If not for him, there would not be near the fan support in Dallas and Mavs rampage that we have not seen since the early to mid 90’s with ‘Da Boys (who will be back and strong as ever this year!). After all, this has been a predominantly Cowboys town from the time they arrived…

    He did go a little overboard, but I think we as a city and he have learned from this mistake, as we totally blew this series that we almost had wrapped up.

    We will be back, and Avery will lead this team to the promise land.

    Comment by Ryan Downey — June 22, 2006 @ 9:27 am

  580. The only reason Miami fans are even on this blog, is they feel insecure about winning the title. They feel they have to go on sites and defend themselves. I agree with the people that ask, “why aren’t you out celebrating?” They know if they got the same bad/no calls, they would be griping too.
    CUBAN I think you’re the best thing that has ever happened to sports. My husband keeps asking me why I watch these games, if they are just going to be decided by refs. I tell him because I have a passion for the game, much like you do. So keep up the accountability of the NBA. I’ll support you.

    Comment by Melanie — June 22, 2006 @ 9:38 am

  581. Mark, MAVSnation,
    You are all absolutely correct! Your team didn’t lose, it was all the bad officiating. Dirk is better than Wade, Dwayne just got a few little lucky bounces. Its a good thing to curse in public if you feel like it, especially if you’re a billionaire. The Heat had only one true star, and isn’t really a TEAM, they didn’t play like a TEAM, and sure didn’t act like a TEAM. Bill Simmons is correct when he says that Wade is bad for the league. He truly is a bad bad kid, horrible role model for kids.

    Keep the MAVS together, don’t change a thing. Mark, keep cursing, don’t ever change buddy. Mavs will win next year!!!
    Please don’t change a thing.

    GO HEAT!!!

    Comment by Gary — June 22, 2006 @ 10:00 am

  582. 803 Correction- it was supposted to read -

    Believing that officiating did NOT heavily influence the outcome of this series in favor of the Heat is like saying officiating did not win the Russian basketball team the Gold in the 1972 olympics.

    Comment by pastore — June 22, 2006 @ 10:06 am

  583. For those folks commenting that the no-call for grabbing Terry’s jersey at the end of game 6 ‘helped’ the Mavs….

    You’re proving the point of our complaints for poor officiating. You’re saying that the Terry no-call gives the Mavs a chance to tie and was a good no-call? Shouldn’t there have been a call regardless of which team it helps? If you’re making the case that the officials didn’t call that foul to benefit the Mavs chances, how can you argue that the officials didn’t give Wade the benefit of favorable calls?

    I’m a Mavs fan and agree they blew some chances to win, but in my view the Mavs didn’t choke at the end of the games; the Heat got assists from the officials. Statistically it is improbable that 90%+ of the whistles with 2 minutes or less in the game are against the Mavs and in favor of Wade. Just look at the free throw disparity in the last 2 minutes of Games 1-6. It’s amazing what you’ll find.

    Oh yeah, and quit bashing Dirk..he’s the man…he can still average 25+ pts and 12+ rebounds in the finals with 2-3 guys on him and getting pushed around. Let’s see Wade do that without going to the line 20 times per game.

    Comment by jd — June 22, 2006 @ 11:01 am

  584. “Posted Jun 22, 2006, 2:11 AM ET by Don Trevino
    This pic shows it all:

    http://i5.tinypic.com/14vmbte.jpg”

    That picture was taken AFTER the whistle was blown. It shows nothing.

    Comment by Jared M — June 22, 2006 @ 11:04 am

  585. Oh yeah…..you Heat fans better enjoy your championship now. That will be the only thing you can hang on to when your Heat are sitting at the bottom of your division next year while the Mavs continue to kick ass.

    I laugh when I think about the future of your aging team plus DWade. The Mavs are VERY young and will dominate the next 5 seasons. Stick that in your O’Brian and MVP trophy.

    Comment by jd — June 22, 2006 @ 11:06 am

  586. Hey Kyle (1019)

    “Dallas=young and now more experienced
    Spurs=old and getting older, TD will have to take the entire season of to perform in the playoffs…Dampier is only 31. Dirk is only 28 and Terry is only 29.”

    HAHAHAHAHAHA…moron, do some research before writing next time!!! Duncan=30, Ginobili=29, Parker=24…so our CORE is actually younger than yours…AND more experienced!!! And if TD takes the whole season off, maybe he’ll average 40 against you instead of only 30…FACTS Kyle, not dreams please!!! It will be fun watching you lose to the spurs next year!!! My guess is you’ll still be crying “shoulda, coulda, woulda” up until April 07…Break out the WHIN-O-METER!!!

    Comment by Grandpa Munster — June 22, 2006 @ 11:17 am

  587. Regarding the pic in 1157:

    It’s stupid that you reference this picture; it’s from an angle that seems as if Devin’s hand is on Wade, but in reality it’s about a foot from his arm. Look at the replay video in the forward view, not the side.

    Another interesting item…..remember the ABC intro before Game 6 when they were showing the highlights of the Heat making shots to take Game 5? Notice they didn’t show the final play where Wade when in the backcourt, pushed off Terry and got the benefit of a bogus call. Do you think they excluded that for a reason?

    Comment by jd — June 22, 2006 @ 11:21 am

  588. Mr. Cubuan where are you?!?!?!?

    Comment by KD — June 22, 2006 @ 11:22 am

  589. Hey, this is SunnyD from Basketball World. This is an invite to anyone who reads this, to discuss basketball on one of the best basketball talk sites on the web.

    http://www.bball-world.net/

    As for Dallas, it was a heck of a series. Myself, being a Piston fan, wasn’t a big fan of Miami, so Dallas was on my side. What a shame that it turned out like it did. Two straight blowouts for Dallas, then the next three out of four games won by 4 or less points. Your team will have many more years of competing, with your solid core of Josh, Dirk, Devin, Marquis, and Avery. Good luck in future seasons, and don’t stop stating whatever is on your mind Mr. Cuban.

    -Josh

    Comment by Josh — June 22, 2006 @ 11:36 am

  590. The heat is spending an awful lot of time trying to convince themselves that they won, based on the skills of their team alone.

    I have heard from several heat fans that even said “well life is not fair” or “Some calls were in our favor”.

    So many excuses so little time!

    Yes I am a whiner, a complainer and completely pissed off that you will let the NBA as well as the media dictate what your opinions are.

    Look at the commercial time during the finals. Who were the players that were highlighted the most from the get go?

    Admit it heat, either the NBA is crooked or the heat had some kind of supper powers that made them disappear when they were fouling the Mavs.

    I would go with crooked.

    http://www.riggednba.com

    Comment by Bball Lover — June 22, 2006 @ 11:36 am

  591. Next season have all the fans that attend games wear ref shirts to show that the average guy could do just as well or better. Maybe even give some away at the start of the game.

    Comment by Jim Paylor — June 22, 2006 @ 11:44 am

  592. 10. He never wears a suit and tie to the game.

    9. He never sits up in a suite during games.

    8. Yells at refs when they just absolutely suck!

    7. Free Airline tickets.

    6. He is not Jerry Jones.

    5. He is not Tom Hicks

    4. He let Avery take on the role as head coach when Don Nelson left.

    3. Has slightly better hair than Donald Trump.

    2. He uses the word fuck and shit at the media because, well they are idiots.

    1. Above all else, he is a fan!

    Who cares about him cursing to reporters, they deserve it 99.9% the time. No one has the balls to do what he did. Who cares if he also complains about the officials. He is a passionate owner. Too bad is the only one. Mr. Jones and Mr. Hicks should take some notes, and maybe those teams will be back in the playoff picture.

    Comment by PJ-MFFL #1 — June 22, 2006 @ 11:48 am

  593. Heat fans, get a life. If we had won the title leaving trash talking messages on a blog would be the last thing on my mind. Unfortunately you had the title handed to you so I can see how you feel the need to justify your….well I guess you could call it your annointed title from David Stern, Stu Jackson and the Joey Crawford gang featuring Dick Bavetta. Go back to your alligator infested B list city located at the a** end of the country and watch as we run off three straight titles while your Heat fold under the weight of Antoine’s Walkers volume shooting and Jason Williams drug arrests.

    Comment by jo — June 22, 2006 @ 12:08 pm

  594. To Mav’s fans:

    It is true we did get scewed ALOT on foul calls in games 3-6, but it is also true we didn’t play the way we did in the first two games. But one thing is definetly true, we get better every year, and we’re going to keep getting better. Weak spots have clearly been exposed (Van Horn..Griffin). One good player for those two would be great. And when is Dampier going to do anything? JET will re-sign, and everyone else is coming back (even you Dampier). We’ll be back in the finals, count on it. With Avery at head coach and one or two roster improvements, there is nothing stopping us.

    Everyone keep the faith. This was the first full year of the Avery Johnson era. Our defense will get even better, as will our offense. This experience will help Dirk more than anything has. To anyone who thinks Mark hasn’t done his job or should sell the Mavs to make some kind of point, your crazy! We have 1 of the only few dignified owners in the NBA. He’s gotten us where we are and how will he help us or the league…if he’s not in the league? Mark giving up is the last thing you should want. So enjoy it Heat fans, because it won’t ever happen again. You do have a great player in Dwade Wade, but it won’t be long before that’s all you got, and we know how that worked out for Kobe.

    MFFL

    Comment by Eric — June 22, 2006 @ 12:13 pm

  595. Perception.
    Big word NBA, there is a perception that the game is fixed.
    Mark, great season for both our Team and you.
    Keep working on getting the perception of the game being rigged fixed.

    Comment by Jim — June 21, 2006 @ 9:39 am

  596. JustAThought,

    Thanks, I didn’t know if it was 4 or 5 off the top of my head. ‘Canes got eliminated tonight, so a 5th one isn’t coming this year. Oh well. GO HEAT!

    Comment by Alex — June 21, 2006 @ 2:08 am

  597. Funny that the Heat owner doesn’t stick his site out there for all to see. Only Cuban has the balls to let people rag on him. Mark is a real person, they type that will drink a beer with the fans in the cheap seats and not hide in the lux boxes. Stern is a tool and there was no way he was going to let the Mavs win. I would hire him to manage a DQ either.

    Comment by Scott — June 21, 2006 @ 2:09 am

  598. WOW… THE NBA IS FAN-TASTIC!
    IT’S REALLY FUCKING FUN TO LET THE REFS CALL PETTY SHIT FOR THEIR NEW POSTER CHILD.. BABY JORDAN JR.

    IT IS A CONSPIRACY THAT THE OVER-RATED BABY JORDAN JR. IS REWARDED WITH BIZARRE CALLS THAT SOMETIMES REFLECT ABSOLUTELY NO CONTACT AND THE RED CARPET IS ROLLED OUT FOR HIM TO SHOOT FREE THROWS ALL GAME LONG!

    BORING!

    EXCUSE ME WHILE I TAKE A NAP AND NEVER WAKE UP!
    WATCH ANOTHER NBA GAME AGAIN? NO THANKS

    AND FUCK OFF DIRK… YEAH I SAID IT… YOU PLAYED LIKE A PUSSY IN THE PLAYOFFS – NOT LIKE A CHAMPION OR MVP MEGA SUPERSTAR!

    THANKS TO EVERYONE ELSE LIKE JET WHO HAD BALLS OF STEEL EVERY SECOND OF EVERY FUCKING GAME!

    I’M SURE MARK WILL TRADE HIM TOO ANYWAYS. GREAT

    BACK TO FOCUSING ON VALLEY RANCH OR SOME OTHER LAME SHIT

    YEAH I’M BITTER

    KEEP YOUR FUCKING HEAD AND HEART IN THE GAME NEXT TIME… DALLAS IS SICK OF CHOKERS!

    Comment by WAKE UP DALLAS — June 21, 2006 @ 2:09 am

  599. Just a I called it…If the Heat were going to win they were going to have to do the improbable and win all three games at home and still the first game back in Dallas….I think a Seven games series would have gone to Dallas but I am so proud of My fellow Marquette Alumni, D-Wade, even though many years seperated us…I was there when Doc was their and hopefully know he can be the next Marquette connection to make a run and get that Celtic team together……and you add to that the fact that my home state and current state of Residence won the Stanley Cup…It was a good two days for me…By the way I fully expect Dallas to make another run next year..They are an excellent team…..Might need one more Big man…..and to not live as Avery put it by the Jumper…

    Comment by Marc Lee — June 21, 2006 @ 2:11 am

  600. AND FUCK OFF DIRK… YEAH I SAID IT… YOU PLAYED LIKE A PUSSY IN THE PLAYOFFS – NOT LIKE A CHAMPION OR MVP MEGA SUPERSTAR!

    Can i get an Amen???

    Comment by TOO BAD MAVS — June 21, 2006 @ 2:15 am

  601. Hey M.

    Your a class act. I watched the game tonight and think it is really cool you were clapping for the Heat after they won! Seriously cool. I was expecting you to grab the mic and say good job. Thats class = sportsmanship = cool dude. Coming from another NBA town myself, would of liked the fans of the Big D to hang around and just take in and enjoy the celebration. But anyway. COOL. Your a good man charlie Brown. No matter what the NBA fines you. PEace out a messed up blazer fan.

    Comment by Melquist — June 21, 2006 @ 2:16 am

  602. I am devistated. I feel just like Mark does as a fan and I know he feels 10 times more emotional about it because the pain wont end after he goes to bed tonight like it will for me. I was a season ticket holder and by bad luck was not this year due to money issues. I can say I wont ever be a customer again. I am not going to invest my time and emotions into it to have the league rip your heart out. I could have lived with being beat fair and square. We all could, even Mark. Its when you play the team, the refs, and the league at once where it gets me. I felt the players had to feel it. They knew they were playing 2 teams at once and it was going to take an effort never seen before by the Mavs to take the title. I’m proud of the mavs. They did us proud. I only wish the NBA was like the MLB. I cannot say an umpire has ever dicated the outcome of a game. Sure there is a bad call here or there but for what ever reason it never dictates the outcome. If the umps can get bang bang plays right 99.5% of the time, the refs in the NBA have no excuse. It has to be a mandate by the league to give preference to one side or the other. How else can it be explained? None the less, I am done. I wont go to any more Mavs games. I will jump on the band wagon if the mavs get to the Conf finals again because I can’t not watch them on TV in that situation. But I want to send a message out to the league that they wont get my dollar anymore. I am selling this to as many people as I can speak to. Many agree. If we hit the league in the pocket, maybe it would change. Nothing against Mark, but if the stadium had 5K fans on opening night next year would that send a hell of a message? Sorry Mark, I know you can afford that kind of expensive message.

    Thats what I am advocating. Ban the NBA until they fix it. It is totally broken. It is not the National Star Free Throw League. The NHL Game 7 was a hell of alot better then the Finals. I hate hockey but it sure was dicated on the ice. No question about it.

