I have never seen or felt anything like that in my entire life. It was like watching 7 heavyweight championship fights. You know that any second either combatant can throw a haymaker and end the entire thing.
Watching our Mavs vs Spurs was the same way. There was Duncan being the Big Fundamental. Ginobli was every bit as fantastic as someone who has won championships around the world should be. Duncan kept the rolling, Ginobli threw haymaker after haymaker. I dont think any of his 3 pointers even touched the rim.
Past Mavs teams probably would have hit the canvas at least once. Even Championship series have blowouts and in the back of my mind as the series went on and the Spurs evened it up, I just hoped that we wouldnt hit the kind of pocket that the Spurs hit in game 2.
It never happened. Going into last night the mood in the locker room was surreal. No one was tense. It wasnt like the guys were even nervous. The best way I could describe it was like a pack of forwards, locked , ready to blow out a ruck in a rugby game. Its tough when you have to make something happen alone, but its a powerful feeling when you are locked and loaded and looking for contact. It sounds corny, but you could just feel it in the Mavs locker room. No one felt that the game was their responsibility. Every player in there trusted the guys on both sides of them.
They trusted their coaches. They trusted the system in place.
It showed when the game started. We came out as a team. We were confident and confidence leads to good shooting. Our shooting wasnt just good. It was unconscious. I remember thinking about Georgetown Villanova at the end of the first quarter and trying to not look up at the board that showed our shooting percentage.
When we got up 20, part of me was hoping that this was going to be like Game 2, but inside i knew better. At home, game 7, we had made our big run, and there was no way the Spurs werent going to make theirs. They had no reason to hold anything back and Pop is such a great coach, he would counter.
He did. They did.
When they hit that 3 pointer to go ahead. All I could think about is that I wasnt ready to go to the Lune , a local Dallas bar. I had seen us come back in this situation before. I trusted that we would get our shot. I couldnt hear what they called in the huddle, so i had no idea what was coming. I expected we would go for the quick 2. Then Dirk did his thing, and all of the sudden it was tied.
Like Deja Vu all over again, we just needed 1 stop. We got it.
Overtime the Legend of Ghana Diop was born. A broken nose trying to guard TD. Watching him push gauze up his nose, Ghana didnt blink. He just went out and got a huge dunk, 2 of the biggest offensive rebounds in Mavericks history and a dunk. When Ghana got the pass and finished the dunk, all I could think of was Avery pre game saying “trust your teammates. Trust the system”
That symbolized this Mavericks team. Dirk and Avery are our leaders, but first and foremost we are a team. A very special group of guys that make me incredibly proud.
A couple shoutouts are required here.
To the Spurs fans sitting by the bench last night. They were first class. They took responsibility of quieting the jerks.
To the Spurs fans on boats in the Riverwalk dragging a floating Mark Cuban in effigy. Hysterical.
To the city of San Antonio. Contrary to what people have written and said, I rhink its a beautiful city with a great culture and city pride. Even if the water in the Riverwalk is muddy đ
To what looked like thousands of Mavs fans who came out to see us when we landed about 1am last night. You have no idea how much that meant to all the guys and everyone in the organization.
To all Mavs fans everywhere who I know were jumping up and down and screaming and enjoying the moment. This is YOUR TEAM.
To Mavs fans everywhere who I know were jumping up and down screaming just as loudly as we all were after the game.
Congratulations, Mr. Cuban.
I hope that Dallas will win it all.
Comment by Valeriy -
SEAN G…I prob know more about basketball than you so next time you wanna try and learn the truth about these games, don’t try on a biased mind!
Comment by ashley -
We are a military family stationed at Ft Sam Houston in San Antonio but are originally from Dallas. We take our sports serious and have worn our Maverick shirts every public place possible during the series. My 8 & 9 year old girls have defended the Mavs to their classmates and teachers (who have on occassion put them in a friendly headlock for wearing Mavs gear). We are so excited to have taken this series. We wish we could have met the plane…..how awesome!
To Mark Cuban…..you have a passion for the Mavs that is unmatched and we are so glad to have you on our side! Phoenix here we come!
GO DALLAS MAVERICKS!!!!!!!!
Comment by Jane -
Came out with friends to Love Field last night to welcome you guys in. We know you all had to be dead tired. Thanks so much for coming out from the plane to share a moment. It was great. I believe!
Comment by C Williams -
What a series. After Ginobili hit that three I thought the mavs were done. As much as I enjoyed watching these 7 games, its too bad to see the guy that acted like he wanted game 7 more than anyone in the spurs organization make the foul to send it into OT. I’ve been a mavs fan for a long time now, and that was just amazing. The Suns will come out with a hell of a lot of energy in this first game, and hopefully the mavs players and fans can match it.
Nash will be on fire in this series and would love nothing more than to knock out the team that sent him packing to phoenix.
GO MAVERICKS
Comment by Jake -
I have never been so happy reading something as i was during this. I know i’m not the only person who was standing on their couch screaming every four letter word their is at the refs and duncan as he was getting every call possible. But being a Mavs, Rangers, and Titans fan, i havn’t expierenced such a fufillling feeling ever. It just felt like all theose hours, and hours i spent watching every mavs game on fsn possible. But this blog was amazing to read because i know exactly what Cuban is talking about and it feels great to have such an amazing owner.
Comment by Dylan T -
So, I grew up in Dallas watching the Mavs as long as I can remember. Guys like Ro Blackman, Derek Harper, Brad Davis, Sam Donaldson, Detlef Schrempf, Sam Perkins and even Roy Tarpley before his troubles. I even went to a Bill Wennington basketball camp! I remember how the Mavs team of that era (nearly 20 years ago!) had the nemesis of the Lakers (Magic & co.). That was a great rivalry!
However, that being said, this series between Dallas and San Antone just catapulted this rivalry past the old one in my books. The Spurs have been our nemesis for some time… a monkey on our back. It seemed that the Mavs from decades past could not overcome the Lakers, our nemesis then. Now, the Mavs have overcome. It is a new day. The Spurs have to face the fact that Dallas can beat them. This series will feed their desire when they meet the Mavs again.
Go Mavs!
Comment by Ray in Seattle -
Woah this game was the best ive seen of the whole season, and I watched all 82 games. It makes me mad that I cant go watch these games in person because I live Canada but what ever, Mavericks have been my favourite team ever since I piked up a basketball 5 years ago, in grade 6, and i love watching them.
Seeing Dirk evolve as a player and as well as a leader, has made it great for this franchise. Not only that, key roll players such as Ghanna Diop helped Dirk in the long run. The Mavericks are the best team there is in the nba, in my perspective, and shall be the best for years to come:)
Nothing will hold them from beating the suns(Well i hope). Avery Johson is a tremendous coach, and his coaching staff is awesome too.
Mark amazing job into transforming this team, and making the basketball game more fun to watch and talk about.
Comment by Ahmed -
Where do i start… i love the Mavs so much! Last night was an emotional rollercoaster that killed you and rewarded you at the same time if you are a Mavs fan. We hear it all over the place “the best series ever” which to me is true, i cant think of another series that even compares.
When Manu hit that 3 i thought i would puke… actually i didnt know what to think. Do i turn it off or keep watching?
Of course i kept watching and loved every second of the rest of the game! GO MAVS!!! and congrats to the little general and you too Mark.
We still have work to do though for the ultimate goal…. BEAT the SUNS!!
Comment by Niko -
I am proud to say that I am a Mavs fan that calls San Antonio home. I have been a Mavs fan for three years now. I never once enjoyed a San Antonio Spurs game, I can not take the constant whining and slow unexciting tempo they play. Their games put me to sleep, I can not stand Parker walking the ball up to throw it into Duncan who will just sink a shot off the glass and then cry about why he didn’t get a foul. Last nights game was great! There is nothing like sitting in a living room with 10 Spurs fans after they realized the disappointment of a “heartbreaking” loss đ The game was wonderful and I am thankful to the Mavs for never having to hear “GO Spurs GO” for a long while but it has been nice to say “GO Mavs Go” for a change!
Comment by Robert -
Dear Mark:
There isn’t anything better than 7 thrilling games, 6 going down to the wire, and the hearts of champions leaving everything on the floor. Daggers back and forth, back and forth.
Every fan dreams about this, seeing their team victorious. Even though I’m a big San Antonio fan, because I just love the way Timmy D plays the game, with hard work and class, I think the same way about Dirk. Two teams that are classy, passionate and play the game, the way the game was meant to be.
Even in the midst of my exams here at the famed school on the Charles River, watching game after game of heart-stopping thrilling b-ball, it reminds us all of what fun-thrilling action NBA can be when hearts are left out there on the court.
You’ve gotten a bad rap, because all of us “real” fans want to scream at the refs, the bad calls, and sometimes an organizational hierarchy that’s absolutely irrational.
Best of luck in the quest for the NBA title!
Comment by Kevin -
As everyone else has said more than once, there is nothing but pride here in Dallas. I wish we could have a parade already. đ
Comment by Kimber -
Congrats to the mavs!! i think the spurs have become arrogant and presumptious; this point was driven home to me when i witnessed Pepe Lepeu’s comment about “ripping the heart out of the mavs” if the spurs were to win game 7; now, Mr. Lepeu will get to sit at home all summer and get to comtemplate how it feels to have his heart ripped out!!
Comment by david -
First of all, congrats on the win. After watching the Spurs whine (constantly) for 7 games, I am officially a Spurs hater. Did you realize, that at one point last night the Spurs held a 25-9 free throw advantage? And they were still complaining! Why do the refs allow the players to act like that? During one timeout Tim Duncan, spent half the time chewing out one of the refs, slammed the ball down like a 4 year old, then walked off pouting. And he’s the “class” of the NBA? Sorry Spurs fans, when David Robinson retired, he took every ounce of integrity out the door with him. I’m sorry you guys have been brainwashed into cheering for those jerks.
Comment by Jeremy Viermann -
READ THIS Mark,
Congrats! You finally got over the hump and beat San Antonio. This was with out a doubt the greatest series in NBA history.
As I was watching the game I was routing for San Antonio for one reason, becuase I hate and can’t stand you. I always think what a crazy guy, so passionate and he really thought Terry was innocent. He should be sitting in the press box like all the other owners, someone in San Antonio throw a beer at him. But now I think, if I were a owner I’d be just like you . . .
I Can’t imagine what you felt like after blowing a 3-1 lead and a 20 point lead after Ginobili made that shot, but big time plays by big time players after Dirk got the 3 point play and Ginobili missed a shot he normally makes and Duncan bobles the ball. . . OT you smoke them
It probably feels like you’ve won the championship but there’s still a way to go.
Oh by the way, stop complaining about the refs, they gave you game 3 and 4, and they tried to give you game 6. They have a very dificult job so rather than get fined, give that money to a charity or something.
Comment by Timothy -
As a Mavericks fan since the Toni Braxton days, that was the most exilerating professional game I’ve ever seen. I think I pulled a muscle screaming after Dirk got the layup at the end of regulation. It’s been 7 years since the Stars won the Stanley Cup, and Dallas is ready for another championship.
Comment by Matt -
Fantastic game 7.
I am very happy for you guys… and, as a side note.. I love the way that you are part of the team with the players.
Once again. Congrats!
Comment by Yves Arsenault -
Mark….first of all, if this is a**-kissing, so be it, but….thanks for buying the Mavs. I grew up in Dallas and actually attended some Chaps game as a kid at Moody Coliseum. When the Mavs came to town I was thrilled…my family purchased bonds in Reunion and we had season tickets a few years….way back before you were on the scene. We attended the very first Mavs game (a win over the Spurs!). You’ve taken a crap team and turned into one of the NBA’s best. I am hoping you guys settle the score with Nash and the Suns and then take down Miami or Detroit…but even if you guys don’t win another game this season, it’s been a phenomenal year. Know that the fans appreciate your efforts and the perks such as the ticket giveaways, etc….but more than anything, know that people appreciate the fact that you give a damn and you want to win as badly as they do. That’s the essence of great ownership and Dallas is amazingly lucky to have two owners who will do everything in their power to bring a winner to the court/field. That’s all a fan could ever ask for. Thank God Dallas didn’t get stuck with a Donald Stirling or a Tribune group….ownership entities who put a minimum amount of money into the product, but (as in the case of the Cubs) can count on fans so into the experience that they can field a crap team and still make a profit. Clearly it’s not all about making a buck with you. That’s the “Mark” of great ownership in Dallas. The fans want a winner. You brought it to them.
Comment by Bruce Castleberry -
People are giving you your due, hoss!
http://www.theoutsidescore.com/?p=34
El Comandante
May 23rd, 2006 | Category: Pro Basketball
Youâve got to love Mark Cuban.
I mean, you donât really. Ask the NBAâs commissioner, David Stern. The guy is about as tactful as nails on a chalkboard, or Jason Terry in a scrum.
He put down Dairy Queen, which is about as un-American as a Chevrolet in a junkyard.
Heâs also â and I mean this in the best possible way â an uber-geek. He makes David Spade look like Burt Reynolds on steroids, or Barry Bonds on steroids. If he wasnât a billionaire, he would have been vying for the title on NBCâs âAverage Joe,â or working the sales floor at Radio Shack.
But Cuban is an uber-geek who also happens to be a billionaire, and he owns the Dallas Mavericks, and right now, heâs on top of the roundball world.
For the first time, Dallas finally got over on their in-state rivals, the San Antonio Spurs, taking Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals in a 119-111 overtime triumph.
And there was Cuban as the final seconds ticked away, on the sideline, arm-in-arm with his players, celebrating like a midget whoâd just reached Lilliput, even though he was really in Brobdingnag.
Say what you want about him: There is no owner in professional sports that cares about his team as much as Cuban does. Jerry Buss loves the Los Angeles Lakers from afar. George Steinbrenner loves the Yankees the way Josef Stalin loved Russia â because it was his. Cuban genuinely seems to love the Mavericks like they are his family.
No team has better facilities. No players are better paid. No team has a better coach â at least not this year, given that Avery Johnson is the leagueâs coach of the year.
On any other night, Cuban warrants your animosity.
Tonight, heâs due a little respect.
Comment by MavManiac -
What a game! Cuban’s expressions after the 3 pointer that gave the Spurs the lead was incredible. I’ve never jumped out of my seat so many times during a game because of disgust and excitement. Go Mavs!!!
Comment by Port Orange Real Estate -
I wish it had gone the other way, but what a series! Best of luck to Avery and the guys.
(The Riverwalk is even better in February when they drain to clean the crud out.)
Comment by Jean -
Congrats Mark. All the hard work is paying off, but don’t think this is the end. Refresh and reload, Suns are the next target.
Comment by James Askew -
Mark-
Congrats for knocking out the champs!!! It was one hell of a series!!! I was there Fri night for game 6 and the emotion was unlike anything I had ever experienced before at a sporting event. It even beat game 7 vs the Kings a few years ago, which I was fortunate to be at. I won’t be at game 1, though, beacause I couldn’t get thru online or on the phone. If I could get some tix for the game, I would be eternally grateful. GO MAVS!!!
Comment by Hank Rowe -
Last night’s game was the most incredible game I have ever witnessed as a MAV’s fan. Dirk gets the MVP for ramming it up their throats. I cried watching Dirk make his move, and watching the MAV’s slowly take apart TD and the Spurs in OT. I knew that there was no way the Mavs were going to waiver, no matter if the Spurs forged ahead by 3 with 23 seconds to go. I’m the only Mavs fan at my company here in Vegas, and that’s okay. They all think I’m crazy, but I know something they don’t: the MAV’s are taking us to the top this year. Go MAV’s. Continue your excellence. MAV’s in 4 over the Suns.
Comment by Raf -
your hair looked better than normal. But please stay off the court until the bitter end. Are you trying to promote bad behavior in the fans?
Comment by Joe Corey -
First of all, Mavs haters shouldn’t be allowed to write in this blog.
This was by far the BEST series in the playoffs!Congratulations Mark for what you have done with the Mavs!
I truly believe, as I have all year, that this will be our year.I have no doubt the Mavs have the heart, resilience, and toughness that’s needed to bring the NBA Championship to Dallas!!All i can say is WOW!!
Thank you Mavs for making my year!!MFFL
America
Comment by America Cordaway -
It must be embarrassing for the league to put their “all star” crew out there last night (Javie, Bavetta, and DeVaney) and still get the fiasco that occurred. Does no official in the NBA ever read the rule book. Check out the 3 and a half steps by Tony Parker on the 4th quarter breakaway with no call even though he’s all by himself with an official looking right at him. Anyone who thinks the officials might be slanting a game one way or the other is assuming WAAAY too high a competency level. They don’t have the ability to throw a game one way or the other. In fact, I don’t think they any ability at all. They do have a big chip on their shoulder but that doesn’t help much. C’mon league office, give us some guys who know the game. Pick 3 top high school officials and let ’em show their stuff.
Comment by Phil Lewis -
It must be embarrassing for the league to put their “all star” crew out there last night (Javie, Bavetta, and DeVaney) and still get the fiasco that occurred. Does no official in the NBA ever read the rule book. Check out the 3 and a half steps by Tony Parker on the 4th quarter breakaway with no call even though he’s all by himself with an official looking right at him. Anyone who thinks the officials might be slanting a game one way or the other is assuming WAAAY too high a competency level. They don’t have the ability to throw a game one way or the other. In fact, I don’t think they any ability at all. They do have a big chip on their shoulder but that doesn’t help much. C’mon league office, give us some guys who know the game. Pick 3 top high school officials and let ’em show their stuff.
Comment by Phil Lewis -
Fantastic game on Monday, wow I felt the emotion as if I was actually playing in the game. Absolutely fantastic series, fantastic overtime win.
LET’S GO DALLAS MAVS!!!!!!
Comment by Phillip -
WAY TO GO MAVS! The monkey is off our backs. We disposed of one former player and his team. Now it is time to do the same with Nash and the Suns. It’s time to show what we can do with a little less weight on our shoulders. GO MAVS!!!
Comment by Josh Deskin -
Mark,
Congratulations on a great win for your organization. What an incredible series and a great finish. The business moves you have made within the organization are top notch and it showed on the court. Woohoo!!!