    Comment by Toby Reeves — June 21, 2006 @ 2:18 am

  603. Hey Mark–
    First time writer. Im a bigtime Utah Jazz fan and can’t help but thinking back to the series where Dallas came back from 0-2 against Utah to win the series in game 5. I was at the game and actually became a huge Finley, Nash, and Nowitzki fan because of it. Of course I sat in my seat in silence for about 20 minutes after….I think now you know how I felt x 100.

    Comment by Adam Sanft — June 21, 2006 @ 2:21 am

  604. By the way I too thought the clapping was a class act, though I was disappointed in the mass booing by the remaining Dallas fans..but you were truly classy in handling the defeat……

    Comment by Marc Lee — June 21, 2006 @ 2:22 am

  605. MARK, There was nothing that Dallas should beat themselves up about. They played like a champion team tonight, but there can only be one winner, but always two champ contenders. Dallas has nothing but a very bright future with a “young team” that is dynamite. You are my hero, you stand up for what you believe in and you state it the way “it is”. I, too, am a realist. Cussing has it’s bonifde place in life and if I say the “f” word then I can guarantee you I mean it. How stupid can stupid be?? You keep jumping back when Right is the defense. I hate a coward. I , too, am dealing with some very bright, power hungry public institution at the moment, Arkansas Game and Fish. Too dumb to know “Right” is the only defense. Hail to my heroes, Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks…. I will be there with my heroes next year for another victory……

    Comment by Melanie — June 21, 2006 @ 2:22 am

  606. Mister Cuban and the Mavs get 0 points on class. In the future, Mister Cuban, please tone down the whining. You won’t conquer many hearts and minds this way.

    Because of your antics, Mister Cuban, there were millions upon millions of people wishing for Dallas to go down in flames. Millions upon millions of curses on Dallas. Perhaps this, and not the officiating, is what turned the series around for Miami.. or perhaps it was that Dallas was out-played, out-manuevered, and most importantly …. out-scored ? :) )

    Cheers!

    Comment by DocToe — June 21, 2006 @ 2:23 am

  607. Sorry! Messed up the link for the poll on why the Mavs lost tonight. Here it is…

    http://www.BryanHauer.com

    Comment by Bryan Hauer - Official Blog — June 21, 2006 @ 2:23 am

  608. I can understand your devastation, but the outcome of the games was decided by the players. It has been proven time and time again that the referees have made the right calls, and the Mavs fans need to get over it and stop complaining. It’s as simple as the Heat wanting it more. The Mavericks choked-wilted-ranouttagas or whatever you wanna call it while the Heat made the clutch plays that ended up winning the games. If the Mavs make a few more open shots or free throws or whatever, the referees won’t even be in the picture.

    Comment by Alex — June 21, 2006 @ 2:23 am

  609. Your comments: Votes Votes Votes…
    Democracy works on earth and just as much in the NBA. Why? Polls are more than words, they anticipate the future..
    All i have to say is that there are no conspiracies, just instances where improvable ends meet.

    Defense DOESN’T win GAMES!!!
    The Heat were lucky in games 3 and 5 of not the officials, but lousy players missing field goals!!

    As lucky as heat with winning the Championship, any other team can aswell.

    Thank You Bill too..

    ~Quickchang~ Rocket’s fan 4 life

    Comment by It's all about the fans in the finals — June 21, 2006 @ 2:25 am

  610. Mark –

    I hurt for you, my friend. I appreciate what you have done for this city and this franchise. You’ve brought this team farther along than I could have ever imagined.

    But man, is it too much to ask you as an owner of a professional team, representing a great city like Dallas, to show a little more class. Waving your arms up and down and encouraging everyone to boo during games. Cursing on your blog and national TV. Continually receiving astronomical fines for your behavior. I want my kids and my family to love this team as much as I do. It’s just hard to love them so much, yet continually be turned off by an owner with so little grace and dignity.

    Our coach and our players seem to have it – I just wish our owner would follow suit.

    Comment by JP — June 21, 2006 @ 2:25 am

  611. you guys need to quit it with the officials..it is LAME.
    Go blame dirk for disappearing …..
    I am glad the mavs havent won..and as a HUGE LAKERS FAN..it kills me to see Shaq “sitting on the bench all the time…cant hit a free throw if my life depended on it” oneal ..winning it again..
    BUT…i am also happy that the bandwagon and whinney mavs fans can go hide again and get a big cookie for MAKING it to the finals…there were sooo many people here in dallas just coming out who couldnt tell you the starting five of the mavs..dumb bandwagon…anyway…i KNEW the mavs would choke..just didnt think it would take THIS fkkin long to rear its ugly head…
    mavs=chokers for life.

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 2:26 am

  612. wade the next mj? something tells me jordan doesnt miss those 2 free throws at the end.

    Comment by Grobes — June 21, 2006 @ 2:26 am

  613. Toby, don’t let the door hit you. “Bad” calls come and go, and even out in the long run. You’re an idiot.

    Comment by Brian — June 21, 2006 @ 2:28 am

  614. JP..YOU SIR HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT..YES.

    MARK SHOW CLASS…did he …NO.

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 2:28 am

  615. Simmons really hits the nail on the head with what you’ve been saying all year Mark. The best officials should be doing the biggest games…that would give the NBA the same credibility you get with the NFL and NHL officiating. Trust me, I’m a huge hockey fan and when you see McCreary out there, just as when you saw Van Hellemond in the 80s and 90s, you know the NHL is putting their best out there. And I know that whatever happens in the game, no one can say later that poor officiating changed the game. Officials can and do impact game outcomes, yes, it happens sometimes, but the better they are, the less likely it is to happen.

    When the league doesn’t put the best officiating crews out there for its finals, it tells you they have other priorities. Obviously, one crew could work an entire series, but then there would be no reward for mediocrity.

    I had no rooting interest in the series–I respect you and the Mavs and I like Shaq and Wade, so I was going to be happy either way. However, I’m not convinced the best team won the series. That happens a lot in sports, the 2nd-best team beating the best because of crunch-time execution and luck–but it’s not very comforting when it’s your team that lost.
    Rebuild, improve, get back there next year. Good luck.

    Comment by Mike — June 21, 2006 @ 2:30 am

  616. JP..almost..Dirk kicking a bunch of equipment like a mad teenage cheerleader that didnt make the cheering squad..come on..that is certainly not exhibiting CLASS by the players..

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 2:31 am

  617. I appreciate your understanding of the situation. My most lasting impression of this whole series will not be that we lost, or that we should have won (both in that we could have played better and in that the refs affected some of the games). None of that shakes my interest in the Mavs or in basketball. Rather, I will always remember this series as the NBA’s complete and disgraceful loss of legitimacy.

    I’m still a Mavs fan, and always will be- but disgusted by the NBA, and pessimistic about the potential for change. Thanks for trying to make the situation better- please keep at it.

    But you’re right to fear the loss of customers, because the product is defective.

    Comment by ben — June 21, 2006 @ 2:31 am

  618. geez, what a sorry finals. i’m a big hoops (though not a dallas) fan, but it will be a long time before i go to or even watch another nba game. why bother when the bias of the league’s front office is so transparent? what a joke. not that the nba is steroid-free, but give me baseball’s steroid scandal over this bullshit.

    Comment by m616 — June 21, 2006 @ 2:33 am

  619. It’s so funny how a lot of y’all (yes y’all is a word, I looked it up in the dictionary) can’t
    S-P-E-L-L, spell.

    USE A DICTIONARY, PROOFREAD, OR ASK FOR HELP!

    Comment by A-N-O-N-Y-M-O-U-S, anonymous. Check it, it's spelled correctly. — June 21, 2006 @ 2:33 am

  620. Congratulations to Avery Johnson; you are a great coach and I do see rings in your future (not with the Mavs though). And congrats Jason Terry; straigh-up gutsy, prolific performance throughout the series. Howard, keep your head up; that time-out call was really on your coach and not you…he’ll never make that mistake again. In fact, congrats to all the Mavs players; you fought hard and had all the tangibles to win, but you lacked one HUGE intangible, maybe it was even stolen from you, and it cost you this series-survivor mentality. To overcome this in the future, you will have to overcome your owner Mark Cuban, who instilled the opposite mentality in you, that of the victim. Unfortunately for you, but fortunate for all of us who wanted to see Miami hoist that trophy on your court, not to spite you, but the whiny,classless punk of an owner of your team, you got robbed not by refs, but by Mark Cuban and the psyche job he unleashed on you. I won’t say on your fans-they are from Dallas; its understood they are classless. In Miami, excluding GP at times, they had a team whose humility and togetherness produced an enduring quality that can overcome adversity and did. But in Dallas, your owner instilled such a sense of expected victimhood, of presumed unfairness against them, that when it came time to step up and overcome, survive, whether you the players could help it or not, you already were considering how you were being screwed instead of focusing on the task at hand and doing what it takes to persevere and demand a championship. If you had an owner with character and positive fortitude, you’d probably have won the series. But you have a whining, low-class egoist who convinced, CONVINCED, you that instead of picking yourself up and overcoming obstacles, you should drop F-bombs in front of little kids and make excuses. Everyone had to know you were going to lose game six. The shallow, sad character of your owner must have rubbed off on you, no matter how hard you tried to fight it. It had to be worth at least four points in the game. Its good to see the bad guy lose-sorry for you you had to be connected to him; he turned out to be your least valuable player-he cost you the series. Can’t say I didn’t enjoy it though; heck, I am reveling in it! But I do feel for you. It’s got to be hard to overcome such low-brow fans and such a punk of an owner. Thank you Miami. Who knew I could root for Shaq? And finally, thank you Mark Cuban-its good to see the power of money balked by the power of character and integrity. Its delicious.

    Comment by mdhubiquitous — June 21, 2006 @ 2:33 am

  621. toby=two letter from To OL….TOOL.

    dumbass.

    Comment by Lakerfan in Dallas — June 21, 2006 @ 2:33 am

  622. I never have to say a word again. Bryan Hauer says it all.

    It is so nice to know there are people who pay attention.

    thank you bryan

    j

    P.S. The league was never more popular than during Jordan’s era. You should be praying for a return to those days. I didn’t watch the series because I thought Dallas would probably win. Upon learning that the Heat embarrassed you I only have this left to say:

    Justice is its own reward.

    Comment by James King — June 21, 2006 @ 2:34 am

  623. I’m disgusted by the NBA but hopeful because of the way Cuban manages a team.

    Comment by Internet Marketing Services — June 21, 2006 @ 2:34 am

  624. Ok yall wanna say that the refs won the series for Miami!!!Well I wanna know what the fuck happened tonite?It was supposed to be over when it got back to Dallas yall even planned parades(: that wouldve been cute IF yall wouldve won or atleast wait after tonite!!!Yall just came up short LOL LOL LOL!!! The better team did win even Avery said that!! GO HEAT GO HEAT GO HEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Jia Cooper — June 21, 2006 @ 2:35 am

  625. “THANKS TO EVERYONE ELSE LIKE JET WHO HAD BALLS OF STEEL EVERY SECOND OF EVERY FUCKING GAME!”

    Uh, Mr. Balls of Steel missed 16 of his last 17 shots.

    Maybe the basketball was made of steel, which is why it kept going CLANK…

    Comment by Venger — June 21, 2006 @ 2:36 am

  626. I am not a fan of either team. I am a 76ers fan and have been a fan of the NBA. Watching the finals…I am so disappointed in the product. What he has happened to the NBA?
    David Stern should concern himself with fixing the game not those who question regardless of their over the top methods.

    Phantom calls, tainted championship. The game is supposed to be about teamwork, flow, and drive.
    Instead I question the integrity of the game like Olympic boxing or Steelers and Seahawks Super Bowl.
    My father refuses to watch NBA basketball for he says the game lacks any flow due to foul call based on a hang nail.

    I think I will stick with college basketball. The game is team basketball with less star treatment. The game is about the game and not the hip hop baller the NBA craves. That is as long as ESPN efforts to ruin it doesn’t take effect.

    Comment by ndellobuono — June 21, 2006 @ 2:38 am

  627. I am not a fan of either team. I am a 76ers fan and have been a fan of the NBA. Watching the finals…I am so disappointed in the product. What he has happened to the NBA?
    David Stern should concern himself with fixing the game not those who question regardless of their over the top methods.

    Phantom calls, tainted championship. The game is supposed to be about teamwork, flow, and drive.
    Instead I question the integrity of the game like Olympic boxing or Steelers and Seahawks Super Bowl.
    My father refuses to watch NBA basketball for he says the game lacks any flow due to foul call based on a hang nail.

    I think I will stick with college basketball. The game is team basketball with less star treatment. The game is about the game and not the hip hop baller the NBA craves. That is as long as ESPN efforts to ruin it doesn’t take effect.

    Comment by ndellobuono — June 21, 2006 @ 2:38 am

  628. I am a die hard Mavs fan…Since the 80’s with Davis, Aguirre and the crew. Now there is no doubt that the officiating was very beneficial for Dwayne Wade…no question you don’t make that call at the end of Game 5, no question it is practically impossible to guard Wade with the officials waiting to blow the whistle. HOWEVER, this is not why we lost this series. Up by 13 with 6 minutes to Go in the 4th quarter and you lose the game. Howard misses two free throws in Game 5 which negates anything Wade does from there on out. Dirk is missing his jump shot and refuses to go the hole. Game 7 you are in the penalty with 7 minutes to go, Shaq has 5 fouls (and was not a factor at all in this series) and we continue to shoot jump shots….I think it will go down as one of the biggest sporting mysteries in the histor of DFW sports. The key here is the mavericks blew the best chance they had at winning a title (because phoenix is going to be a bitch to get by the next few years) because our Superstar did not takeover when he needed to like Miami’s did….When dirk really learns to consistently take the ball to the hole when his jump shot if off, and get his points at the line during crunch time…..we can win a title, and that was the difference in this series……I will again admit the offciating on Wade is horrendous, but the mavericks could have and should have one despite it.

    Comment by AB — June 21, 2006 @ 2:39 am

  629. Coming from a DIE HARD Mavs fan, I can honestly say that the Heat wanted the championship more than Dallas did.

    Plain and simple.

    They played like they wanted it. They didn’t rest on their jump shot or hang back waiting for an open shot, they went into the trenches and fought hard for it.

    Dallas didn’t deserv the ring after the 6 minute mark of Game 3.

    Don’t blame the calls, the ref’s, Avery, Mark… blame the players.

    I love this team as much as my teams back home, but they just plain played bad and didn’t keep running when they got in front.

    Go Mavs 2007!

    Comment by AussiePaul — June 21, 2006 @ 2:42 am

  630. Dirk who?

    Comment by Heat Fan — June 21, 2006 @ 2:43 am

  631. Wow,
    Ok so a guy who 2 weeks ago was bashing Cuban like non other has now come 180 and worships him? and Mark is here giving him props right back… I kinda disrespect anyone who can’t even stand by their convictions for a month, so take that Simmons…

    Next there were plenty of calls that went against Miami in game 6, Posey’s “block” on Daniels in the third quarter, he was clearly out of the area and set… the “charge” Howard drew also in the third I believe at the top of the key against Payton, I don’t think I’ve ever seen less contact throw a guy back 5 feet, Haslems “travel” that wasn’t, he took 1 step.