I’m looking forward to the series against the Suns even though they don’t have the depth due to injuries. It should be a fun one. I’m a Suns season ticket holder but I’ve been a fan of the Mavs ever since you bought the team. I’ll be rooting for the Suns but whoever makes it to the finals, I’ll be a happy camper.
Best of luck in your Mavs business and other ventures. I too am getting ready for my 4th start-up venture. With watching all these great basketball games and working on a business plan, who has time for sleep? Cheers.
Mike in Phoenix
Comment by Mike V. -
In Charles Barkley’s words…. The officiating was ATROCIOUS!!! And he was on the Spurs side. I believe that Steve Kerr was not allowed to say anything in favor of the Spurs because he used to be on the Spurs. I love the Spurs and hope they get so better calls next year!
Comment by Andrea -
Impressive. While this blog has bettered your image by 90 degrees in San Antonio, you should consider making it a public statement. Congratulations, Mavericks, and a job well done to the Spurs as well.
Comment by Leezia -
Me and my Brother, from Germany, saw the 3-Point play by Dirk and we can’t scream at this moment. This play was fantastic, we hope Dirk can do this in the series against the Suns and later in the World Championships for Germany :). And I have to thank you, Mark for the sign of DeSagana Diop. He played very well against TD.
Go MAVS, sweep the Suns đ
Comment by Phil -
I know we have not won anything yet but when we do, hope people never forget coach Nelson who brought in the big German and most importantly the winning culture.
Comment by Zack -
What can I sayâgreat series for both teams in the conference final. As a Victoria, BC native, I am a loyal Nash fan but will always love the Mavs (& Cuban) for being such an exciting team (and for giving Nash his break out years). This will be a great series to watchâthe NBA is back!
Comment by C Smirl -
Mark, Please rely this message to your team. THANKS FOR A GREAT SERIES, THANKS FOR THE EXCITEMENT, THANKS FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF WATCHING “TEAM” BASKETBALL.
For Mother’s day, my husband gave me a Dallas Mavericks bracelet. I wore the bracelet every game day. And the team lost both games, last night I DID NOT wear the bracelet, and you WON. I don’t plan on wearing the bracelet again until the DALLAS MAVEICKS ARE CROWNED NBA CHAMPIONS THIS YEAR!! GO MAVERICKS.
comment to #65: Women and Basketball do mix! I enjoy the game just as much as my husband.
Thanks again for a great series.
Comment by Theresa from San Diego, CA -
Mark – When they hit that 3 to take the lead, the TV had a shot on your face; it broke my heart. But damnnn…let’s take home the trophy this year..
Comment by Brian -
Wow, you accurately described one part of a rugby game. Impressive.
Congratulations to the Mavericks, you were the better team and deserved to win the series.
I think you’ll beat the Suns and I hope you go all the way. There’d be nothing better than seeing David Stern hand that trophy over after winning the finals.
Comment by Kelvin Smyth -
WOW, I have never been so nervous in my life. I thougt that I was going to faint in those last 22 seconds in the 4th quater. The whole team played great. Like Kennny Smith said at halftime you need more than one hero to win a game 7. Me and my friends are huge mavs fans and we were like giddy little school girls after last nights win. I have faith that this is our year. Dirk still has the chance to get the only mvp trophey that counts. Thanks for a awsome season mavs.
Comment by Josh -
I am a MFFL.
Mark, You have given this city and this team a life line of energy and excitement. We are proud of our MAVS and proud that we have you in our city . I know that many Media heads think you have not class … what the hell do they know … You have more class than any of them.
COMEON MAVS FANS … Lets show them who we are!!!
Comment by Yori -
Thanks to the Mavs, thanks to Marc Cuban, thanks to Avery Johnson. You made Dirk Nowitzki what he is right now, a superstar. I’m a big fan of him and watch every game of the Mavs, when there is the possibility to watch it here in Germany. The only thing what makes me mad is, that the german public is not giving him the credit he deserves right now. But there are a lot of guys here in Germany who know how great he is, too.
First I was only a fan of Nowitzki, because he’s a german like I am, but now I love the whole team. They deserve the title this year like no other team does.
Comment by Jan Merz -
you’re the man cuban!
Comment by blake walliser -
I was one of the few Mavs fans who watched every game, attended those I could afford (was young), and cheered every moment I could during the early to mid 90s. Through the 15 win type years I never waivered in being a Mavs Fan.
All I can do more now, is simply say thanks Mark for turning us around. Game 7 proved, the corner has been turned.
Comment by Donovan Clifton -
Fantastic series, most exciting moment in Dallas sports in a long time. Now lets move on and take the next step to hanging the banner and adding a trophy to the case. But I ask all Mavs fans to not boo Nash, you donât have to cheer him, but let’s not boo him. We are classier than that. It was a shame, that Finely was booed. He gave his heart and soul to Dallas, and it is a shame that he cant be here to enjoy this moment. Live goes on, but he should have been appreciated and not taunted by the fans he dedicated a better part of 8 years to entertaining. Now lets crush Nash and the Suns.
Comment by Brian Maddox -
OUTSTANDING game and series.
Thank YOU, Mark Cuban. You’ve really turned this thing around by (1) caring about the team, (2) caring about the fans, (3) caring about the NBA’s product, (4) getting good, top-notch coaches, Don Nelson & Avery Johnson, (5) getting great players, etc.
That win did not happen overnight, but was the product of years of hard work and effort all through the organization, from the owner to the coaches to the players to the guys who tape ankles and wash jerseys.
THANKS for rescuing this franchise from obscurity and making it one of the elite teams in the NBA.
If you’re interested in another team, please just stay in the metroplex. The Rangers look pretty enticing, don’t you think? ; )
Comment by Gunny Hartman -
Truly a magical series, I’m sure Nowitzki jerseys just went up in sales. But for some reason, I’m more concerned about Phoenix than San Antonio (felt this way even before this series), for whatever reason. Phoenix has been notorious for shooting the lights out of anyone (as even the Mavericks witnessed), so it’ll be interesting how The Little General plans on countering a spread out offense. Not easy, but nobody said the playoffs were easy.
Well, except maybe Memphis.
Comment by Mark -
How ’bout those Mavs! Game 7 showed me the character of the team. Just wish I lived in Dallas so I could have been there when the plane landed to celebrate!
Comment by Brandon -
You’re right Mark, I am only 22 years old but this is by far the mhe best series I have ever witnessed as a basketball fan. It was so painful to watch at the same time, hoping the Mavercisk wouldnt break our hearts again. But I had confidence ( even though I will admit it was shaken dramtically when Ginobili hit the 3 pointer with 32 seconds left).
We just have to remember and the guys have to to remember this as well Mark, This means nothing if we dont beat the Suns and advance to the NBA Finals.
Dirk Nowitzki has arrived as well, I was a HUGE critique of the Mavericks for passing up on Paul Pierce but man was I wrong and I have spent the last 8 years doing everything I can to try and make it up to Dirk lol. He is such an incredible player and definetly a top 5 player in this league.
Mavs in 6 over the Suns by the way.
Lets Go Mavericks.
Gary in Fort-Worth
Comment by Gary Smith -
Well done Mavs! Thanks for a great series and as Mark said, unconscious shooting and true Old School team play!
Comment by Jeannette Belliveau -
the MAVS can be world champs… Ive been a fan of underdogs coz i know that these teams have the heart to compete well… when i first saw the MAVS beat the hell out of the JAZZ during the playoffs a couple of years ago, i became a fan of DIRK and the MAVS… this team then was an underdog… but now’s the time to come out of our shells and prove to the basketball world how good the MAVS are… Mark, you did an astounding job on turning this franchise around… TO THE CHAMPS…
Comment by Drew -
Dirk should have won the MVP award… the way he played last game vs the spurs, he showed the character of a true MVP… I knew the Mavs will go all the way… Hey Mark, Dirk should have some raise…. lols… Go MAVS… its our time…
Comment by Drew -
Just reading the comments on the blog. Where did “Ashley” go? I was enjoying her stupid comments about the refs giving the series to Dallas. I think in game 7, SA went to the line almost 30 times in the second half, compared to Dallas 9 or so. Who are the refs not calling the fouls on? And Dallas STILL won the game.
Let’s go Mavs!!! Little Stevie Nash was lookin’ TIRED and OLD on tv after the game Mon night. Put a few more wrinkles and years on him this series guys. Wear him out!!!
I guess the rehab clinic in Phoenix only allows “Ashley” a few posts on the computer before she has to take some more “medicine”!
Comment by kptnbacara -
Hey Mark congrats! I knew before the series mavs were gonna take it. I think you guys will have np with the suns..but the finals against the HEAT will be TOUGH..
good luck
awesome blog i love it!
Comment by Calvin L -
The Mavericks were given no credit to have any chance of winning. I’m not a huge Mavs fan but I’ve been telling people they were on their way for a little while now. I picked them to beat Miami in the finals awhile back…
Congratulations Mavs! Keep it going!
Comment by Ron Jumper -
I think someone from Miami is afraid of meeting the Mavs on the final….
Comment by Janesa -
We’ve been Mavs fans for 2 decades, and have been through it all. I still remember the sheer misery of the Western Conference Finals with the Lakers, when Aguirre injured his pinky finger on his NON SHOOTING HAND in game 7, and bowed out.
After so much fun, including several season ticket years, we moved to the Bay Area. But with the miracle of Sirius radio to listen to the home broadcast, and NBA League Pass, we never miss a game. Believe this or not, we moved to a tiny little coastal town called Half Moon Bay. Every year, there is a world-famous surf contest–called “Mavericks!” There is a great place here called the HMB Brewing Company, where they brew their signature beer called, “Mavericks!” Even our baby daughter who is now a senior in college is in on the act, as she attends UTA, whose mascot is the “Mavericks!”.
While some Dallasites live and die with the Cowboys, our whole family is intertwined with these Mavs, and always have been. With a son now living in (believe it or not again) San Antonio, who was properly raised with a healthy dose of Mavericks, he went to all the S.A. games, including game 7, proudly cheering on his Mavs. A daughter in Manhattan, of course cheering on the Mavs.
We all are enjoying the incredible crescendo that has happened this year, and are with you the team all the way. Thanks for all the fun!
Comment by Eric Vaughan -
GO SUNS GO !!!!!!!!! STEVE IS COMING TO GET MARK!!!
Comment by This is Junk -
Oh man, huuuge series!
I don’t know if you know it, but you got a lot of people rooting for the Mavs here in Mexico.
They’ve got it all to win the championship now that they’ve knocked the defending champion down.
Dirk was clutchier than EVER! It was amazing, it really hurt us that Ginobili 3pt, I thought it was over, but there is Dirk going to the rim looking for the foul. He’s a german-machine.
Bring it on against the Suns!
Comment by Luis CĂ©sar Corrales -
Was that Willa Ford sitting behind you during game seven?
Comment by Nick Gabbert -
I am a BIG fan of SanAntonio Spurs and the BIG fundamental.
That said – Mavs deserve the hard fought battle and the right to move on. Both teams played extremely well and an entertaining basketball that i have ever seen. I thought last years finals was the ultimate, but this series is incredible. I will be rooting for your team to win it all this year.
One thing that is good with these two clubs is they repect each other and play clean/classic basketball – the way its meant to be.
I know you and Avery and other teams in the NBA are trying to emulate the success, winning strategies and class act that are put forward by Pop and Spurs. It will be interesting to see how pop makes changes to the spurs team to better counter you guys next year in the playoffs and hopefully that will be the western conf final ’07.
One last thing – I know Ginobili is a play maker in the last seconds, but i would have loved if Duncan got the ball inside and went against Dirk in the last possesion. The two BIGS making the plays for their teams in the final seconds would have been great end to the story.
Comment by Srini -
Job well done, Mr. Cuban.
How can anyone possibly want Tim Duncan to win at anything??? No emotion ever displayed unless he is complaining about an officials call. The guy is the antithesis of you and your team.
Good luck Sir. I hope you win it all.
Shawn O’Brien
Bloomington, Minnesota
Comment by Shawn O'Brien -
WoW! I am still in shock and awe of this series but more impressed by this TEAM. We have all seen the Mavericks grow over the past several years and we owe it to Mark and intense dedication to be sucessful.
Thanks to you Mr. Cuban, for making Dallas an ELITE team for YEARS to come!!
LETS GO MAVS!
Comment by Mike Askew -
Go Suns! Time for Nash to stick a dagger in Cubans’s heart once again. You know what they say…The highest highs are ALWAYS matched with the lowest lows.
I can’t wait!
Comment by me -
Hey,
greetings from Germany, where this 7foot guy learned to play, before he had the chance to execute in the brilliant atmosphere the nba is known for all over the world.
Some of us love the energy Mark inserts in his team. Thanks for your exxelent moderation at the allstar saturday on german television when Dirks got the 3point trophy.
I hope there will be a game seven against the pistons, even if the heat were easier to beat for the dallas roster.
Excuse my miserable english.
Comment by ts_13 -
Unfortunately, I was not able to watch the game as I was/am in Germany at the moment. I was using my phone to check the score, and was literely refreshing the screen every second to get the latest score towards the end of the game. Then, I had to listen to what was going on. So, I called back home and had my dad put the phone next to the TV, so I can listen to the commentary. What a GAME????? I will watch the recorded game when I get home next week.
MAVS Fan…………
Comment by Jig Patel -
Thank you, Mark. What you have said to the fans is just so priceless, and what you have done for Mavs impressed us a lot. I am so proud of being a Mavs fan.
Ending the Spurs’ championship reign means Mavs is gonna set up another one, right?
Comment by Pinktyger -
the good news: You guys are going to the Conference Finals and in my opinion, you have what it takes to be World Champions.
the bad news: I think the Spurs have been dealt a wake up call that would not have been quite so loud had the Spurs won. As a Spurs fan, I look for Pop and R.C. to channel all of their proven personel experience to make changes aimed solely at matching up with what now is obviously THE Western Conference power. A little good tweaking and watch out next year.
Best of luck to you guys. The determination of your players was simply too much to overcome this year and the Mavs definately have the Eye of the Tiger right now. I’m also very happy for Avery. What a great guy. You guys are fortunate to have him. As for Dirk, the guy’s tough as nails, both mentally & physically.
Here’s to a great rivalry.
Go get ’em guys and show everyone that the West is the best.
Comment by Scott -
I have been a Mavericks fan since the team’s inception (anyone remember ladies’ free throw night?) and I have never been more proud of them than I was last night. Moody Madness was pretty sweet but knocking off the defending champs in their own building was special for a franchise that had struggled to compete for a long time. When “Balki” Ginobili hit that three I was ready to kill the guy who called me when we were up 20 and asked when game one of the conference would be, but the Mavs survived the hex. Now they have to survive the return of Steve Nash…
Comment by Mike Yaffe -
Hey Jethro, me thinks thou dost protest too much!
Comment by Razor Rich -
AS THE GREAT PHILOSOPHER SOCRATES ONCE SAID,
” F**K THE SPURS “!
GO MAVS!
Comment by Razor Rich -
Mr. Cuban,
Congratulations!!
I’m sure you, your family, and all of Dallas are very excited about the big series win against the Spurs.
I read your blog frequently and once in a while glance over the comments…There are a lot of haters out there.
“It’s way easier for someone to pull you down to their level than it is for them to rise to yours.”
Win it all, Mr. Cuban!! Good luck Sir.
Comment by Shawn O'Brien -
I love how the Spurs fans come on here, post comments, and try to bring down Mark and the Mavs. Get over it. As much as Mark is very respectful about the Spurs and their fans in this entry today, you guys still post these comments. Well…it’s 4:40 PM central….my guess is by now the Spurs already had their exit meetings and are on their ways home for the summer. Matter of fact, I am sure Tony is setting up a card game for TD, Horry, and Ginobli at his house with Kenny Smith for night (like that commercial). Maybe even Eva will play a hand or two.
Spurs fans….let’s really be honest, as hard as the refs tried to give you the game last night as well as basically kept you in most of the others, you still lose. I really was not impressed with your time. I mean…with all the crying and complaining your whole team does, no wonder you kept it close. In reality, I really wonder what the real reason was you guys won 63 games this year. Tim Duncan cried about every little thing. I was in shock….great players do not do that. He cries more than Sam Cassell (and I love Sam).
In any event…be lucky you lasted this long with us in this series. Hey…be happy though….I mean you guys have a minor league baseball team you all can follow now, right? HAHA.
Comment by Matt -
I’ve been a long-time Mavs fan going back to 1980, tho I moved from the Dallas area a few years ago. It will be great to see the Mavs in the finals, and I credit primarily Cuban with turning this franchise around from the doldrums of most of the 1990s.
I thought SportsCenter dissed the Mavs and NBA in general on Tuesday morning when its first story was a baseball game and Dirk’s play only ranked third in the top ten plays for Monday. Here’s the letter I sent to SportsCenter:
Does Bud Selig run SportsCenter?
Why is SportsCenter so dominated by baseball coverage when we have the NBA playoffs in full swing? On Monday night, there were two Game 7 NBA playoff games, one – the Mavs-Spurs – that was a classic that should be rerun on the ESPN Classic station for years.
Yet, your top story on Tuesday morning was a baseball game that will
be meaningless come October, if not tomorrow. Your top two plays for
Monday were of a baseball game and a hockey playoff game that was only a Game 2. Dirk Nowitzki’s game-tying drive in the last seconds of
regulation of the Mavs-Spurs classic was only No. 3. Your next seven
top plays included six baseball games and a kid swimming across a bay.
Do you really think that only one play in two Game 7 NBA playoff games was more important and compelling in the sports world Monday than what occurred in six relatively meaningless baseball games and a swim by a kid? Â C’mon, they play 162 regular season baseball games a year. There was no mention of the Suns winning their series against the Clippers in the top 10 plays – and there damn well should have been. Dirk’s play should have been No. 1 for Monday, at the very least.
What are you going to do when we have the NBA finals – show us footage of more boring baseball games and a dog swimming the English Channel?
I repeat, does Bud Selig run SportsCenter?