    For all the complaining about Wade’s dives (and yes, he gets his calls, and probably shouldn’t get quite a few of them) seriously, I’ve never seen a team as “trained” in diving as the Mavs, Harris can’t stand up if someone is within 2 feet of him and moving, I saw at least 3 “charges” in the series that he drew where he was jumping backwards before he was even touched. Dirk is seriously the funniest diver I’ve ever seen flailing about at the slightest touch, Daniels, Howard, Terry… they’re all plenty happy to hit the deck as soon as they are touched… Its just funny to watch them jumping backwards before the contact even gets there. I believe Stack is the Mavs only player who actually stands up and takes a charge.

    As for the differential in the number of fouls/trips to the line, your stated strategy is to intentionally foul Shaq every time he touches the ball. How can you expect to get the same number of fouls as the opponent when you are giving 10-15 fouls a game on purpose to the other team? When you start doing that, obviously the opponent is going to get into the penalty sooner, and then every loose ball foul = 2 shots. Not to mention no one on the Mavs had the sack to drive the lane after game 3.

    Comment by Tom — June 21, 2006 @ 2:44 am

  632. Mark,

    Congratulations on a great season. I wish the Pacer’s ownership showed the enthusiasm you do. When you’re tired of the hot weather, come back to Indiana and relieve Mel and Herb of their problem child(ren) here.

    Comment by J. — June 21, 2006 @ 2:48 am

  633. Heat proved it. Showed class. Showed will. They deserved it. I am just fed up with all this whinning. Grow up….face it, Mavs, choked, were distracted, didn’t defend well and were outplayed.

    BTW, this explaination from NBA should shut you guys up once for all. All 3 calls at end of game 5 right on money. You can’t argue that.

    Director of Officials Ronnie Nunn looks at some of the close calls from the end of Game 5.

    http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/nbatv/nunn_insiders_060620.asx

    Comment by shahpaulin — June 21, 2006 @ 2:48 am

  634. It is interesting that Mr. Cuban had to use the words of a class player Tim Duncan to help redeem his character this evening. The Spurs did not whine when they lost the series they simply said sometimes calls do not go your way. Until Mr. Cuban and the Mavs learn what class is they will always be viewed as a classless whinny organization. Avery should know what class is since he was part of the Spurs organization and hopefully he can instill this in his players regardless of Mr. Cuban. Just shows that money can not buy class. Go Spurs!!!!!

    Spurs 3 Championships
    Mavs 0 Championships

    Comment by Class — June 21, 2006 @ 2:48 am

  635. Mark,

    I dont care what the others say…I just witnessed the Mavs lose…i cried…my heart is broken just like yours and the players..I love this team with all my heart…as avery said…we win with the shot and lose with the shot….I for one lose with this team and win..and tonight..it feels like we are in 30th place..Thanks for this amazing ride mark…its gonna happen sooner! Lets talk offseason! Could you address maybe some free agents this summer? Maybe AI? Wallace? Def get some vets on the team who have been there before and have the passion. I think your set once u get that…and get the JET back on the runway!

    GO MAVS!!!!! LOVE YA MARK!

    Comment by Chris Curtis — June 21, 2006 @ 2:49 am

  636. Now this is why you never plan anything before you do it. Dwayne Wade found this while searching the internet before Game 3 and it was the spark this team needed. I really hope Dallas has it’s parade infact they should but to me I never heard of a 2nd best team having a parade. So for the city of Dallas I hope you have your parade and rejoice in your 2nd best finish. I just hope I can make it to our Parade in Miami or maybe I will just watch Dallas and the 2nd best team parade

    Comment by Chris — June 21, 2006 @ 4:46 am

  637. Boy, you Heat fans love to overreact and point out the negative things about Dallas… even though you won? MAkes zero sense. Never said Dirk was MJ, never said Jet was MJ, never said either was clutch. But if you want to compare Wade to MJ, he’s gotta be clutch. And he ain’t clutch like MJ. Not yet at least.

    And why are the Heat fans being complete douchebags right now? When UT won the national championship I didn’t give two shits what USC fans said… we WON. So how about the Heat fans get out of here and let us wallow in our own sorrow? You’re not going to convince any Mavs fans that there is no conspiracy. It’s a waste of time. You should be out celebrating, anyway.

    Comment by chris — June 21, 2006 @ 4:47 am

  638. Waiting for the parade to celebrate. its fun seeing the crybaby, whining mavs fans resort to form and bash the heat (2006 NBA Champions), the league, and refs. if the mavs players put in even half theffort in a game that you people put in complaining, then they would have swept thru the whole playoffs.

    Comment by now titles are given — June 21, 2006 @ 4:52 am

  639. Well Just got back from the Celebration and let me say Mark Cuban is the best owner I think in Basketball you have to like a guy who makes his money and started from nothing. But to plan a parrade come on but that is not the fans fault the only thing I see wrong with the fans are crying about foul calls, ohh and on the last play since a reader said something about it if the refs called a foul on Payton for the tug he gave to Terry it would of been a 2 shot foul because he was not in the act of shooting. So prepare for next year and teach guys how to shoot FT and how not to call your last TO in the clutch

    Comment by mike — June 21, 2006 @ 4:55 am

  640. “if the mavs players put in even half theffort in a game that you people put in complaining, then they would have swept thru the whole playoffs.”

    So you’re saying if the Mavs had put forth a little effort, they would have SWEPT the Heat, along with every other team? Sounds like you think the Mavs are a better team.

    Heat Fans… Go out, have a drink, I fail to see why any one of you is still at home on your computer. Let us Mav fans drink and complain our sorrows away.

    Comment by chris — June 21, 2006 @ 4:59 am

  641. forget it chris, can’t get rid of us, just like the mavs couldn’t get rid of the heat. If possible you are even more impotent than the mavericks at booting heat fans out. yall suck and i won’t let you forget it. Miami Heat 2006 NBA champions. like the way it rolls off the tongue. be ready for the dynasty!

    Comment by now titles are given — June 21, 2006 @ 5:03 am

  642. You guys are little kids, constantly gloating after a big win. It’s unnecessary. Y’all won. We get it.

    Dynasty – yeah, right. Shaq and Zo are old as hell, and face it. Without them being effective, your team changes dramatically. Shaq was almost reduced to a roleplayer this series and he’s only getting older. Wade has a bright future ahead of him, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him go somewhere else when Shaq leaves.

    Comment by chris — June 21, 2006 @ 5:08 am

  643. Hey Cuban!
    FUCK, SHIT, ASS, VAGINA, PUSSY,DILDO
    CUNT..
    YOU NAME IT ASSHOLE!
    Your no example of decency..
    egomaniac jerk w/ extra bucks!
    Tom Landry and Tex Schramm are rolling over in their graves-
    you have so little class that your making me wanna curse too!
    FUCK YOU!
    THIS fair weathered fan is fucking off…
    honestly, if they ever happen to make it to the playoffs again.. I’ll jump right back on the bandwagon – but this time with just a little more caution.
    Even as a fairweathered fan, who the fuck wants to get emotionally attached again to a bunch of chokers who unfortunately resort to “crying like babies” Vs. “stepping up” like men. This was their chance and they let it slip away.
    Cuban, you will probably sell the team the year after next and then what?
    No more passion. GREAT!
    What are ya gonna do? Beat off with some Pittsburg baseball franchise
    or whatever. Even YOUR a fairweathered fan.
    Let’s do the NBA a fucking favor and all commit Harry Carey… W-E- S-U-C-K!

    Comment by blobmaverick — June 21, 2006 @ 5:11 am

  644. Everyone in Dallas including myself is a fairweathered “diehard” poser. Ironically, only the gay diehard losers with absolutely no life absorb every inch of the daily sportspage, watch EVERY game of evry sports team, and eat, breathe and shit sports when their teams suck. Face it, the Mavs blew it! We could NEVER see another “winner” again from the Mavs, Cowboys, Rangers, Stars (who gives a fuck about hockey around here :) FOR YEARS upon YEARS!?! Who knows how long?
    etc.
    How many die hard White Sox fans were there in the random 1980’s who gave a fuck at all? None. How many now?
    How many Steelers fans gave a shit when Woodley or whatever his name was – led them to stinkville? How many now?
    Winners create fans. Fairweathered or not.
    We supported a bunch of talented, interesting, charasmatic losers.
    It sucks… I know!
    Thanks alot Dirk! Your a nice fellow and all but your no Larry Bird.. if anything you resemble perhaps Big Bird ?
    But even Big Bird is a winner.
    hmmm…
    I like Dirk but man, what a let down. He’s just an average player after all. WoW! That’s so disappointing!
    I’m actually shocked.
    He fooled us. We fed into the hype!
    HE’S OUR HERO – was spoonfed to us.
    We have no heros now.
    Cuban can’t even trade his ugly ass now as he retained zero value as he was worthless when it REALLY counted.
    Oh and Cuban, man.. wayyy too much praise for never winning a ring.
    Untill you do THAT… your no Steinbrenner… no Trump… just a woulda, coulda, shoulda, blabber mouth w/ a giant ego and wallet. Your luck in the dot com thingy is great and all… and it’s cool you have created a forum for me to rag on you, and it’s really awesome you can afford to get fined millions of dollars without it affecting your net worth, but your simply a egomaniacal loose cannon and a billionaire bozo untill your “next years team” finally produces a few rings… the truth hurts.. I’m so sorry..but it’s the fucking truth!
    Believe me, I’m fucking crying “figuratively” even as I type.. Sorry co-Mavs fans… but the odds are that the Mavs will have a shittier team next year. And so on and so forth.
    Look at the facts jack.
    I salute you DWADE with my middle finger and I hope the refs win it for you again next year.
    Your just like Michael Jordan!!
    Whoooopeeeee!
    why don’t you just stick your tongue out when you shoot the ball so STERN and the ABC sportscasters and the newspaper writers can beat off to your “Jordan-esque” glory?
    blah blah blah
    sorry – I’m just really pissed! that’s my rant and I’m sticking to it..

    Love you Mark…later

    Comment by duh — June 21, 2006 @ 5:14 am

  645. What do you think they’ll do to your no defense, no superstar, no mvp, no clutch two bit no name players. yall will be worst than the golden state warriors. enjoy your first and last championship run. Spurs take the west next year and you guys will go back to being the no name, unloved, step siblings in texas, even worst than houston. the only team unworthy in the finals were the spineless, cowardly, crybaby mavs. so i’ll leave you now to wallow in your sorrow and pity, which exemplifies the spirit of the dallas faithful. Goodbay crybabies, be seeing you next year.

    Comment by now titles are given — June 21, 2006 @ 5:17 am

  646. Reference Bryan Hauer’s comments;

    “Ok, well I have to say that’s one of the dumbest articles I’ve ever read.”

    I think you need to read the article again Bryan. Mr. Simmons isn’t saying the league could’nt use another Jordan. What he’s saying is the league should’nt be trying to create another Jordan. Dwayne Wade scored 75 of his 208 points in the finals from the free throw line(‘Free throws there FAN-tastic’). 3 of Miami’s wins were decided in the fourth quarter by some guy who’s name I should’nt know but do because he has a history of deciding games with his whistle. Dallas’ run through the western conference playoffs was exciting to watch because each and every game was decided by the guys with shorts not pants on. Yes D. Wade is a great player but he’s no Jordan and no one should get an MVP trophy based on there free throw shooting. Jordan got his by hitting clutch shots. My memory of Wade’s performance will be of #3 at the charity stripe. My memory of #23 is of him shooting a dagger over Criag Ehlo.

    Who is the NBA’s next great one, I don’t know but I know its not D. Wade. At least not based on this performance. He is still young though, so if he can develope his jump shot and not depend so much on his free throws, who knows…………….

    Comment by Scott — June 21, 2006 @ 5:22 am

  647. Reference Bryan Hauer’s comments;

    “Ok, well I have to say that’s one of the dumbest articles I’ve ever read.”

    I think you need to read the article again Bryan. Mr. Simmons isn’t saying the league could’nt use another Jordan. What he’s saying is the league should’nt be trying to create another Jordan. Dwayne Wade scored 75 of his 208 points in the finals from the free throw line(‘Free throws there FAN-tastic’). 3 of Miami’s wins were decided in the fourth quarter by some guy who’s name I should’nt know but do because he has a history of deciding games with his whistle. Dallas’ run through the western conference playoffs was exciting to watch because each and every game was decided by the guys with shorts not pants on. Yes D. Wade is a great player but he’s no Jordan and no one should get an MVP trophy based on there free throw shooting. Jordan got his by hitting clutch shots. My memory of Wade’s performance will be of #3 at the charity stripe. My memory of #23 is of him shooting a dagger over Criag Ehlo.

    Who is the NBA’s next great one, I don’t know but I know its not D. Wade. At least not based on this performance. He is still young though, so if he can develope his jump shot and not depend so much on his free throws, who knows…………….

    Comment by Scott — June 21, 2006 @ 5:23 am

  648. There’s nothing worse than B.S. analysis by guys who never played the game. Basketball is like the stock market…complex and unpredictable. There are so many variables and so many decisions being made through out the whole course of the action, those who don’t truly know the game don’t tend to notice it all. Instead, they glean a few highlights and think they see the whole. Every second of every NBA game, there are hundreds if not thousands of decisions being made by everyone involved. The offensive play to run, the spot on the floor to try to set a pick, the angle to take to cut across the lane, to go under or over the pick, the type of pass to make, when to rotate, when to double, what fouls to call, who to sub, etc, etc. That dynamic uncertainty…that flow…is what makes the game exciting. There will always be windbags who try to show how smart they are by taking a couple of myopic perceptions and ridiculously turning them into gross generalizations in rambling discertations of uninformed opinion they present as fact. There’s truly nothing worse than blow-hards who never played seriously and don’t get it but won’t shut up. SO, to all the morons waxing rhapsodic about the NBA getting worse, stars being bad for the league, the ref’s fixing games, etc., etc., … do us all a favor. Shut up for once and go play some pick-up ball at your local gym and learn how much you really know about the game (and I don’t mean Sunday’s at noon at your Church…try weekdays at 5 at your local college gym). Try not knowing-it-all for once. It’s a lot more fun.

    Comment by PD — June 21, 2006 @ 5:28 am

  649. No one is forcing you to read this PD. My suggestion, you need to take a break. Hey now that you mentioned mentioned it, so do I. Hey maybe I’ll see you at the gym. I guess is I probably wont though because you can’t help yourself you have to keep reading. Later…

    Comment by Scott — June 21, 2006 @ 5:42 am

  650. Damn… Cuban must of given Simmons some sick blow jobs for Simmons to BS like that… Sorry mav fans, yall got owned in the face. Good game kids. Sorry, but yall lost. pWnEd!

    Comment by Bill Cuban — June 21, 2006 @ 5:53 am

  651. I am a die hard Spurs fan. One of the few that was cheering for the Mavs. Only because of Avery Johnson of course and to keep the Trophy in Texas(Can’t Stand Cuban tho, Sorry). So, I watched the series and was very disappointed. Not from the Quality of play, but lack there of. Whatever happen to letting two teams fight it out to the end. There were too many games in this series and the rest of the playoffs where free throws determined the game. Where is the fun in that? Believe me there’s nothing better then watching your team down by two then hit a game winning three pointer with a few seconds left on the clock (Big Shot BOB). Last years finals really showed the heart of two teams and games that were played by execution rather then free throws at the last minute. It showed the team that executed their game plan to a tee become Champions. This year it seemed anyone that got a slap on the wrist was sent to the line for both sides. These were two great teams wanting to go at eachother, then cut short by a whistle.
    Let them play , for that way we can actually see a team execute to the finish and then we can see who the real Champions are!

    Comment by P Mac — June 21, 2006 @ 5:53 am

  652. To Mark and all the Maverick players: Thanks for the great season.

    As a fan I couldn’t have asked for much more. I won’t even gratuituosly ask for the obvious two additional wins, fuck it. All in all I had more fun watching the Mavericks than I ever imagined a Mavericks fan could’a asked for just a few years back. We are a great team, more importantly, the Mavericks’ players are men worthy of respect on and off the court. I’m truly mean that. To have a team wherein the players all seem to be downright decent folk, as we say ’round here, makes being a fan even more fun.

    Do I think we got robbed? Yes. The NBA suffered by allowing the refs to control the outcome. Could we have won regardless of the refs? Yes.

    Next year cometh soon. Let’s get ready to rock and roll… we shall overcome!

    Comment by todd hamilton — June 21, 2006 @ 5:54 am

  653. Mavs Fans/Mark Cuban = Jews/Hitler… Might as well burn urselves in ovens mavs fans, cause Cuban is on the verge of making your team the crying babies of NBA… and i hate the heat but damn, people are right… you guys are cry babies.

    Comment by PwnSauce — June 21, 2006 @ 6:06 am

  654. There are many things left unsaid and unsung. As many people got what they did and did not want out of the series, and no one can argue that regardless of what swayed what it was a good series played well by both teams.

    There were questions both ways; arguments both ways; legitimacy complaints both ways. Outspoken or not (purely a personality difference), both teams barreled through all the adversities and played some good basketball.

    Discrepencies and amnimosity aside; I believe that both teams can and did learn from each other because both have their key strengths and weaknesses. I believe the NBA can and did learn something from this series and continue to grow as an officiating (sorry, had to throw it in) and quality organization.

    Most of all I hope EVERYONE, Heat and Mavs (fans and officials like) take something from this: the experience and the opportunity to play good basketball.

    I am a Mavs fan; have been for quite some time. I will love them no matter what happens or what anyone says. I love our big three (or four, or five, or etc. etc.) To tell it like it is there were some things I disagree with (the opinion is widley shared) with this series but Cuban said it best in the locker room last night in regards of being proud of what all has come of this, and be proud of all the players.

    Dirk will get better; Terry will get better; Howard will get better –

    Wade will get better; Shaq will get better; Payton might get his dignity back (:P)…

    All the likes of all the players earned the right to be in the NBA Finals, and NO ONE should forget that no matter whos fan you are. You can be beligerant if you want, calling Dallas no named players and spineless fans and owners, or stunting the disrespectful (in my mind) comparison of Dwayne Wade to Michael Jordan, but everyone in the Finals earned their spot regardless of the outcome. Everyone on these teams is good and some great!

    So, to the Heat fans and the players: Congratulations and good luck in next season.

    To the Mavs fans and players:
    There is no tomorrow, and then again there is. Backs against the walls the best you can ask from this team is to not leave anything for reget and to leave nothing on the court; let it all come out. I believe that this was the case in game 5 and game 6. Stuff happened and stuff will happen. We as fans have been backing these guys up because we love and admire them — and you players have been fantastic, no one can say otherwise. Always remember that no matter what happens, you players are someones hero. Your everyones hero because of what you are, and what you do.

    Keep up the good work Dirk, Jet, Josh, Diop, Damp, Devin, Marquis, Griffin, Mbenga, Jerry, Keith, Armstrong, and Powell. You too Mr. Cuban. And to the General himself, Avery Johnson — I applaud and salute you Mr. Coach of the year. We’ll get ‘em next year!

    –Justin

    Comment by Justin — June 21, 2006 @ 6:06 am

  655. GREAT push. thanks cuban for making the league interesting. didn’t exactly go our way, but that’s how it happens sometimes. keep fighting the good fight.

    Comment by Pearce — June 21, 2006 @ 6:15 am

  656. Cry, cry, cry…
    Mav fans just face the facts, the NBA officiating is bad, we all agree. But it’s bad for everyone. Dirk flopped his way to the foul line throughout the playoffs.
    The same officials that helped you through the Spurs series weren’t so helpful this series.
    As long as you have that fat weenie of a crybaby owner on your side you will never win a championship… cold hard truth!
    The NBA will never let that loudmouth carry home that trophy… hate it!
    As they say… maybe next year… but then again maybe not!

    Comment by Lane — June 21, 2006 @ 6:36 am

  657. Last night sucked. As the news anchor just said this morning “American Airlines Center was the scene of many Dallas Mavericks fans having their hearts broken last night.” This was the case for me. Justin said it well, we’ll get ‘em next year!

    And despite everyone elses criticisms, I like you Mark, you’ve got umph.

    Comment by B — June 21, 2006 @ 6:45 am

  658. hey duh quit hating on Wade. Miami won. I know your venting but chill out with all of that.

    Comment by Ron — June 21, 2006 @ 7:02 am

  659. What time is the parade, IN MIAMI DOH!! Mav’s got to stuck on complaining and not driving to the basket. YOu rarily get to the free throw lines throwing up 3’s all game long. Too many shooters for Dallas tonight, and as always Nowitski is asleep at the defensive end of the court!

    Kelly B

    Comment by Kelly Bigham — June 21, 2006 @ 7:23 am

  660. What time is the parade, IN MIAMI DOH!! Mav’s got to stuck on complaining and not driving to the basket. YOu rarily get to the free throw lines throwing up 3’s all game long. Too many shooters for Dallas tonight, and as always Nowitski is asleep at the defensive end of the court!

    Kelly B

    Comment by Kelly Bigham — June 21, 2006 @ 7:24 am

  661. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I bet your crying in your pillow now Cuban. Thats what you get for opening your mouth on letterman.

    HEAT BABY !! #1 WORLD CHAMPS

    Dallas SUCKS! What happened Dirk? What are you gonna do, kick some basketballs ?
    Wheres your parade ?????
    If you Dallas fans still want to go to a parade, come down to Miami and enjoy OURS!

    4-IN-A-ROW !!!! SUCKERS !!

    Comment by MIAMIHEATCHAMPIONS! — June 21, 2006 @ 7:28 am

  662. That article is totally wrong. The Heat may not have the same talent when it comes to offense as the Mavs do, but they played great team deffense. Their style is to slow down the game and play half court ball, at times it may not look pretty but they got the job done.

    They shot many more free throws because they constantly attacked the basket. Watch the games, the Mavs are mostly shooting jumpers, Jason Terry didn’t drive to the basket once yesterday other than on fast breaks. Even coach Johnson admitted that the Mavs fell in love with the jump shot.

    Comment by Pedro — June 21, 2006 @ 7:44 am

  663. Hey Mark, I’m a Celtics fan but I was pulling for the Mavs. I’ve always been rooting for the “underdog” since the Patriots won their first superbowl. By the way, I’m not taking anything away from your team saying “underdogs” they just were, because of god damn ESPN and such.

    Sorry you guys lost, just don’t get too down on yourself. Just know players are going to want to go to Dallas, to win a championship. All you need is one or two more pieces and your team will be back next year.

    Hell, you don’t even need to make a lot of moves, you’ll be back deep in the playoffs next year.

    You could always try trading for Jermaine O’Neal, lol. JO at C, Dirk at PF. I bet you’re drooling at the thought of that. Well anyways, a reply would be great, but I understand if you don’t reply.

    Good luck this offseason and next year, hopefully we can have a Mavs-Celtics championship!

    Comment by Kevin — June 21, 2006 @ 7:56 am

  664. It’s true, Miami due have some individual brilliance in a player that take control of the game, cut to the basket, draw the foul. How about instead of complaining about the fouls, teach the team better defensive skills to avoid them being given. More elusive blocking like Mourning, More charge drawing like James Posey. In the end, the best team won, no matter how supposedly detrimental to the game that may be. Sure as hell nobody will complain about the profile these Superstars bring to the game, the bums they put on seats. That superstar could have been Dirk, but he got caught up in the game YOU, Cuban, created : crying about officiating instead of keeping the mind where it had to be. It had to be in the zone, it had to be in the game, in the face of the defender on the way to the basket. It wasn’t, and the Mavericks paid dearly.
    I look forward to seeing how you react to this loss, if you can take the loss in your stride and accept the fact this Dallas team was outplayed down the stretch, or whether you will choose to lighten your pockets with more official/press bashing.
    Better luck next season anyhow.

    Comment by Nigel — June 21, 2006 @ 7:57 am

  665. From 232 Above:

    Since I think you are the only person with the clout of doing this, I was wondering what you thought about reverting back to a 2-2-1-1-1 foramt for the Finals? The 2-3-2 format is plain ridiculous. Giving the team with the worse record a chance to clinch the playoffs first if everyone wins at home is juts foolish. That rule needs to be changed. It needs to be called out by someone.

    ——-

    Silly Mavs fan….if you hold home court you win not lose. Only 2 teams in the past who went up 2-0 have ever lost. Sorry, I’m wrong….3 teams. This was the Mavs to lose. Winning 3 games at home in a row against any team is next to impossible. I hate the 2-3-2 but not for the silly reason you state.

    And for you Mavs fans, Wade may not be the next MJ but he’s a lot closer now than anyone on the Mavs……

    Comment by Derek Shipes — June 21, 2006 @ 7:58 am

  666. Bill Simmons would be my new hero too if I owned a team without a superstar. Yeah, Dirk is great; for a seven footer afraid to play below the rim. Hey, I guess I would be mad too if I had the Phil Mickelson of the NBA as the “superstar” of my team.

    Face it Cuban, your team fell short! They CHOKED! You went on Letterman, talked some crap and couldn’t cash in on that crap! Hopefully you’ll learn from this….SHUT UP, write the checks, and stay out!

    TRUE NBA fans don’t need you! TRUE NBA fans don’t need the cry-baby Boston HOMER Bill Simmons…….Look, respectively, you are a good business man, and he is a good journalist. In this case, you are both two idiots. His own team is a true one-trick pony. If it were Paul Pierce leading the Celtics like Wade just did, that article would have read hail to the chief or something stupid like that….

    You lost! The Celtics Suck! Both of you should face that fact that it is the Heat’s time to shine…better luck next year, and hopefully Phil….I mean Dirk won’t choke again!

    Comment by Richard — June 21, 2006 @ 8:03 am

  667. mark,

    i love the mavs, and i wish you would own the chicago cubs. i love avery johnson, he was my favorite player in the NBA. i think he is an awesome coach. i think you guys did get several bad calls, but i didnt like all the attention placed on it. the mavs are a classy organization, but all the attention on the refs made it look like the team was not taking responsibility. i agree with your gripes, but i wish there wasnt so much of that. this is not a slam, but a plea from a fan to focus on the actual game, not that.

    Comment by niel — June 21, 2006 @ 8:04 am

  668. Another funny Mavs ‘fan’ comment:

    Watch out Heat, we’ll be back and out for blood. DWade can only carry you so far.

    —–

    Uhhhh, ya. Carried to the promised land. LOL!

    Also, when a team wins on your court you stand up and applaud. When Detroit did it to us in the ECF last year we applaud and left.

    Booing is classless. Even Mark didn’t go that route. I’m sure he won’t call out you fans for doing it but it showed a new level of whineyness that has become the Dallas Mavericks.

    Comment by Derek Shipes — June 21, 2006 @ 8:04 am

  669. Congratulations Miami Heat fans and team!

    Too bad Mr. Cuban and the “Nag” fans are feeling their “oats” this morning (Ha, Ha)

    Thanks Heat for embarrassing the Nags all over the court and showing them what weak and whimpy whiners THEY REALLY ARE!

    Comment by Spursfanatic — June 21, 2006 @ 8:05 am

  670. Mavs were robbed. Everything seems fixed. Shaq and Wade are media darlings. Stern wanted a Heat win for Riley and Co. Now it’s time for summer. Read a book that the gov’t pulled off Amazon called “America Deceived” by E.A. Blayre III. Support the Mavs and indy media.
    Last link (before Google Books caves):
    http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-38523-0

    Comment by William Reynolds II — June 21, 2006 @ 8:06 am

  671. SSSSSSHHHHHHHH!!……listen…..you know what that sound is?….Thats the beautiful sound of dallas mavs fans with their foot in their mouth….Congratulations World Champion Heat, you deserve it.

    Comment by SpursFanForLife — June 21, 2006 @ 8:12 am

  672. While the Mav’s were planning their parade, Miami was planning how to come back from two down.

    While the Mav’s were watching tape to see how many calls didnt go their way, Miami was watching tape to see how they could improve.

    While Cuban was appearing on Letterman, Miami was appearing at a team funeral.

    While the Mav’s were listening to their owner, the Heat were listening to thier coach.

    It all comes down to focus, maturity and tenacity. The better team deserved to win this Championship, and for once, they did!

    Comment by Raejean — June 21, 2006 @ 8:18 am

  673. Neither a Mavs nor Heat fan. Actually, I think I’m not even an NBA fan anymore. Put it on OLN, take it out of our consciousness. Baseball is enough to get me back to football season each year. I used to love NBA playoff season.

    The final foul where Wade karate chops Nowitzki was eblematic of how much of a farce the game and the way its called has become. On the other end, Marquis and Howard are getting clotheslined and no call.

    I know people love the Zo/GP/Player No. 8 stories, but I’d rather just see a well-played, well-officiated game, something that resembles basketball. Besides, it’s not like I’m going to forget Zo stealing from the Raptors and Nets just because the guy’s got a kidney issue. Pls, Sean Elliot deserves more respek!

    Keep on rocking in the free world, Cubes, you know you’re right and a lot of other folks out there would concur.

    Comment by Anti — June 21, 2006 @ 8:32 am

  674. Simmons is old. GO HEAT!

    Comment by Jimmy — June 21, 2006 @ 8:32 am

  675. I am not one to blame officials, but then again that is why I am a fan of the NFL not the NBA. Anyone who watched game 5 and says the Refs didn’t cause the outcome is delirious. David Stern is the worst of them all. Too proud to be able to admit his officials are idiots. Hey David, here’s an idea you can take from the great NFL. Admit your refs are blowing crucial games. Go ahead and spend a little money on review officials and instant replay, because until you do you will continue to have games given away due to officials. And in turn your fan base will continue to shrink.