Comment by Jackson Thoreau -
Marcus,
Don’t hate the owner or the diehard fan base, hate the game. With all due respect, what Cuban did with this team is nothing short of a miracle. You obviously have no idea what it takes to re-build a franchise from the bottom up and see it mature into a championship caliber contender, waiting years and finally seeing it payoff. That’s what we(the fans) have witnessed from Mark. In my book that deserves praise. Take it as you wish.
Comment by Neal B -
Hey Jethro, me thinks thou dost protest too much!
Comment by Razor Rich -
the refs surly tried to take it away
but the MAVS perseverance allowed them to stay
Duncan made alot of shots from the stripe
when he wasn’t there all he did was gripe.
At the end of the game the open man was Horry
he didn’t get the ball, end of story.
Averys coaching was spectacular and neat
let’s beat the Suns and smash the Heat.
Comment by mike irwin -
Awesome game Mr. Cuban Congrats. Wanted to give you a bias` test, What are you chances of winning it all? as the owner you can’t be realistic please blog about that! … đ Later, Rbowles
Comment by Richard Bowles -
Wow! What a great thing to still have “Our Mavs” playing ball in late May and heading strong into June. I am never ready for our season to end and I just knew that it wasn’t ending last night! Poor Spurs, we know how they feel today. We’ve been there, but you know what? This feels a helluvah lot better! GO MAVS! BEAT SUNS! P.S. To Ashley-Where is that sucking sound coming from?
Comment by Mavs Fan Annie -
Well it never would have gone to 7 if you had re-signed Nash instead of using that money on that giant bag of poop known as Eric Dampier. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
Suns in 5 … as the current two-time MVP will carve the Mavs up!
Comment by George -
Best series I’ve seen in a long time. I enjoyed every minute of it, except game 2. As a long time Spurs fan: Go Mavs Go (man, I HATE that chant).
Comment by Keith -
I heard of this site through the fine Cuban got last week, but can every please stop kissing his a** on this site. You won a conference semifinal, a conference semifinal. I routing for you guys but please stop the non stop Cuban a** kissing. You should all be kissing Yahoo’s a** for buying Broadcast off him at a peak team. Internet radio, amazing that paid off like it did.
Comment by Marcus -
Way to go MAVS!
Thanks for an awesome series. I can’t wait for game 1, next level, on Wednesday.
All the way!
Comment by Vickie -
Marky Mark. I saw your face when Ginobers hit that three to take the lead. But the fact that Dirk didnt take the jumper and drove the lane is why you arent the team of the past. He has done that all series when in reality he can shoot over anyone. He really has improved every part of his game every year. Terry and Stack were great and diop played solid D. Now its time for the Nash Master…..you know him right….good luck next round..this is your year and i think you know that. By the way…watch out for raja….hes gonna try and shut down terry…and oh yeah…THE GUY BANGS THREES ON PEOPLES HEADS!!!!
Comment by Zach Cohen -
Mark. Congradulations. I saw your face when spurs led by 3, it is big face on TV. That is the face every Mavs fans had at that moment. What a game to turn that face into a life-lasting happy face. Last night is the best night I have in my 10 years dallas night.
Comment by Kurt -
Mr. Cuban, congrats on the Mavs’ victory last night. Now if you’d be so kind, buy the Knicks from James Dolan & turn us around too!
Comment by Rick -
First of all I wanted to congratulate the Mavs and its whole organization (including the best owner in the NBA, Mark Cuban) on what might be one of the best playoffs series in quite a while. Let’s not get in over our heads about this series win because we still have 2 more ahead of us. As for all you skeptics claiming “Cuban paid the refs off” or “how much did you give the NBA to have the refs call fouls like that” is ludacris. There were bound to be some bad calls here and there with 2 big heavyweight contenders goin at it..although the lineups on the court were referred to as being quite “small.”(not like the qualities of a heavyweight contender)But those who say the refs called some BS calls on the spurs and the Mavs got away with some fouls are just quite ignorant to the fact that not many people, including the NBA players themselves know what a legitimate foul is in the league. So if you believe this series came down to calls and no-calls, go find another sport to watch. Being the finance person I am, I do things with numbers,analyze them, and most of the time try to come to a conclusion. So i did some statistical research courtesy of nba.com and dallasmorningnews.com . Total personal fouls for all 7 games are as follows: Dallas Mavericks= 190 personal fouls San Antonio Spurs= 171 personal fouls
From these numbers I can simply conclude that the no-calls for Spurs players were much less than that of the Mavs being that more fouls were called on the Mavericks than the Spurs. Watching the game on TNT last night, one of the commentators made a good point during the middle of the game that something like 25 fouls had been called on the Mavs and only 10 or 11 on the Spurs at the time. Just because our owner is more into the game and cares about his players and fans more than any other owner in the NBA doesnt mean you can come to a conclusion that the owner is paying the refs off. Give credit where its due and both teams deserved lots of credit in this series, but am I glad my Mavs prevailed. And through previous experiences, I believe i have heard it said that usually refs and officials are a little more lenient on a team who is the reigning champs, so dont be mad that we de-throned them. This was a great series between two great teams and thats that.Game over.Mavs win.Lets beat the Suns.
Comment by Ryanwiz -
First of all I wanted to congratulate the Mavs and its whole organization (including the best owner in the NBA, Mark Cuban) on what might be one of the best playoffs series in quite a while. Let’s not get in over our heads about this series win because we still have 2 more ahead of us. As for all you skeptics claiming “Cuban paid the refs off” or “how much did you give the NBA to have the refs call fouls like that” is ludacris. There were bound to be some bad calls here and there with 2 big heavyweight contenders goin at it..although the lineups on the court were referred to as being quite “small.”(not like the qualities of a heavyweight contender)But those who say the refs called some BS calls on the spurs and the Mavs got away with some fouls are just quite ignorant to the fact that not many people, including the NBA players themselves know what a legitimate foul is in the league. So if you believe this series came down to calls and no-calls, go find another sport to watch. Being the finance person I am, I do things with numbers,analyze them, and most of the time try to come to a conclusion. So i did some statistical research courtesy of nba.com and dallasmorningnews.com . Total personal fouls for all 7 games are as follows: Dallas Mavericks= 190 personal fouls San Antonio Spurs= 171 personal fouls
From these numbers I can simply conclude that the no-calls for Spurs players were much less than that of the Mavs being that more fouls were called on the Mavericks than the Spurs. Watching the game on TNT last night, one of the commentators made a good point during the middle of the game that something like 25 fouls had been called on the Mavs and only 10 or 11 on the Spurs at the time. Just because our owner is more into the game and cares about his players and fans more than any other owner in the NBA doesnt mean you can come to a conclusion that the owner is paying the refs off. Give credit where its due and both teams deserved lots of credit in this series, but am I glad my Mavs prevailed. And through previous experiences, I believe i have heard it said that usually refs and officials are a little more lenient on a team who is the reigning champs, so dont be mad that we de-throned them. This was a great series between two great teams and thats that.Game over.Mavs win.Lets beat the Suns.
Comment by Ryanwiz -
I am a casual NBA watcher, only caught game 7 of this series, and I couldn’t believe all the fouls the refs were calling on the Mavs in the second half. It was really getting me fired up. Dump the ball into Duncan and an instant foul. The one of Van Horn where he had his arms straight up and Duncan runs into him was a terrible call. It seem they refs wanted to make it close so people woulnd’t turn off the TV(any NBA conspiracy theorists?). The Manu leg kick on that three was an absolute garbage call as well. I guess he gets that from watching soccer and all those dives in Argentina.
It would have been ashame if the Mavs lost, but kudos to Dirk and the team for winning.
I am a Philly fan but have adopted the Mavs as my team in playoffs. We all know the SIxers won’t do anything with a 5 11″ guard as the centerpiece.
Anyway can’t wait to smash TO and your Cowgirls in October, but good luck to your BBALL team.
Comment by Marcus -
DAMN:
LOVE THOSE MONEY SHOTS
GOOOO MAVS
Cruisn to the gold ball
Comment by Jeff -
Hey Aldoberto, would you like some cheese with that wine? WAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!
P.S.- The riverwalk does SUCK, and the Spurs will still have to deal with Mark and the Rowdies next year. Sorry, he’s stayin!
Mark, you are the pimp.
Comment by Razor Rich -
Damn:
Gooooo MAVS
Game 7 tickets $200, Cuban fine $100000, Game 7 win on the road in OT, PRICELESS
BLOW SUNS
Comment by Jeff -
What a night! What a joy! âOur Mavsâ (thanks for calling the team that way, Mark) were FANTASTIC! Iâm wearing my 41 jersey, here in a âbiasedâ East Coast, with immense pride and devotion. GO MAVS!
Comment by Ricardo Silvestre -
yesterday i emailed mark because i couldnt post comments on here, i didnt have a group of fans to tell me it was going to be okay. my confidence was down and i was so emtionally drained from the first six games. but now its over and all the emotion i put in the series came out. HELL YES! bring on Nash and the suns! this is our year!!!!!
MFFL!