    Comment by AJ Mcg — June 21, 2006 @ 8:36 am

  676. I don’t think anyone “owes” it to a sport to evolve. What they do owe their fans is to do everything nessesary to win. The Miami Heat won. Was it the most exciting brand of basketball? don’t even need to answer that, but uh… scoreboard.

    Watch the NFL and tell me what will get you to the Superbowl fastest… let’s see a superstar offensive guy ala Mike Mexico? Sorry. Defense. Exciting? Hardly.

    The only thing that will revolutionaize a sport is winning. Which, oh by the way, let’s do it next year.

    Comment by Dan Snyder — June 21, 2006 @ 10:21 am

  677. All I have to say is to Mr. Cuban:

    Learn to be a motivator and not an instigator and then MAYBE your team will win.

    And as far as your cursing goes, remember that you have a daughter to raise and I really find it hard to believe that you would be proud to have a beautiful little girl with a trucker’s vocabulary.

    Comment by Mary in Miami — June 21, 2006 @ 10:22 am

  678. The Mavs had a great run, I really thought they would win the championship. It just goes to show you how much contol the officials really have. Be honest, how many times in critical situations were fouls called defending wade when we didnt even fucking touch him,literally? The officiating of this series was a discrace, Mark dont let up on these punk ass officials who determine many outcomes with shit calls. All in all a great season Mavs, keep your head up.

    Comment by Jeff — June 21, 2006 @ 10:23 am

  679. Great season mavs. Maybe next year the refs wont act so stupid.

    Comment by Ana — June 21, 2006 @ 10:23 am

  680. Na na na na
    Na na na na
    hey hey hey
    GOODBYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    w00000000p! GO HEAT!

    Comment by Jonas — June 21, 2006 @ 10:24 am

  681. Nice try, Sean, but my fiancee was asleep behind me all night. Good effort on your part.

    Listen, like I said, any Mavs/Pistons/Lakers fan is going to have an anti-Wade bias. They will not see how amazing he is, plain and simple. They will cite numbers, percentages, and refereeing to prove their point. It’s natural when your team is whooped by a single player the same way the Mavs were. It’s ok, though, I don’t expect you to see my point.

    Oh, and nevermind that almost every sportscaster/sportswriter feels the same way. They must know nothing, eh?

    It’s the same reason you guys keep complaining about the officiating: you refuse to believe what you see. Miami was the better team. Wade is the best player. Have a nice off-season! :)

    Comment by Alex — June 21, 2006 @ 10:24 am

  682. Go Hoosiers!

    Comment by Drew — June 21, 2006 @ 10:25 am

  683. I can see why Cuban likes Simmons so much…he’s a windbag too…did anyone actually read that entire tome?? I’m a Spurs fan and actually tried to pull for Dallas…afterall the team is likable, the coach is likable…but the owner? I think the crying and whining of the owner has trickled down to the team and that’s why you lost.

    Bottom line is this Cuban…instead of trying to change the NBA so you can win…how about trying to find a way to win with the NBA as it is! Now, that’s a novel thought. The spurs have suffered MANY MANY times more hurtful losses than you have and still have 3 rings! Why?…cuz they are the most loved and popular team (no), cuz they have a loved-by-media superstar, eh NO…cuz they have an owner that emails refs after every loss and crys and complains about each loss as a conspiracy…definitely not…or cuz the NBA has chose them to be kings…nope. If anything the NBA HATED the spurs winning, but win they did, because champions always find a way to win and overcome whatever stands in their way…simple as that! You are not there yet…that’s why you lost. GETTING to the finals is magnitudes easier than WINNING the finals! Here’s hoping you have had your only chance! GO SPURS and congrats to the HEAT!

    Comment by Bill — June 21, 2006 @ 10:25 am

  684. “the Mavericks truly should have been given that title”

    since when are titles given? you need to be complaining about how your sorry ass team started shooting more bricks than shaq at the free throw line. you need to start complaining about how the soft ass mavs players simply stop going to the hoop (maybe they’d get fouls and be in the penalty-sound familiar)and started settling for jumpers. The mavericks loss the game because the choked. Nobody wanted to step up and take control of the game for the team. Regardless of what you say about the officials, they don’t play. The players have to execute their x’s and o’s. If you shoot 37% against the heat aint no way in hell you’re going to win (ask the pistons). So, sstop complaining, accept the blame. Or better yet, go out and map next years championship pared route.What do you think they’ll do to your no defense, no superstar, no mvp, no clutch two bit no name players. yall will be worst than the golden state warriors. enjoy your first and last championship run. Spurs take the west next year and you guys will go back to being the no name, unloved, step siblings in texas, even worst than houston. the only team unworthy in the finals were the spineless, cowardly, crybaby mavs. so i’ll leave you now to wallow in your sorrow and pity, which exemplifies the spirit of the dallas faithful. Goodbay crybabies, be seeing you next year.

    Comment by now titles are given — June 21, 2006 @ 10:26 am

  685. Any truth to the rumor that no champagne was popped in the Miami locker room? Instead, they lit up Cuban cigars!!

    The Mavs lost game 6 in part because of all the whining and complaining over the past week. They went into this game with this us against the world attitude, both players and fans. Everybody came out totally hyped up in the first quarter, but guess what! Once Miami survived Dallas’ best punch, the Mavs had nothing left in the tank for the second half. There is no such thing as controlled anger when you’re talking about an entire team and city. Rick Pitino, who was dumb enough to leave Kentucky for supposedly greener pastures, described it best when he was at UK. He always talked about how the other team would come out with the highest possible emotional level. The key to victory was to weather the storm early. Once the emotion wears off, it all comes down to execution. We saw that in the second half. The Mavericks had nothing left. Let’s be honest–James Posey hit more big shots in the 4th quarter last night than Dirk Nowitzki did.

    About the Bill Simmons article–Bill Simmons is a fucking moron. Anybody who would put down the “old school” NBA doesn’t recognize quality basketball. If you want to see really good basketball, watch ESPN Classic. Today’s NBA is watered down by all the 18-20 year old players who will never make it in the league. 20 years ago, an 18 foot jump shot was automatic–even for role players. Most players today don’t have the fundamentals, yet we wonder why the USA gets its ass kicked in interational competition. Our elite players are too concerned about the risk of injury or fatigue. Do you really think that Dirk would turn down the opportunity to play for Germany in the Olympics? Heck, no!!!

    And to say that one man beats an entire team is crazy. Even the Bulls in the ’90s. How many rings did Jordan win before Scottie Pippen became a top ten player in the league? Nobody does it by themselves.

    Have a nice offseason!

    Comment by eudog — June 21, 2006 @ 10:26 am

  686. Mr. Cuban, I was glad to see you link to Bill Simmons’ article, as I enjoyed reading it and I consider him to be one of the most entertaining writers of our day.

    Comment by Lou P. — June 21, 2006 @ 10:26 am

  687. I’m not a fan of either team, and I loved watching Wade and Dirk go back and forth making clutch shots. Dirk’s shot over Shaq in game 5 was one of the best I’ve ever seen. But shitty calls are a part of the game at every level; why would it be any different in the pros? You have play through it. And if ANYONE on the Mavs could have made just ONE clutch free throw, not blow a 13 point lead in the 4th quarter of game 3 and TWO double digit leads in game 6, the Mavs would be champs. Please stop with the whining and be gracious losers. I’ll be shocked if the Mavs DON’T win a title.

    Comment by csr — June 21, 2006 @ 10:27 am

  688. Game 3, game 5, game 6… Mavs take lead, refs call BS fouls, Heat come back with the clock essentially STOPPED! In evenly called games, Mavs in 5! “Shoulda, woulda, coulda”…. It’s true, we had our chances, which we missed. But there’s nothing we could do about those calls, the league has their new MJ, they want to protect him. Dont get me wrong, D Wade is good, ok great, but to get 25 FT’s in game 5, come on now!! Devin Harris gets hammered every time he drives in, hardly ever gets a call. Payton pulls Jason Terry’s jersey at the end of game, no call.

    Mavs, thanx for the great run! Heat fans, congrats! NBA/David Stern, be consistent with the foul calls.

    MFFL!

    Comment by what was that — June 21, 2006 @ 10:29 am

  689. You know what simmons doesn’t discuss in his article…I that back when MJ was playing the NBA was at it peak of it’s popularity, and finally with the likes of Dwyane Wade and Lebron James, the NBA has taken steps back to that golden era. If you Mr. Cuban, or any other Mav fans really think that a team of good players is better for the NBA than superstars you are clearly mistaken. Look at the Pistons – 5 really good players and people are so bored with them after 1 championship. The NBA is a league of superstars – always has always will be. Superstars transcends sports. This is so in every other league. The NFL, NHL, and MLB. People like stars (Hollywood anyone?). That is reality. Wake up and realize that, get another star around Dirk, and maybe you’ll win one next year. Maybe that way you will stop bitching about everything and just enjoy watching your team play and win. Mr. Cuban, this is good advice that I suggest you take.

    Comment by Jonathan — June 21, 2006 @ 10:30 am

  690. Mark, This is a first time reader here and I read your blog “cursing” and saw that you said the reporters were wasting your time. How is that possible? You chose to be interviewed didn’t you? I didn’t see where the Heat owner was required to be interviewed. Maybe this is an NBA requirement. I don’t think so. I lived in Chicago during it’s 6 championships and never saw Reinsdorf was wasting his time with interviews. If your time is so valuable and interviews are a waste of your time then maybe you need help with time and personal management.

    Comment by Kevin — June 21, 2006 @ 10:30 am

  691. Die Hard Mavs Fan Here –

    Congratulations to the Heat. They deserve it. They figured it out. The Mavs melted down under the pressure. But, they will be back!

    Whew! What a great season. Congrats to the Mavs and Avery!

    Comment by Teo — June 21, 2006 @ 10:31 am

  692. Here is something I notice about the MAVS this year. What they did to start winning the game they quit doing when they start losing, driving the basketball. Maybe if we stuck again to what was working and quit trying to make 3 pointers all game long just maybe we could have won 2 of the last 4 games. If the refs are calling a close game don’t change what you are doing. Let all 5 starters get fouled out then see if some of the Heat fans and supporters still say that the calling was fair. Just a thought and some of my own observations.

    Comment by Grace Brock — June 21, 2006 @ 10:32 am

  693. You know it is tiryng how fans are quick to blame officials for a team losing. Firts of, the Mavs have a great team but it seems that they and their owner are too busy crying foul after every lose that they forgot what was at stake. A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!. Champions play through adversity and take that as a way to shut everyone up. MVP’s take charge of situations and create plays by driving, playing defense and helping teammates become better like MJ, Dr. J, Duncan, Magic, WADE, etc. Did you ever see any Mav do that in this series? Not even your beloved Novitsky.
    So please Cuban and Dallas fans,look at your team first and ask yourselves did we really played as well and as hard as we should have. Did we played like we played Phoenix, Spurs?. The answer is no. Too much crying and not enough balls to suck it up and play your hearts off. I am a Nets fan, but i am a basketball fan and I love Cuban’s love for the game, but he may be the one that will never bring a championship to Dallas.

    Comment by Angel — June 21, 2006 @ 10:33 am

  694. HAAHAAAA SUCK IT MAVS FANS

    THE REFS WERE FAIR THE WHOLE SERIES, DIRK GOT HIS SHARE OF BS CALLS FROM THE OFFICIALS

    THE FOUL AT THE END OF GAME 5 WAS LEGIT, NO BACKCOURT VIOLATION, NO OFFENSIVE FOUL, AND HE GOT HIT ABOUT 5 TIMES ON THE DRIVE

    THAT WAS A STUPID CALL ON DIRK NEAR THE END, THOUGH, SHOULD HAVE BEEN A NO CALL, IF DIRK HAD FLOPPED IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN OFFENSIVE FOUL

    BUT STILL

    SHUT UP

    MIAMI WAS THE BETTER TEAM, THEY DESERVED TO WIN

    KEEP MAKING EXCUSES LIKE BABIES, NOBODY CARES

    Comment by eddy — June 21, 2006 @ 10:33 am

  695. Bottomline: You took a joke of a team and made them contenders.

    You came from modesty and are now a billioniare.

    People hate Winners.

    F Em Mark…bunch of haters…..go count your money. The Mavs are worth more now than when you bought them…..

    I thank you for bringing some long needed Victory to Dallas.

    Comment by Charles — June 21, 2006 @ 10:33 am

  696. I feel like I just witnessed a pro wrestling event in the NBA finals.

    The Miami Heat managed to win a 7 game series in 6 games

    with 1 honest win.

    I’ve seen this before in the Stern era: Michael in the 90s. Shaq

    and Kobe from 2000-2003. Now Shaq and Wade. The star players

    & their teams get a different and advantageous treatment from the refs.

    The reffing in the last 5 minutes of game 3 was unbelievable.

    Heat could push, hack, hold, drive recklessly to the basket.

    Didn’t matter. When this is how the game is being called, its

    not hard to erase a double digit deficit.

    The reffing in game 5 was atrocious. Stern played a direct role

    here in suspending Stackhouse for a foul that did not warrant

    a suspension. Wade’s 25 free throws were a joke.

    The absolutely worst call of the series, however, was in game 6.

    Down 1, with about 30 seconds left, Dallas needed a stop. Dwayne

    Wade proceeds to stage dive into Dirk Nowitzki and draw a

    blocking call. Call it what you like: a conspiracy, a rigged event,

    complete incompetence. You have fundamentally changed the game

    when you allow a player to fly recklessly out of control into an

    opposing player and draw a blocking call. NBA fans are no longer

    watching the game of basketball as they knew it. They are watching

    something else.

    Stern has allowed this shit to happen for a solid ten years. Now he’s

    taking it a step further with all the bullshit suspensions. These type

    of series ruin the game. David Stern needs to go.

    Comment by David Weinberg — June 21, 2006 @ 10:34 am

  697. The Mavs fans are saying “Its late in the game just let them play” yet in game 3 u guys only had a chance because Dirk ot to the free throw line (and he choked)

    You guys had your chance, but Jason Terry just isnt as clutch as D-Wade. Oh yeah and who can forget Dirk throwing it away to Erick Dampier and letting the heat steal it. Like Alex said Have a nice off-season!

    Comment by James — June 21, 2006 @ 10:34 am

  698. Jeez. I just realized that you’re an idiot.

    The article is particularly retarded. Hero? I’m a heckler, I understand heckling. But kicking dirt and slinging mud is for toddlers.

    You dress like a toddler. Maybe you’re a toddler.

    Blame it on whatever you want, I saw you on Letterman… YOU blew it.

    And here’s the indictment: You, Mark Cuban, are the reason the Mavericks lost the championship. You sucked all the air out the room. You are a tremendous flop.

    Live by the sword, die by the sword.

    Comment by Dan Hardie — June 21, 2006 @ 10:35 am

  699. Just for the record, the MAVS are still the best TEAM in basketball, well, next to the Miami Heat officiating crew. And everybody I talk to says how the series was called evenly…well..let’s look at 3 things.
    1) Wade pushed off how many times and got away with it?
    2) Did any of you Miami fans (the ones I was sitting with DID) see the foul committed on the last 3 point attempt by Dallas (the grab of the jersey)?
    3) Final foul total for the series:
    Miami- 146
    Dallas- 167

    Now…let’s talk about how “FAIR” these games were called.

    Comment by Eric — June 21, 2006 @ 10:35 am

  700. Bill Simmons is an idiot, he has never written anything worth reading… So to say that he knows what he is talking about and agrees with you just proves that you don’t know anything as well…

    God Bless the Miami Heat beating the team that tried to buy the championship…

    Comment by posty — June 21, 2006 @ 10:39 am

  701. Well, just like any die hard Mavs fan, I’m devestaded and heartbroken!!!Although,I’ll be on vacation this coming week,I would absolutly love it if there was a parade going on.The Mavs deserve to see they are still loved and supported here in Dallas.Please let them know they have done a great job!!!! The Mavs are still CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Can’t wait till next season.Go Mavs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We love you too Avery “Coach of the Year” well deserved!!!!!!

    Comment by belle — June 21, 2006 @ 10:39 am

  702. Here we go again ! I can’t feel sorry for you Mark . . . you live in a world that is reserved for those willing to make their personal “wants” and “needs” the reality of their existance . It is true , you have assembled a good young team . . . great head coach , and you’ve blown enough smoke up the asses of the average DFW Metroplex citizen to increase your season ticket sells for years to come!! However, you won’t win an NBA championship until you get a dominant Center . . .it’s just the fact of the game called basketball !! At least more dominant than the Center the oppositon is playing ! You are the product of the “corporate cult mentality” yet you swear you are a non-conformist . . . bullshit!! You’re just a computer geek that knows how to antagonize the “process” and put the “spotlight” on yourself ! You and your players “blew it” . . .game 3 . . .period ! Accept it and move on !! At best, you are 2nd best. . .in the Western Conference behind San Antonio . . . good fortune came your way this year in beating them ! It will be awhile , if ever, that you get to taste the NBA Finals again . . .maybe next time , some time will have passed , you will have matured enough to know that putting the spotlight on yourself in the midst of your team’s facing elimination in the NBA Finals. . .isn’t such a great move !! Thank you and The Mav’s for ushering in a new legend in the history of the NBA . . . Dwyane Wade!!!

    Comment by Daryl Hanson — June 21, 2006 @ 10:39 am

  703. Hey post 408, without Stern there’s a good chance you don’t have Dirk on your team or anywhere in the NBA.

    Comment by randy — June 21, 2006 @ 10:40 am

  704. Grow up people – I’m not even from Dallas and I’m embarrassed FOR you. Yes, you have a great team – but usually the TWO teams that make it to the finals are pretty good. Miami beat Detroit, and THEY were expected to win it – you beat San Antonio, and THEY were expected to win it. So what??? The fact that Cuban is an ass and AJ is becoming one doesn’t factor into your loss – it just makes it sweeter. I live in San Antonio – we lost it – life goes on – by the way AJ, were you nicer when you were here, or was that a big act to fit in?? I guess you ARE a product of the company you keep. It would be so classy to see you act like Pop or Riley and we could still be proud of you. Yeah, Yeah, Coach of the Year – Cry me a river. Do you think you are so special you can turn it around in one year?? The Mavs were good before you got there and they will be good after you leave. You are FULL OF YOURSELF, and I can’t help but wonder if you always were.

    Comment by TERYL251 — June 21, 2006 @ 10:42 am

  705. Bill Simmons is an idiot, he has never written anything worth reading… So to say that he knows what he is talking about and agrees with you just proves that you don’t know anything as well…

    God Bless the Miami Heat beating the team that tried to buy the championship…

    Comment by posty — June 21, 2006 @ 10:42 am

  706. If you don’t agree with Simmons’ column, you really shouldn’t have anything to say here because you’re absolutely base-headed. These finals were terrible and I truly feel for Dallas because they were a better, more charismatic team than Miami. The bottom line is – with Shaq on your team you’ll get to the playoffs. And with the refs on your team you’ll win them. Regardless, the only thing that really came out of this season was the pissing off of the Detroit Pistons. Good luck next year, Dwayne. And everyone else.

    Comment by Luke Jackson — June 21, 2006 @ 10:43 am

  707. I knew it. I said it at the beginning of the season. Dallas will NEVER win a championship. I was right. They never will. NEVER. I said it before, the Lakers will win another title before Dallas does, because they NEVER WILL.

    Comment by Laker's Rule — June 21, 2006 @ 10:43 am

  708. The Dallas fans are full of passion, and great for the NBA… However it was disgusting to hear them Boo when FLASH was receiving the Finals M.V.P. trophy… Classless.

    HEAT ARE WORLD CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Dallas had a great season and will be back next year.

    FLASH WILL BE BACK TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Dennis Miller — June 21, 2006 @ 10:43 am

  709. D-I-S-C-I-P-L-I-N-E and R-E-S-P-E-C-T is what cost the Mav’s the championship. The Mav’s have a coach who has been mentored by great coaches who have won the NBA title and he brought that to the team when he took over last year. He respected his players talents and used it to get the best out of them. The discipline he commanded was the key to the success of the regular seaon victories, but Avery will always have to fight an uphill battle when you have an owner who wants to PROMOTE himself to the media causing distraction that is determanetal to the team. One thing is to have passion, but to instigate bad blood among other teams is lack of sportsmanship. His actions in the finals reflected the persona of the onwer and not the respect and descipline of the COACH OF THE YEAR. His trash talking in San Antonio swayed may Spurs fans to support the Heat in the finals(although many expressed they felt bad for Avery). The owner of the Spurs has never needed to get the media attn to make his team succesful. He just hired the right people and let them do the job they were hired for. The league will also make it hard for Avery and the team when the season starts again, because of how the team responded to judgement calls. My suggestion and advice for Mark Cuban is to sit back, enjoy the ride and KEEP HIS DESIRE FOR MEDIA ATTN IN CHECK!!! Avery can do w/o added distractions!!!

    Comment by Lawrence Y. — June 21, 2006 @ 10:47 am

  710. Boo Hoo. First the heat are unworthy. Then One game is fixed because they lose. Then another and another and another.

    Now it’s not the Mavs choking that’s at fault, it’s the NBA’s style of play. It’s too rough. The basketball is not entertaining anymore since your team didn’t win.

    It didn’t even go 7 games. You can get screwed and lose one or two games in a 7 game series and still recover if you’re the better team right? The Heat hasn’t won in your house since way back when?

    Wade got a phantom foul in game 5 at home, while scoring what.. 40 POINTS? And that lost you the series right? Sure.

    You don’t have the exact same numbers of fouls so the series was unfair, even though the Mavs play hack a shaq. So I guess the 21 extra fouls over 6 games lost you the series. Yeah.

    What are you guys gonna cry about next?

    Comment by Ratinum — June 21, 2006 @ 10:49 am

  711. Ya know, as a Miami resident and Heat fan, I have pretty tremendous respect for the Mavericks as a talented team and for Mark as a business person and team owner.

    That said, I was greatly dissapointed by the whining and griping as the series went on. You do your excellent team a great disservice. My respect fizzled away fairly quickly and I don’t disagree with the theory that it was largely responsible for the Mavs lack of performance in the clutch.

    The Mavs are a phenomenal team and Dallas should be proud that they accomplished so much this season. Terry is a BEAST and Dirk is a very exciting player to watch, even from section 117 in the AAA in white.

    Time to show some class, your players deserve it.

    Comment by Brian McLeod — June 21, 2006 @ 10:51 am

  712. ERIC…..did you take your meds? The game I watched had David Stern handing the trophy to Miami. I seriously doubt there are 13 billion people that would back you up. The only ones I know of are in the local Dallas Sanitarium.

    The world is not flat buddy….even if you say it is.

    Comment by SC — June 21, 2006 @ 11:59 am

  713. Bill Simmons is great, and he does anice job of summing it all up

    Comment by poppazao — June 21, 2006 @ 12:00 pm

  714. There are plenty of sports played the world over where the referring is never controverisal, its never supposed to be about the referring, when it even seems to come down to a referring controversy, it takes away from the legitimacy of result!
    4 months from now, everyone will forget about the abject referring. It will all slide because the publics memory is so short term. More close games that will come down to shoddy referees who pay no consequences when they make a wrong call.
    That’s how it has been and that is how it will remain, its the organization!
    Why bother!

    Comment by Dr Dreyfuss King — June 21, 2006 @ 12:00 pm

  715. Hey Janet,
    Bring those fake boobs along with you, OK? Honey…you and Cuban are both whiners and fools. The Spurs owner has more class. The Spurs team has more class…hell…the Coyote looks better than you Janet. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    Comment by Mark Gordon — June 21, 2006 @ 12:02 pm

  716. ERIC…..did you take your meds? The game I watched had David Stern handing the trophy to Miami. I seriously doubt there are 13 billion people that would back you up. The only ones I know of are in the local Dallas Sanitarium.

    The world is not flat buddy….even if you say it is.

    Comment by SC — June 21, 2006 @ 12:02 pm

  717. The article is silly. Let me get this straight—because the Heat win two games more than the Mavs the future of the NBA will change?
    Haaaa! NBA GMs will suddenly say–”Hmmm…I have Vince Carter (etc) and Miami winning has convinced me that we’re set to make a championship run”??? Give me a break.
    The reason the Heat won wasn’t because they had Wade. It was because they had Wade AND Shaq. Cry all you want about officiating but the Mavs simply had no answer. Nowitzki is very very good, but he’s not dominant all the time. Do you think for one minute that if the Mavs had Wade and Shaq they wouldn’t do the exact same thing that Miami did?
    The Mavs have several very good players. The Heat has two great ones.
    Shouldn’t have let Nash get away, dude!!!!

    Comment by Ron — June 21, 2006 @ 12:03 pm

  718. its sad when everyone must result to finger pointing & conspiracy theories to describe why the mavs lost. had the mavericks swept the heat would there even be a discussion about officiating? Some of us need to take a look at the behavior of the CHAMPIONSHIP team. when the heat was down 2-0, was the owner Mickey Arison out there complaining about the referees & officiating? did the heat sit & whine about bad calls? no….they stepped up their game up. stop whining & start behaving like the team that fought to get the championship even though the mavs lost, they played like a strong team should have, they just didnt finish like one.

    Comment by luis — June 21, 2006 @ 12:04 pm

  719. It’s nice to see so many people talking about the Pistons even though they weren’t even in the finals. I’m already looking forward to next year when they have another chip on their shoulders and are that much more eager to bring the trophy back to the Motor City. Dallas v. Detroit would have been a great series.

    Comment by Spit Jive — June 21, 2006 @ 12:05 pm

  720. the mavs biggest achievement this year was squeaking by the spurs in an overtime victory in the 7th game. of course next year the spurs will put them back in their rightful place…sitting in the spectator seats watching the semis. they had no business being in the finals…this was their shot and they blew it. the window of opportunity is closed for the mavs.

    Comment by greg — June 21, 2006 @ 12:07 pm

  721. Hey Janet…bring that fake chest to the riverwalk while you’re at it.

    Comment by Mark Gordon — June 21, 2006 @ 12:07 pm

  722. It’s nice to see so many people talking about the Pistons even though they weren’t even in the finals. I’m already looking forward to next year when they have another chip on their shoulders and are that much more eager to bring the trophy back to the Motor City. Dallas v. Detroit would have been a great series.

    Comment by Spit Jive — June 21, 2006 @ 12:08 pm

  723. The guy that wrote that article is a Mavs Homer, and is just showing his angst.

    Dirk is a panzy, and that German balling is not going to cut it.

    Dirk could not play ball in South Oak Cliff in any gym with that soft game of his.

    Comment by SouthOakCliff — June 21, 2006 @ 12:08 pm

  724. I am a huge Mavs fan…

    However I know other people on here will rip me for this but here goes…
    They pulled what I like to call a “mavs blunder”. They are up by two games and lose the next four. They are up by 14 points and stop playing. The spent the entire time in Miami running around looking completely lost. They played real hard in the 1st qtr of game six and stopped playing at the end of the 2nd. When is this team going to learn that there are 4 qtrs in a game and it’s not over until the clock runs out at the end of the 4th. Howard admitted to not playing hard in game 3. That kind of play was all over the faces of our team. Someone told them it was all over at the end of game two.

    26 years, 26 years of this. Granted this was our first trip to the finals. A win is a win but we barely got there and then pulled a typical 26 year “mavs blunder” and threw it away. Two games, two games is all we had to win to win it all, and to get swept 4 in a row…Aghhhh!!!

    The other disheartening thing is how blatantly obvious it was that the national media wanted the Heat to win so badly. I watched and 80% or more was how the Heat could still pull it off and how great it was when they won and all of the ads with Heat players living the dream of the finals. All of the articles on Fox sports and ESPN, Heat this and Heat that. Then there was like one or two moments when they would say something about the Mavs. Maybe it’s because are star is not an all-star starter and he is inconsistent at times or because a lot of the time our center Damp is to soft and the rest of the supporting cast is either on or off and if their off they are waaaay off, and because the Heat have two all-star starters with Wade and Shaq, I don’t know, but it was ridiculous. Maybe they don’t make as much in advertising if the Mavs win for some reason.

    Cuban you have done great things for the Mavs but the way you insulted San Antonio’s river walk (we are all Texans here, and we don’t have much to see in TX so come on man, unfortunately that’s one of the only things we have to visit) and swear all over national TV and have a constant feud with Stern and the refs is really getting old. I also understand why you do it, but dude, they have been calling bad calls since basketball began, and pissing them off is only going to make it worse for us. I can think of a lot better things you could have done with the $1.6 M in total fines you have just given’ the NBA.

    I’m sure someone will rip me for this to but after 26 years of this I’m done for now. I’m taking next season off, no games, no playoffs, no shirts, no calendars, nothing. I will renew my Mavs license plate however because I have to. I’ll come back in the 07′ – 08′ season to give my nerves some time to relax. I may go through withdraw. If you’re up three games in the finals then I’ll watch the game you should win it all. I wish I was alone in this but a whole office full of people around me feel the same way. Unless you are able to trade or acquire a starting all-star in the off season then we may think about changing our minds.

    Let the slamming begin…see you in two years.