Luis
https://www.miaspartyrentals.com
Comment by Luis -
As a die hard Spurs fan, it was not easy to see my team lose. As a San Antonian, born and raised, your comments insulting my city pissed me off. However, to see all the media in Dallas try to spin your insults into light hearted jabs was sickening. I agree with a previous poster, who asks you why do you feel the need to belittle the Spurs and San Antonio?
I had to learn to ignore you, and your juvenile tactics, because the real purpose of this series was to see which of two magnificent professional basketball teams would go on in the playoffs. If I wasted my time thinking about your asinine behavior, I would miss two great teams battling to move closer towards a championship. So despite your tantrums and obnoxious antics, true basketball fans were treated to a great contest of skill, wills and ability.
So, in conclusion, I guess the point of this is to tell you, Mr. Cuban, that despite all of your jackass behavior, and the dozens of ill minded mimic Mavs fans who I witnessed first hand at the AT&T Center throw beer cups and popcorn boxes at anyone who asked them to sit down so everyone could see the game, or the drunken Maverick fan who refused to move from a seat that he did not pay for because as in his words, âIâm a Mavs fans so fuck off!â; despite all the rude behavior that you by your actions and words encouraged (cussing at Bruce Bowen after a Mavs loss? Very classy indeed) I applaud Coach Johnson and the players. Congrats to THEM on their hard earned victory.
Now, we here in the âmudâ of the San Antonio River will wait until next year. Never count out the Silver and Black. Go Spurs Go!
Comment by Aldoberto -
In response to Jesse saying:
“I had a scientific analysis compiled as to why the Mavs could not win:
If you look at the majority of the Spurs baskets, they were achieved by some means of basketball fundamentalism: Duncan in the post, high pick and roll, etc. Compare this to the majority of Mav baskets, which were usually achieved by an act of supreme athleticism by an individual”
i got 1 word for u pal… DEFENSE!!!
Comment by Ossman -
What a great series! Congrats Mavs and Mark!
In 1983, I got caught skipping school so I could go buy single game tickets to the Mavericks/Lakers semifinals series. My punishment was a week of in-school suspension. But it was worth it because I was there when the Mavs won their first semifinal game by beating the Lakers. I remember the fans chanting “Beat L.A.” as they spilled into the parking lots around Reunion. I think we all felt like we had a real chance that year.
I have that feeling again this year!
I’m still a big Steve Nash fan so no matter who wins this next series, I’ll be happy.
Go Mavs!
(As much as I wanted to, I didn’t skip work to go buy single game tickets. Our equivalent of the in-school suspension is called the Donald Trump “You’re fired!”.) But I’m ordering HD so it’ll feel like I’m there!
Comment by Velvet -
I’ve been waiting for this ever since I was a kid. Last night I sat on my couch, fists pumping in the air, loving the moment. Now on to the next round! GO MAVS!
Comment by C. J. -
they won this game for you mark. you are the best owner in any probably any sport!
8 more wins baby….
Comment by J -
Mark
Now that the dust has settled, a few words from a Spurs fan might be in order. First I cannot imagine a better series, or a better rivalry than the one developing between our two teams. As you prepare for the finals I can’t wait to see what Pop’s next move will be to counter the Mavs.
I know that you are “crazy like a fox” and that many of your outlandish comments were intended to stoke the rivalry flames. After all, like you have pointed out, every rivalry needs its share of heroes and villians. You have played your part well, but may I offer some constructive criticism? I want this rivalry to have it all; controversy, passion, close games, gut renching performances, etc. But lets do it with class. After all this is a kids game. Its for big kids like you and I, but also for kids like my nine year old daughter. She is a big Spurs fan. I have encouraged that because the Spurs have so often conducted themselves in a manner worthy of emulation. From what I have seen of the Mavs this series, and from what we have come to know of Michael Finley over this season, that is true of yor franchise as well.
I was pleased when my nine year old daughter beat her father to the sports page of the local paper to read the latest. Who ever heard of a nine year old reading the paper? That is why I was so disapointed when I had to explain your choice of language discribing the River Walk which she loves. There will always be irresponsible fans in any arena. I have, on occasion, asked those seated near me to be gentelmen in the presence of my wife and daughter. That may be appropriate language at the local bar, or in the locker room, I personally think not, but please respect my family. When your name is Mark Cuban your voice carries significantly further than the seats around you in the arena. By all means lets be spirited rivals, but please, lets do it with class and dignity.
When we fight in Texas we fight hard, but once you leave the state you represent us all. So I will be pulling for the Mavs the rest of the way. My daughter will not. She is hurt, and offended, and mad. May I humbly suggest an appology to a nine year old Spurs fan?
Comment by Glenn Young -
I had a scientific analysis compiled as to why the Mavs could not win:
If you look at the majority of the Spurs baskets, they were achieved by some means of basketball fundamentalism: Duncan in the post, high pick and roll, etc. Compare this to the majority of Mav baskets, which were usually achieved by an act of supreme athleticism by an individual: Terry fiddlin’ and diddlin’ then pulling up, Dirk Diggler fading away off the dribble with Bowen all over him, etc… Law of averages says the Spurs would make a higher percentage of baskets. I was dead wrong. Congratulations on a great win, looking forward to the next round !!!!!
Comment by Jesse -
Good job Mav’s! That was quite a bear hug you put on Josh Howard Mark.
Comment by AP -
Great series overall, great game 7.
I can’t help but comment on the fact that you gave $60-$70 mil to the wrong 7 foot Center. Not re-signing Nash is one thing, but to turn around and give that money to some big stiff who wasn’t even playing at the end of the game. If Diop keeps this up he might command Damipers kind of money.
Comment by Mike -
CONGRATS!! I hope you guys take it all the way to an NBA Championship! What a great series.
Comment by Renada -
Ashley how can you think the way you think? He didnt pay for a win. It was too close for that. If he paid for a win dont you think he would have paid to keep the huge lead the Mavs had in the first half? Watch ya mouf!
Comment by Brandon Connell | RankRover -
Great job Mav’s! I predict Mav’s in 6 in the next round. Good luck!
Comment by Paul Kuchinski -
I’ve loved every second of this series. My husband is nervous about the toll these close games have taken on my blood pressure and my throat!
You’re right Mark, we were jumping up and down in our living room in Keller like maniacs, like we just won the National Championship.
Your leadership and investment as well as support as a fan of this team are all big pieces of the puzzle. I loved how you were down with the team last night during OT, you reminded me of a little kid, you looked so excited. It’s a far cry from most owners who sit in a box as far away from the team and the “common people” as possible.
On another note making Avery the head coach is quickly looking like one of the most brilliant moves in basketball history. That man is a genuis and was probably the only person who could out-Pop Pop.
Thanks for keeping the average fans involved as well, I got my tickets for Friday night’s game on Ticketmaster this morning for less than $35 a piece. I can’t wait for the game and I can’t wait for the parade when we bring our trophy home!!!
Comment by Kyle Blonde -
Mark, congrats on the series win. We were so pumped after the victory, we drove from Keller all the way to Love to cheer the team. It was well worth the trip to be near all the hyped up fans, and a chance to see the players. I wish more of the players had their windows down so we could high five them all, but shout out to you, Dirk, jet, and Del Harris for having your windows down and allowing the fans to celebrate.
Nice car!
Comment by Matt -
Great we won. There is a lesson learned that I hope we don’t repeat with Phoenix. It’s called “Don’t Poke the Snake”!
Why must we run cartoons during the home games that insult the opposing team? Don’t get me wrong…My son and I laughed our heads off at the “Ginobli Flop” and “Horry O’s” However,do we really need to make fun of Players or Cities just to create a “rivalry”.
I love the “General” I love Dirks rendition of “Cowboys” But Dude Let’s be like “The General” and humble ourselves through the playoffs.
Or we could create Cartoons about Nash and Raja and title it “We didn’t renew and no we are going to beat you!” And then we could talk about Phoenix being hotter than two rats doing it in a wool sock!!!!
Forget Humble let’s “Poke the Snake” afterall Mark is the only guy they get mad at!
Comment by Jeff Ramsey -
As a Pistion fan I’m glad that Spurs are out of the playoffs and that Big Shot Bob had a no say in game 7. Unlike the whole finals last year. So good luck to the Mav I hope to see you in the Finals. Shout out to Chase
Comment by Jordan -
Great Post
Great Win
Congratulations
Comment by Jay Eisen -
Mark,
Last night I put on my jersey and watched a great game. Over the past years I have been used to seeing the team collapse. The Mavs showed up and are now ready to be considered real champion material. And the Suns will have to deal with the to be named Finals MVP-Nowitzki.
Finally the NBA is revived. There is a new generation of fantastic basketball going on all over the league. It is fun to watch.
Comment by David Fuhriman -
Mark, you guys did it again! I mean everything was clicking from JET, to Dirk, to Stack, Van Horn, and just everything. You guys took the crowd out the game and kept them out! The best part was it was like watching a family. If someone couldnt deliver, someone stepped in and helped where they were needed. My brother lives in Dallas, so Im rooting for you guys! You guys had me scared for the last 37.8 seconds in regulation. I couldnt watch hardly! Im looking forward to watching you guys dismantle phoenix and going all the way! GO MAVS!!! MFFL!!!