    Comment by Tired mavs fan... — June 21, 2006 @ 12:08 pm

  725. What a thrill to see the Heat finally shut up the classless, shameless, undignified Cuban…I hate the NBA, too Hip hop “Cool for me…it was a pleasure hearing the Mavs imploded and collapsed…now, I would suggest Cuban go to Pittsburgh, spend a few days with Dan Rooney and learn some ways to be a dignified, classy owner…maybe Mr. Rooney would even allow Mr. Wah Wah Whiner to hold a championship trophy…

    Comment by Steven Davis — June 21, 2006 @ 12:09 pm

  726. In case you forgot, Mr. Cuban, you are the owner of an NBA team. If Simmons has such great insights into the game that just must be acknowledged then hire him as your GM! I’m sure the Dallas fans would just LOVE that one.

    Otherwise, remember the wise words of Sean Connery in the movie The Rock, “Your best? LOSERS always WHINE about doing their best! Winners go home and f**k the prom queen!”

    Comment by Jason — June 21, 2006 @ 12:10 pm

  727. What a thrill to see the Heat finally shut up the classless, shameless, undignified Cuban…I hate the NBA, too Hip hop “Cool for me…it was a pleasure hearing the Mavs imploded and collapsed…now, I would suggest Cuban go to Pittsburgh, spend a few days with Dan Rooney and learn some ways to be a dignified, classy owner…maybe Mr. Rooney would even allow Mr. Wah Wah Whiner to hold a championship trophy…

    Comment by Steven Davis — June 21, 2006 @ 12:11 pm

  728. GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! · GO HEAT!! ·

    Comment by Robert — June 21, 2006 @ 12:12 pm

  729. Mr. Cuban,
    You have no class.

    Comment by linda — June 21, 2006 @ 12:14 pm

  730. What a thrill to see the Heat finally shut up the classless, shameless, undignified Cuban…I hate the NBA, too Hip hop “Cool for me…it was a pleasure hearing the Mavs imploded and collapsed…now, I would suggest Cuban go to Pittsburgh, spend a few days with Dan Rooney and learn some ways to be a dignified, classy owner…maybe Mr. Rooney would even allow Mr. Wah Wah Whiner to hold a championship trophy…

    Comment by Steven Davis — June 21, 2006 @ 12:14 pm

  731. How bout you take your loss with some class. Your team missed shots when you needed to make shots, and you choked!! Where were your stars when it mattered??

    Comment by Jorge — June 21, 2006 @ 12:14 pm

  732. Darned if this doesn’t remind me of the Cowboys teams of the mid-to-late ’60s. Almost every season the Cowboys would make the playoffs and find a way to lose.

    Dec 28, 1969…I was one of 76000 foolishly enthused (and freezing) fans crammed into the Cotton Bowl on a cold (35F) rainy and windy (30-40 MPH) day when Our Heroes were taking on the hated Cleveland Browns in a playoff game.

    Cleveland won the toss and chose to receive the opening kickoff. Dallas’ Doomsday Defense was all over Brown’s QB Bill Nelson and left them with 4th and long. Cleveland punted, Rayfield Wright touched the ball, Cleveland recovered and Dallas went on to lose 38-12. This was fairly typical of our playoff experiences during the period before the Cowboys finally won their first Super Bowl.

    Maybe the Mavs were just learning to pay their dues with this one.

    Comment by Ted Hardin — June 21, 2006 @ 12:15 pm

  733. Go Heat!! I am so glad the Heat won so we don’t have to hear whiny Avery Johnson, excuse-making Cuban, and arrogant Dirk ANYMORE! There are no excuses – the Heat won 4-2. No more complaining about bad calls, a different style of play, blah, blah, blah. WADE RULES! The Mavs success was (yes, I mean the past tense) short lived!
    Congrats, Wade, Shaq, Riley, and to all the Heat Nation!

    Comment by Art Hurzander — June 21, 2006 @ 12:16 pm

  734. Video for Game 5 whiners, just something to clear your mind:
    http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http…

    In the end.. The Better Team Won it ALL

    Calling Ronnie Nunn & Skip Bayless to your defense…is that the best you can do?

    Comment by dave — June 21, 2006 @ 12:17 pm

  735. THIS IS THE BEST FEELIN EVER!!!!!!!!!!
    15 STRONG!!!!
    GO HEAT!!!
    I NEVER HAD A DOUBT IN MY MIND!!!
    and sorry mavs fans who dont get to feel what we are feeling right now. trust me its great lol. And i geuss you’ll never feel it unless you become a heat fan. GOOOOOOOOO HEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAATTTTTT!!!

    Comment by GO HEAT — June 21, 2006 @ 12:18 pm

  736. Hey Mark,

    Close but no cigar. Sucks you guys wont be back for a while (the Suns are going to own the west with Stoudimaire coming back). It was good while it lasted. Its too bad Dirk isnt as good at hand ball as his papi is (choking on the pass to Erika).

    Comment by White Hott — June 21, 2006 @ 12:24 pm

  737. One thing I have learned in over 30 years of competative sports is that if you play down to the level of your opponent you are on his turf and you normally loose.

    Detroit did and they lost and the Mavs did and they lost. This whole series has been one big Brain Fart. Dallas rose to the occasion and beat San Antonio who was probably the better team, The Suns alot like Miami but Dallas played their game and won. Dallas was Dallas until the 3th Quarter of Game 3. That is when they started playing down to Miami’s level. If they had stayed with the plan they would have won game 3. It would have been close but they would have won. The rest would have never happened. With a 3 game lead chances are that Miami would not have come alive. Truth is there were only two teams in the NBA that could have beaten Dallas. Detroit never got the chance, the other was Dallas and they did beat the Mavs.

    To Miami – it is all about winning and you won so enjoy your victory and take comfort that if the roles were reversed Dallas would have stolen the series from you without hesitation.

    Comment by Ken C — June 21, 2006 @ 12:25 pm

  738. While the refs blew and shamed the league i think Dallas spent too much energy brooding over the game 5 debacle. Howard and Dirk share blame for that loss with the refs.
    In game 6, that call on Dirk with 26 seconds left against Wade was atrocious. Wade had nowhere to go and pushed off with his elbow into Dirk’s gut. You won’t hear the comentators comment on it objectively becasue they hae a product to sell and don’t want it’s integrity called into question. Meja on sportsline mentioned it today.
    I think the mavs did try to drive, but when you are getting 10 shots blocked it tends to discourage it and they were not getting the ticky-tack fouls that Wade got on the other end.

    Comment by dave — June 21, 2006 @ 12:27 pm

  739. Cuban should be embarassed at the behavior of the Mav’s fans. Booing the Commissioner was a pathetic act of bad sportsmanship, and they were following Cuban’s lead.

    The Heat won because they are the better team.

    Comment by Jeff Miller — June 21, 2006 @ 12:27 pm

  740. While the refs blew and shamed the league i think Dallas spent too much energy brooding over the game 5 debacle. Howard and Dirk share blame for that loss with the refs.
    In game 6, that call on Dirk with 26 seconds left against Wade was atrocious. Wade had nowhere to go and pushed off with his elbow into Dirk’s gut. You won’t hear the comentators comment on it objectively becasue they hae a product to sell and don’t want it’s integrity called into question. Meja on sportsline mentioned it today.
    I think the mavs did try to drive, but when you are getting 10 shots blocked it tends to discourage it and they were not getting the ticky-tack fouls that Wade got on the other end.

    Comment by dave — June 21, 2006 @ 12:29 pm

  741. the Mavs lost to the Heat because they were out-played, and all the rest is background noise, and childish whining.

    you can lose a close game with bad referee, but you don’t lose a best-of-7 series.

    and you can’t blame the referees for dropping double digit leads.

    with regard to old-school new-school NBA, this is also nonsense. you can build such theories around every team. at the end of the day Miami was the better team in the series and thus they won.

    Comment by Avner Ronen — June 21, 2006 @ 12:30 pm

  742. As a devout Mavs fan and proponent of people accepting responsibility, I attribute the Mavs having lost this series to their lack of aggression with regard to attacking the basket on a consistent basis. The disparity in foul shots attempted is not attributable to poor officiating alone. For example, in Game 6 Dallas was leading by double figures WHEN they were attacking but they let the Heat back in by continuing to settle for jumpers instead of attempting to push the lead even further.

    In the clutch, Wade was clutch and everyone knew who was getting the ball. Dallas has yet to find their identity late in games. Dirk should be the man but often it takes too long to get him the ball or a physical defender outright prevents such from occurring.

    Congrats Mavs on a solid season.
    Congrats Heat on EARNING a championship by being aggressive.

    IF Amare is healthy, watch out for the Suns next year because as unguardable as Wade was this series, no one can guard Amare, either.

    Comment by defjamz — June 21, 2006 @ 12:31 pm

  743. It has been a great year for the MAVS. It has even been more of an emotional rollar coaster ride for all of us through out the playoffs. We will learn from our mistakes and next year will be better. We now know what it takes to get there and win. Mark thanks for a wounderful year and I look forward you seeing you and the MAVERICKS next season…… GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by michael — June 21, 2006 @ 12:32 pm

  744. Let’s focus on the Mavs mistakes: Dirk’s late game free throw miss, the last timeout called after Wade’s first free throw, Terry’s missed 3 pointer, etc. Miami was the better team. It’s about time we give them credit. When it’s all said and done the Heat have the Larry O’Brien trophy.

    Comment by The Truth — June 21, 2006 @ 12:34 pm

  745. the basketball gods would not allow the mavs to win. i feel for avery. he knows how to win big games while on the court. looking at the players and the style of play he seemed like he “had” to support. i know he didnt like how it went down, hes fromthe old nba where a foul was foul, a powerforward was a powerforward, and the o was started by tossing it to the trees and kicking it out for the threes. the point and power forward was the weakness for the heat. the mavs exploited the point, but why wouldnt dirk push the pause button on the whole offense. gather himself and attack the power forward…he took what they gave him, wade took what he wanted. everyones complaining about the officials, be real….do you think they were gonna bail dallas out? its amazing to me how many ppl see dirk a seven foot powerforward falling all over the floor, the entire game. i dont think its a foul problem, i think he has a problem with his balance. hes constantly falling, i cant understand it, if its a lose ball and wade is going for it, and dirk is going for it…somehow dirk will end up on his back (looking at the ref). like they say “never question the heart of a champion”….well going into the playoffs i believed that dirk had a questionable heart. the man just pressed the pass button too many times in the last few minutes…..SHOOT THAT!!! i dont care, i would rather see dirk shoot a bad shot than him pass it to the center position. stop complaining….be happy that the spurs were on their last leg when yall met them in the playoffs, and the suns didnt have a center. enjoy the ride.

    Comment by brandon — June 21, 2006 @ 12:35 pm

  746. Thanks MAVS for a Great Series!!! We hope to see you again on the next Finals!!!

    Comment by tina — June 21, 2006 @ 12:37 pm

  747. What can you do. I saw some calls last night that BLEW my mind that favored Wade. Unbelievable. I was telling my wife last night that when the MAVS won the Western conference, Bill Russell was so ‘enthusiastic’ about the MAVS win that he was about to cry. YEAH RIGHT!!!! He could have cared less. Show some respect for a team that kicked butt the right way…..Bill. GO MAVS….We all know you were ripped off.

    Comment by Todd — June 21, 2006 @ 12:37 pm

  748. What can you do. I saw some calls last night that BLEW my mind that favored Wade. Unbelievable. I was telling my wife last night that when the MAVS won the Western conference, Bill Russell was so ‘enthusiastic’ about the MAVS win that he was about to cry. YEAH RIGHT!!!! He could have cared less. Show some respect for a team that kicked butt the right way…..Bill. GO MAVS….We all know you were ripped off.

    Comment by Todd — June 21, 2006 @ 12:38 pm

  749. Mark,

    Let me start by saying I’m a Bulls fan and had no emotional stake in the outcome of the series, but thought I’d share some stats with you (In case you’re not already aware).

    -Dwyane Wade somehow got to the line 97 times in 6 GAMES! (the finals record is 99, set by Elgin Baylor in a 7 GAME series in 1962)

    -Most visits to the line in a Finals by Michael Jordan was ONLY 70 attempts in a 6 game series in 1998 (his 6th championship)! Jordan, of course, is widely regarded as having recieved the most favorable treatment by officials in the history of the league.

    How can Wade, a 3rd year player, possibly command more reputation calls than MJ in his 13th season??? 27 more charity trips…unfathomable.

    Even worse, game 6 should have never taken place, as the referees slanted games 3 and 5 to the Heat, therefore requiring the Mavs to play perfect games to win; it’s as simple as that.

    My condolences to Mavs nation.

    Comment by Craig Lydigsen — June 21, 2006 @ 12:38 pm

  750. Mark,

    Let me start by saying I’m a Bulls fan and had no emotional stake in the outcome of the series, but thought I’d share some stats with you (In case you’re not already aware).

    -Dwyane Wade somehow got to the line 97 times in 6 GAMES! (the finals record is 99, set by Elgin Baylor in a 7 GAME series in 1962)

    -Most visits to the line in a Finals by Michael Jordan was ONLY 70 attempts in a 6 game series in 1998 (his 6th championship)! Jordan, of course, is widely regarded as having recieved the most favorable treatment by officials in the history of the league.

    How can Wade, a 3rd year player, possibly command more reputation calls than MJ in his 13th season??? 27 more charity trips…unfathomable.

    Even worse, game 6 should have never taken place, as the referees slanted games 3 and 5 to the Heat, therefore requiring the Mavs to play perfect games to win; it’s as simple as that.

    My condolences to Mavs nation.

    Comment by Craig Lydigsen — June 21, 2006 @ 12:43 pm

  751. Honestly, I’m one of those business holes you have to dig out of…I don’t think the league actively decides who wins but I do believe they set things up so they make the most money possible…and sometimes I suspect the execs have favorites…

    beyond that I just wanted to say I consider you the best owner of any franchise of any sport anywhere and Dallas loves you (besides those few bad apples we’re trying to get rid of) so while you’re looking at Franchises to buy I think you should look at the Rangers and maybe have a discussion with Jerry Jones while you’re at it…

    Comment by Random Dallas Fan — June 21, 2006 @ 12:45 pm

  752. These dallas fans make me ashaimed to be from Texas with all their crying and complaining. Bunch of damn cry babies. Boo hoo hoo. Think about the positive side. I mean how many times did San Antonio have to go to the finals to get a ring. Ohh wait we won the first time we went. HAHA the Mavs are pathetic cant believe they played like shit after stealing the series against the spurs. Hey they cant screw us every year.Spurs in 07.

    Quote of the day:

    “Bend over take it like a MAV”

    someone hand these dallas fans some lube I think it might ease the amount of comments they leave.

    Congrats HEAT

    Comment by HEEEEEEEGH — June 21, 2006 @ 12:45 pm

  753. I didn’t like the column. Mavs play good team ball, but its ridiculous to say that if the Mavs had won then teams would forfeit their superstars and start going towards small ball. The fact is that the way the game is played is dictated mostly by who is in the NBA not just an ideal style of play, and i think it showed that having a diverse group is good for three quarters, but when it counts you need that one great player to put the world on their shoulders. I know Wade is not Jordan, but for a few moments I felt like a kid again watching a player do the impossible at the highest stakes.

    Comment by kyle — June 21, 2006 @ 12:46 pm

  754. Seems that the Blog cuts off at 500. Maybe you should close it. Hate to think that my comments are only being read by the censors.

    Comment by Ken C — June 21, 2006 @ 12:48 pm

  755. Yes, last nights game had a lot of fouls that should had been called by the Refs but c’mon guys it was a great series. I think the most memorable playoff series had to be Spurs VS Mavs, that was championship material their. Who knows Heat might not see this chance again next year, Pistons might just come back and be crown as champs. Spurs will seek for Round 3 against Mavericks next year. Can’t forget about the Suns, these guys are up in coming team whose also a hump in the road for Spurs, Mavs, Heat.

    Lets all just chill, its over. Lets look forward next year, because the NBA (needs) to move forward with the future of many teams who are evolving and MJ Era is the past.

    Good game, savor the moment Mavs & Miami because you never know what lyes ahead in the future.

    GBless

    Comment by John — June 21, 2006 @ 3:03 pm

  756. From Dan Hardie : “A scan of the comments posted herein seem off topic.
    This is not an NBA Finals message board. Although this is the blog of Mavs owner Mark Cuban, in it he covers a broad range of topics.
    Let’s stay focused. It’s not about Dirk or Dwyane. It’s about Mark Cuban.”
    ______

    And that’s why the Mavs lost…. because Cuban made it all about him, when it was supposed to be about the TEAM.

    Comment by MadDog73 — June 21, 2006 @ 3:05 pm

  757. One more thing, Mark Cuban…(Ben Wallace)Bring the Beast to Dallas? Can’t wait for NBA Draft 2006

    Comment by John — June 21, 2006 @ 3:06 pm

  758. I just have one comment for you Dallas fans out there and your owner. Let your game speak for you. Period. Enough ranting and raving from your owner to the very uninformed among you! That doesn’t get you anywhere as you must have noticed if you haven’t already.

    So in addition to the various changes you will make over the summer, add one more important task: Less talk more action! Learn how to play at crunch time – that is one true hallmark of a superstar – which most of ur players clearly lack. It’s so funny how a single guy took down your supposed team machine.. not just 1 time, but 2, 3, 4 times… the 4th when your season was clearly on the line.. Yet ….

    Dywane Wade is a super star that has blossomed right before our very eyes…, humble, driven, hard working, focused, composed (even at crunch time), ambitious – a perfect and good role player for the game and that’s why the veterans on his team could easily default to him.

    Comment by Wade Supporter. — June 21, 2006 @ 3:07 pm

  759. I am so sick of the whining about the refs, Dallas had the series in the bag and quit giving the ball to Nowitzki and slowed the game down. No matter how good coach Avery Johnson is he showed his inexperience in the finals, Dallas could be back if they get a decent big man,(Ben Wallace)or just remember all good teams had to pay their dues to win a title. To bad all owners dont care as much as Cuban. GO CAVS!!

    Comment by Gary — June 21, 2006 @ 3:08 pm

  760. Mark, congrats to your team. I’d still support Dallas to the very end. I NEVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE FOLLOWED ANY BASKETBALL TEAMS UNTIL I SAW THE MAVERICKS PLAYED. I CAN SEE HOW YOU GUYS GIVE SO MUCH ON THE FLOOR. BUT THERE IS ALWAYS A BEGINNING AGAIN AND WE DID SO GREAT FOR OUR FIRST TIME!! LETS GO MAVS. THE TEAM WE HAVE IS PERFECT WE NEED TO TRY HARDER GUYS….

    Thank you for a very nice season and journey.

    And don’t let the Heat bandwagonners (who only started rooting for the Heat when they were winning) let you down! MAVS FAN #1 we are with you guys until the end. MARQUIS DANIELS CONGRATS HAVING YOUR BABY NOT THE TROPHY BUT A BABY!!! YOU PLAYED REALLY HARD LAST NIGHT.

    Oh, and I’ll say congrats to Stu and Stern for winning this series. Yay! :/

    Comment by SUGHEY — June 21, 2006 @ 3:09 pm

  761. Hey Mark, Thanks for a wonderfull season. I know that it is very difficult to accept the last four losses but the Mav’s played great this year and we have every reason the believe they will be better next season. Tell Avery and boys to keep their chin up and get em next year.

    Comment by Larry Buchanan — June 21, 2006 @ 3:09 pm

  762. Great column by Simmons, at least there’s one mainstream guy who talk about the biggest problem in the NBA, because the players can’t and the rest of the mainstream media “can’t”.

    This is not the homecourt swaying the officials which is actually a great part of the game, and I don’t think it’s about Stern’s feelings about Cuban, it’s worse, much WORSE: the dreaded superstar-making machinery is back at work, the Kobe/Jordan Rules are reanimated! _That’s_ what’s so depressing… We had a couple years free from that kind of favoritism, which surely only Madison Avenue boneheads (like Stern?) could possibly love.

    Dywane Wade may be a great and not just a very good player, but now maybe we’ll never know. And I hate to root against the guy, he seems like a fine young man, but every series he’s a part of becomes unwatchable for me. What a come down from the excellent Western Conference playoffs!

    Comment by fairleft — June 21, 2006 @ 3:09 pm

  763. To the fools that say Cuban cost the Mavs the series, please wake up. He’s taken a team with 50+ losses to the Finals in a handful of years. He’s built a franchise that had the #1 home record and most sell-out crowds this year. His team is young, talented, and only getting better. Even if Terry leaves you have Harris who is just getting better every game, while Howard and Daniels could start in the 2 and 3 spots respectivly.

    Cuban is a passionate fan who is bound to be upset when he losses. Unfortunatly (or fortunatly depending on how you look at it) he is a high-profile person so anything he does is looked at w/ a microscope.

    I saw him come on the court and applaud at the end of the game (I don’t know if it was for his team’s effort or for Miami) and I was really pleased to see that, showed a lot of class I thought. Unfortunatly I hear stories of how he was revving up the crowd when they were booing, and that’s beyond class-less.

    Comment by James Young — June 21, 2006 @ 3:12 pm

  764. I love Marc Cuban. He has his flaws but his passion is what we need rather than milk-toasted business men that compromise for their only passion: money. (Selig, Stern, Tagliabue, etc…) We need more fun in our sports.

    Comment by Olivier Moratin — June 21, 2006 @ 3:16 pm

  765. AMEN!! Mark Cuban rules!

    Comment by Jenn McGarity — June 21, 2006 @ 3:17 pm

  766. Hey James #702
    No, the better team did not win. The lucky team with the help of the NBA won. You said it yourself. “You are here stupidly for the most part.” Need I say more James? You Heat fans need Mark Cuban and this blog like a druggie needs crack. I know nothings going to change, but that’s just the facts. GO MAVS!!!1

    Comment by kenny — June 21, 2006 @ 3:18 pm

  767. I’m not necessarily opposed to a Cubanesque “Ready. Fire. Aim.” approach to public commentary. But when criticizing someone, it’s usually best to get your facts straight. And as the press today revealed, the backcourt call was correct.

    Simmons is right that the NBA officiating has never been great. But at least in the opinion of this unbiased observer (neither a big Heat or Mavs fan) I thought:

    a. Refereeing was generally balanced.
    b. Wade gets the kind of calls a superstar will often receive when he goes aggressively and often successfully, to the basket.
    c. Looked to me like Howard and Nowitzki both fouled him on the drive, but both were soft fouls.
    d. A lot of the foul disparity in Game 5 is explained by the Shaq-hugs administrered by the Dallas cast of thousands at center.
    e. Stack should have been suspended. The only other foul comparable in the play-offs was Raja Bell on Kobe. Sorry, the rest of the stuff wasn’t even close.
    e. Mavs have a lot of talent. Avery is a great coach. Cuban is a committed owner. With a little more discipline and experience, maybe next year.

    Comment by Bill Farley — June 21, 2006 @ 3:20 pm

  768. Great series. Bill Simmons is wrong, but to each his own. To pretend the the “MJ Era” is insignificant is absurd. To compare this to professional wrestling is way off base also. The only things that resembled professional wrestling were the king-sized temper tantrums thrown by adult men! FANTASTIC! What a way to be role models. My personal favorites were the throwing of the ball into the stands, the tossing of the exercise bike and the kicking of the door or wall. MATURE!!!

    Comment by Julie - Illinois — June 21, 2006 @ 3:23 pm

  769. Mark, congrats to your team. I’d still support Dallas to the very end. I NEVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE FOLLOWED ANY BASKETBALL TEAMS UNTIL I SAW THE MAVERICKS PLAYED. I CAN SEE HOW YOU GUYS GIVE SO MUCH ON THE FLOOR. BUT THERE IS ALWAYS A BEGINNING AGAIN AND WE DID SO GREAT FOR OUR FIRST TIME!! LETS GO MAVS. THE TEAM WE HAVE IS PERFECT WE NEED TO TRY HARDER GUYS….

    Thank you for a very nice season and journey.

    And don’t let the Heat bandwagonners (who only started rooting for the Heat when they were winning) let you down! MAVS FAN #1 we are with you guys until the end. MARQUIS DANIELS CONGRATS HAVING YOUR BABY NOT THE TROPHY BUT A BABY!!! YOU PLAYED REALLY HARD LAST NIGHT.

    Oh, and I’ll say congrats to Stu and Stern for winning this series. Yay! :/

    Comment by SUGHEY — June 21, 2006 @ 3:26 pm

  770. Kenny #702,
    I’ll say it again, the better team is the team that wins. Miami won. Miami is the better team. All the crying and whining in the world will not change that, so just save some face and accept it.

    You make little to no sense, and your drug reference just goes to show where you’re coming from. Just because you have a younger and more talented squad doesn’t make you the best team. We had the heart and the mental toughness to lose 2 in a row and come back and win 4. You couldn’t get over your loss in game 3 (btw we suffered a devestating loss in game 1 of this series, and then got crushed next game, and we still came back) and that lack of mental fortitude cost you a championship.

    Comment by James Young — June 21, 2006 @ 3:27 pm

  771. Mark, congrats to your team. I’d still support Dallas to the very end. I NEVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE FOLLOWED ANY BASKETBALL TEAMS UNTIL I SAW THE MAVERICKS PLAYED. I CAN SEE HOW YOU GUYS GIVE SO MUCH ON THE FLOOR. BUT THERE IS ALWAYS A BEGINNING AGAIN AND WE DID SO GREAT FOR OUR FIRST TIME!! LETS GO MAVS. THE TEAM WE HAVE IS PERFECT WE NEED TO TRY HARDER GUYS….

    Thank you for a very nice season and journey.

    And don’t let the Heat bandwagonners (who only started rooting for the Heat when they were winning) let you down! MAVS FAN #1 we are with you guys until the end. MARQUIS DANIELS CONGRATS HAVING YOUR BABY NOT THE TROPHY BUT A BABY!!! YOU PLAYED REALLY HARD LAST NIGHT.

    Oh, and I’ll say congrats to Stu and Stern for winning this series. Yay! :/

    Comment by SUGHEY — June 21, 2006 @ 3:28 pm

  772. The officiating in the 2006 Finals has made me seriously consider not watching an NBA game next year.

    This is the grand stage for NBA Basketball for the world to see and what do we get but 3 guys in grey taking center stage with their whistles.

    If anything the Finals should be the one series where the players decide the outcome. Let these guys play, let them make their shots. Let them bang inside, let them play desperate. Use the whistle for blatant hard contact and otherwise blatant rule violations.

    David Stern has turned the NBA into too much of a commodity for me. It might as well be a scripted reality show for all I care.

    by the way, I hope nobody over 13 seriously looks up to that guy Dwayne Wade. Pitiful.

    Comment by Philip Giddings — June 21, 2006 @ 3:28 pm

  773. BTW Kenny,

    You complained about the call at the end of game 5, now that you’ve seen pictures w/
    A. Dirk shoving Wade from behind.
    B. Harris grabbing his arm.
    will you admit that it was a foul, and he deserved the free throws?

    Comment by James Young — June 21, 2006 @ 3:29 pm

  774. Hey Mr. Mark Cuban,
    If you do happen to read this out of the 1000s this comment section will soon become..i just wanted to ask (this is my second post)..if it was possible..to give Dirk N. some tape of Duncan and Hakeem..and ask him to practice on his POST UP GAME..instead of settling for the outside shot(he is already a great shooter..and free throw shooter..but must add the ..post up game..as his first line then go to his shot..since he is a big man)….he needs to develop his post moves..and pivot moves..with his back to the basket(like the post up greats have done)..without that…he is just a shooter…at the elbows.and at the top of the key..and..he wont get any calls..or go to the line as much. Good things happen when your near the basket…Either way it was a great series…u deserve ALOT of credit for putting together a GREAT TEAM..and CONGRADS ON BEING THE WESTERN CONF..CHAMPS…GREAT owner..great team..just fell alittle short this year…..

    Comment by Malumouse — June 21, 2006 @ 3:30 pm

  775. Thanks for memories Mark, not even sure why I watched the finals, the playoffs up until that point were amazing though I must admit!

    Now that I know what I know about the NBA and what they plan to do with this new Wade Era I can no longer be a fan of the NBA, and that’s unfortunate because I really do like you, the players, and the coaches. Anyway good luck next season although I don’t believe you have a snowballs chance in hell now that they’ve found the next Jordan, but good luck regardless.

    Call me a quitter as a fan if you like, but I just can’t be a fan of this travesty of a Finals. Know that it wasn’t you or your team that lost this fan, it was the NBA.

    Comment by The fan formerly know as Mavtek — June 21, 2006 @ 3:32 pm

  776. Every team has a leader and the players act as their leader, and since the Mavs leader (MC) its a big time whiner, and classless, the rest of the team follows , I like the Mavs player and maybe one day they will win an NBA championship, but not unless (MC) keeps his mouth shut and let the basketball players play.

    Cheese with your Whine?

    PS: Mavs fans stop drinking the Kool Aid from (MC)

    Comment by Peter — June 21, 2006 @ 3:32 pm

  777. Well, good try Mavs. You gotta give credit to the Heat, they played well and really gutted this championship out. Both teams were good, Dallas lost because it lacked poise under pressure, which usually comes from experience. People, get this through your heads: The refs had nothing to do with Dallas losing.

    Everyone out there who blames the refs doesn’t understand sports. Period. I’ve played sports for many years and have had a lot of success on the national level. There will ALWAYS be controversial calls, no matter what. It doesn’t matter what sport it is. As soon as you point out one bad call against the Mavericks, you can also watch a tape of the game and find other bad calls against Miami. Honestly, it all balances out in the long run. Ultimately, the better team wins, and champions never use the refs as an excuse to why they lose a game. Never.

    That Simmons guy….ah, he’s alright. I disagree with him on a lot of points. True, his arguments are well thought it out, but I disagree entirely with his idea that the NBA is going in the wrong direction, and that the 90’s era is old, outdated, and just flat out wrong. The 90’