Comment by Michael -
I just wanted to stop in and say congrats on the huge win last night. I live in Ohio (but happen to work with several sports fans in Texas and the surrounding states), and I am not primarily a Mavs fan. But ever since you purchased the Mavs and began to turn the franchise around I have watched in enjoyment. I see a guy who is not afraid to call out the obvious (officiating issues, league business issues) that others choose to sweep aside and I see someone who loves his team. I think that it is awesome that a “regular guy” could ever have the means to own his own team. So as the Mavs continue throughout the playoffs I will be cheering you on from Ohio!
Comment by Luke Jernigan -
I have visited this blog site since I was turned on to it after game 2 Spurs vs. Mavs. I have waited to comment until the series was over, whomever the victor. I’m awfully proud of my Spurs and my home city. I have been terrified of being knocked in the Riverwalk (and have had evil chuckles about the thought of bumping obnoxious kids in).
That being said, I would also cast my vote for Dirk for MVP. I don’t think you Mav fans know the despair felt when that ball leaves Dirks hands. In your head, you are already tallying the Mavs score by an extra two (or three) trying to play virtual coach and thinking about how we are going to catch up lost ground, praying he doesn’t get the ball again. Alas, he does… again and again. All the while wondering “how in the Hell can this beast of a man only have three personals 80% of the way through such a fist slinging brawl?!?!?”
Mr. Cuban, you deserve everything you have ever gotten. I have read others comments that you were a “spoiled rich kid” and I’m not too sure where they came up with that (I am familiar with the history of your hard earned successes).
All I ask is that you do us justice in S.A. by proving you are the best team in the NBA and get that golden basketball. I can’t promise you that I am going to buy a lot of Maverick gear, but something tells me that’s not what’s important to you anyway. đ
A heartfelt congrats to all of you in Dallas and most importantly to my RESPECTED RIVALS the Mavs.
GO MAVS GO!!!
Comment by Matt Hart -
Congratulations, Mark, both to you and to the rest of the Mavs organization. I know that it’s premature, what with two more series to go, but this really felt like a breakthrough series for your team. It’s been almost 10 years since I moved away from DFW, but this team has made me a fan of the Mavs all over again. Great job!
cgb
Comment by Collin -
This series was amazing, one of the best ones in history, finishing with an overtime win of Dallas – what could be better? The team played perfectly together!
Let’s beat Phx and Detroit now – we’ve won the hardest battle so we’ll win those two, too.
Dominik from Heidelberg
Comment by Dominik Wigger -
Hands down, this must have been the best series i’ve seen in years. The spurs gave a serious run for the money, but eventually the better team won.
I’ve been saying since the mid-season, regardless of Mr. Cuban’s opinion, Dirk Nowitzki is this year’s my MVP. His performance in game 7 reflects the major role change he undertook, the perfection of a player he had become.
Can’t wait to see Mavs vs. Pistons.
Comment by Eran -
great game last night, thanks for keeping us pinned to the tv screen. much better than the clipper game. (i wish the clippers had won though)
Comment by Kayak Man -
I just wanted to stop in and say congrats on the huge win last night. I live in Ohio (but happen to work with several sports fans in Texas and the surrounding states), and I am not primarily a Mavs fan. But ever since you purchased the Mavs and began to turn the franchise around I have watched in enjoyment. I see a guy who is not afraid to call out the obvious (officiating issues) that others choose to sweep aside and I see someone who loves his team. I think that it is awesome that a “regular guy” could ever have the means to own his own team. So as the Mavs continue throughout the playoffs I will be cheering you on from Ohio!
Comment by Luke Jernigan -
I got a kick out of watching Mark celebrate the win with the team on the bench. First time I can remember an NBA owner hugging players on the bench with time still left on the clock. Looked like fun.
Comment by kjb -
I had a great time watching the game. I was so nervous about it; my heart was racing and my hands were shaking. It was definatly one of the most exciting games ever.
I have to wonder though: Would Avery had put in Diop if all the other big men hadn’t fouled out?
Comment by Chris -
a couple things:
avery should be commended for transforming an offensive minded team to an offensive minded team that also plays defense. not to knock nellie, but defense wins championships. diop earned a year’s paycheck in one night for his play on duncan in game 7.
and dirk diggler is now the front runner for mvp in 06-07.
down by three with a few ticks left in regulation after the ginobili three i was hoping dirk would do one thing: “take it to the hole!” no lame fadeaways over bowen or finley. he needed to take it to the rim and put the pressure on the spurs defense — and the officials to make a call if there was contact. dirk delivered and in that one play (put the icing on a playoff series in which he) firmly established himself as a full fledged superstar on duncan’s level. down the stretch in every tight game they need to play pick and roll with terry and dirk and somehow jason needs to get the ball into dirk’s hands. dirk has the height to see over the double teams will find the open man, whether it is jason or anyone else.
sometimes foul trouble can be a blessing in disguise. i don’t know about anyone else but i was cringing at the thought of van horn checking duncan in the post down the stretch. van horn did his thing by hitting big threes earlier in the game, but when van horn fouled out, i felt relief when avery went to diop. best thing that could have happened, because diop could guard duncan without the double team. and he hit a big foul shot to push the lead to 5. after the foul on devin before the play started gave the spurs the free throw and the ball they only cut it to 4 which was still a two possession game. had diop missed his second free throw it would only have been a three point game and a completely different story.
comparing this team to past mavs teams when the big man was shawn bradley, we finally have defensive studs in the middle. and that’s all you need to win it all. shaq’s dominance in recent years has clouded the minds of many who forget that mj and company won 6 rings with defensive centers who didn’t score–bill cartwright and luc longley. and detroit did it with ben wallace.
if last year’s mavs-suns series is any indication the conference finals should go 7 too. will the mavs have fresher legs due to the added rest they had after sweeping the first round while the suns had to play 7 to beat the lakers before both their 7 game series in the second round? time will tell.
big win, but as dirk said “we haven’t done anything yet”
Comment by db -
I was at work while Game 7 is on; I’ve to say that I was being unproductive the whole day (sorry boss) because I couldn’t take my mind away from the game, the whole series was hard to watch to say the least, it really can go either way. I even had a few fist-pumps and big sighs while watching the game live on PPStream (it’s good our partition at work is high so no one see me doing all those crap).
Anyway, being the Mavs fan for the last 6 years surely is an enjoyable experience, and I believe that we’ve matured enough defensively, offensively and mentally to go to the next step – of being a real title contender.
Good luck the rest of the way on becoming the NBA champion, GO Mavs! Itâs your turn to shine!
Another Mavs die-hard fan from Taiwan.
Comment by Mavs fan from Taipei -
Ashley, are you trying to prove women and basketball dont mix?
No calls are just as important of called fouls.
The refs gave the game to the mavs? Like that foul on Harris near the end of OT, that chipped into Dallas’ lead.
From Steve Kerr’s pregame Column, Kerr is a former Spur and TNT/Yahoo!Sports Commentator: “But as far as the calls are concerned, I really do believe they even out over the course of a game and a series….Did the Mavs get some bad calls in Games 5 or 6? Probably. But nothing stood out to me. I’ll tell you this, though. The officials didn’t decide any of the games in this series, and they won’t decide Game 7. The best team will win.”
I repeat “The officials didn’t decide any of the games in this series, and they won’t decide Game 7. The best team will win.”
Enjoy the offseason, maybe you need a Nelson to help yall scout better.
đ
Comment by Sean G -
Its been nothing but a mind blowing series so far. Hats off to all the players with special reference to Dirk and Diop. Diop made a big difference in the OT. Terry came out blazing on all fronts. At the time it was 101-103, Mark, I was almost cursing you for the comments you made in Dallas..but after the victory it was..Hell Yeh..riverwalk’s muddy alright! We at Boston made sure we were Rowdy, Proud and Loud of the Mavericks.
Comment by Vikram -
Its been nothing but a mind blowing series so far. Hats off to all the players with special reference to Dirk and Diop. Diop made a big difference in the OT. Terry came out blazing on all fronts. At the time it was 101-103, Mark, I was almost cursing you for the comments you made in Dallas..but after the victory it was..Hell Yeh..riverwalk’s muddy alright! We at Boston made sure we were Rowdy, Proud and Loud of the Mavericks.
Comment by Vikram -
Congrats from a Laker fan. The rescue of the Mavs franchise, while not complete (I’m sure you want a championship), has passed a huge milestone. Honestly, I thought the refs were about to screw you in the second half, glad you pulled out the win.
The choice of AJ as coach is looking pretty good, isn’t it?
And Dirk played absolutely the grittiest game I think I’ve seen this year.
Good luck the rest of the way.
Comment by John K -
Oh and Thank you and thanks to the mavericks for knocking out the Spurs! I went to see the Mavs play the Spurs three times this season at the ATT Center, twice in the playoffs (0-3). Got into it with many a Spurs fan, drank a lot of beer, and always came away the loser. Finally!
Comment by BJ -
Congratulations on the Mavs’ win. I think the Spurs and the Mavs were the two most talented teams left in playoffs, and whoever won last night will end up winning the title. Good luck!
Comment by eileen -
Wow. What a series. I’ve been watching the NBA since the early 70’s (and also attended ABA games in Virgina and San Antonio) and this was one of the most contested and exciting I’ve witnessed. It was a gut-wrenching pleasure to be sure, since the Spurs did not prevail, but the better team shone through and my hat is tipped to the Mavs. Brilliantly coached and played. Now get out there and keep the trophy in Texas. Congrats!
The River Walk? That’s where the local government fleeces the tourists. We locals stay away in droves. I’d rather tube the Guadalupe above Canyon Lake.
Comment by Mike Dahlke -
Heh, I can’t believe Heat fans are posting in here talking trash. You won’t even get past the Pistons…and if you do, good luck. Dallas destroyed you 2-0 this year, as did everyone in the west pretty much.
Comment by Slim -
thanks for the shout out Cuban. I was one of the many fans out to greet you all this morning/last night! Along with the many other fanboys/groupies haha GO MAVS! I hope the AAC is loud tommorrow night…
Comment by BJ -
Mark is the man. He has made unpopular decisions regarding personell and they are starting to show him as a “sage”. I live in PHX and the people here are drinking the Kool Aid. Beat the Suns! Go Mavs.
Comment by Rich Sharpe -
I’m in Detroit waiting for you Mark. Yes, we need to create a controversy with you, so the finals can get better ratings. I know I am speaking prematurely or presciently.
Hmm, which one is it? Hopefully, the latter.
Comment by Jason Raznick -
What an awesome series and what a triumph! I love what you said about the team mentality of this group of guys. I think it really sets us apart and you can really see each guy pulling for the others to do their best, very refreshing!
My husband, best friend and I came out to meet the team last night and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. Even though we had to run all over Love Field to find you! Thank you for letting us know that you guys were glad to have us! We were THRILLED to show our support to the best Mavs team EVER!
Comment by Kim -
Congrats on putting together the organization and team that pulled this one off! The Mavs still struggled at center position in a way, but we had more bullets — problem solved!
I think we were playing against more than 5 at a time… the refs just seem to like the bully centers when they knock people around as long as they do it gracefully. We need to learn to fall at right angles to the hit like Ginobli does, and he always gets the call. You notice he never flops the same direct as the hit? He always falls at a right angle to make it look like the offensive player initiated. It’s an optical illusion and it seems to always work. How about figuring out how to use that technique for our benefit?!
I also thought it was done when that last 3 pointer put them up by 3. But what a gutsy team of competitors and what a superstar we have in Nowitzki! You not only have a great team, but you’ve got a team that I love to cheer for, and makes you feel good about them win or lose.
It may not have been the all time best series, but I sure can’t remember ever enjoying a playoff series this much!
Way to go!
….. now just two more times!!!!!
WOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Bob Russell -
Congrats on the huge win (Spurs fan here). You guys played with great heart and a the spirit of a champion.
Comment by OneEye -
I would like to say thanks Mavs for that series it was the best. I also wanted to know if anybody knew the total fouls called on Mavs and spus. Also to Mark Cuban you are the best team owner in the NBA you are not scared to speak the truth about refs or anything for that matter THANKS AGAIN. GO MAVS
Comment by Aaron Wilosn -
What a big series and a big win for the Dallas franchise. Let’s keep this thing rolling and get past the Suns and the East. Dallas had to battle through the Superstar rule and having 4 players late in the third with 4 fouls and the Spurs only having one player with 3 fouls. This series will go down in history as the one of the best. It would have been nice for this to be the Western Conference finals but it’s still all good. Big ups to Dirk for taking his game to the paint. Diop was so big in OT. Go Mavs.
Comment by dalsmavsfan -
Both teams were incredible this series. I am so happy to have watched the Mavs come out on top in the end.
Comment by Mike C -
Ok first of all Paul Double-U the officials are what blew the game for the spurs…actually the whole series! There were a billion calls in favor for the Mavs. Duncan should have been fouled at the end of the 4th quarter and the game should not have gone into OT! All I can ask myself is how much did Mark Cuban pay the refs off??????
Comment by ashley -
Congrats to the Mavs. What a series, what a second half. The Spurs will be back though.
Comment by Travis Finch -
First I have played and coached basketball the better part of my life. I have followed Dallas Basketball since Dallas Had the ABA team in the 70s. It was Sad to see them go to San Antonio. Then we had the long stint of without a Pro- Basketball in Dallas-till the Mavericks came to town (Moody Madness era), and brought back to Dallas what was very special. I watched through the years and went to games when I could. Then came Mark Cuban who is not only an owner, but a great Fan. Now we have a real Contender thanks to Mark Cuban and The Nelson’s. Best decision you ever made Mark. But the last step was Avery who took all the hard work and experience that both Don and Donnie had help to build and turned us into a real contender. Thanks to Carter and Cuban for putting their hearts into the Dallas Mavericks.
Comment by Jim Blaydes -
This is great. First, Good job to the Mavs who I hate. Despite the terrible officiating against the Mavs in the Mav-Spurs series (like the Suns) they were able to overcome and move on. Have you ever seen someone (Tim Duncan) get so many terrible calls to send him to the line? Not me. I am excited to finally see the Suns face an opponant who is equally hated by the refs as they are. May the best team win!!! GO SUNS!!!
Comment by ValleyManMike -
Well Done MAVS!!! As I sit in the recliner last night watching the game as the final seconds were playing out, my brother in law was going nuts(upset) when the Spurs pulled ahead. I calmly sat there just knowing in my heart that it was OUR TIME!!! I knew that it was going to work out somehow. It was like I felt deep down that it was alright and there was no reason to get upset. And when Dirk drove to the basket and got the foul call, the fate was sealed! I did not even have a second thought about us loosing after that. We went to over time and Wowzers what a great effort from Diop!!! I am just so proud to be called a MFFL and thankful that you, Cuban, have brought this all to life! Thanks for your passion and thats all I can say!! You are truly a miracle to the fans of the Dallas Mavericks!
Russell
Comment by Russell Burns -
This is great. First, Good job to the Mavs who I hate. Despite the terrible officiating against the Mavs in the Mav-Spurs series (like the Suns) they were able to overcome and move on. Have you ever seen someone (Tim Duncan) get so many terrible calls to send him to the line? Not me. I am excited to finally see the Suns face an opponant who is equally hated by the refs as they are. May the best team win!!! GO SUNS!!!
Comment by ValleyManMike -
Awesome game, awesome series, except the officiating… Did you see how many times the Spurs were getting random calls in their favor while down in the third and fourth?!?! btw I feel so bad for Finley… he should of been a part of this, after all the years he put in… Go Mavs!
Comment by Paul Double-U -
My brother called from Tokyo so he could hear the last few minutes over the speaker phone.
GO MAVS!!!
Comment by Adam -
Congrats to the Mavs for finally beating the Spurs. One would have wondered why it took this long but like the analysts on TNT predicted…… Dallas wont make it far in any playoffs if they dont turn from being a jump-shooting team to an inside team and that is what was on display in this series. I saw a 7-footer getting to the rim and thinking drives first before a jumpshot. I saw intensity, I saw a team get to the line and earn easy points. This is the difference between Nellie’s philosophy and the Little General’s philosophy….. One understood that defense and tough play wins series, the other understood that lots of points wins regular season games. Wish you luck against the Suns…. not that it matters though….. My Pistons will smoke any team coming out of the West.
Comment by Henry McGregor -
Wow âwhat a game & incredible performance by the Mavs, led by the Coach of the Year.
Last night the Mavs managed to overcome the 5 on 8 odds in another officiating debacle. This immediately following the JET incident which was 100% the result of officiating failures. 1st they failed to see/hear JET clearly call & signal âTIMEâ. 2nd they allowed Manu to pile on, grabbing the ball between JETâs âTâ signaling hands. 3rd they allowed Finley to jump on JETâs head AFTER the whistle had blown, and sit comfortably with no effort to move. I doubt any of us would have responded any differently. Jump on a refâs head like that & heâd swing a ârealâ punch.
This prompted frenchman Parker to lie to the cameras saying that JET had been throwing punches the entire series â he needs to be deported back to his country of white flag flying liars. He grinned with sick french satisfaction when speaking of how a loss would âdemoralizeâ the Mavs.
In stark contrast, Finley showed authentic class when asked on camera about the incident saying âit unfortunate, JETâs a great playerâ.
In the last nightâs game, officiating presented a new all time low with 2nd half fouls double at one end of the floor from the other, while allowing flying elbows to break noses with no foul called. (NBA policy says that elbows to the head are deserving of fines/suspensions â watch, as nothing is done)
Yes, the FANTASTIC MAVS won a 5 on 8 game last night proving this team is too great to loose to anyone â I smell a championshipâŠ
Congratulations and Thanks for the superb effort.
Comment by HUGE MavsFan -
GO SUNS! FYI When there is a timeout and the Mavs are on the court figuring out their next move…how about you stay in your seat and stop pretending like you’re on the team and that you have something valuable to say. Stay home and write a blog and talk crap about good players because you’re mad at them…apparently that is what you do best!
Comment by ashley -
Congratulations to the Mavs on their win last night. Best series i’ve ever watched, even though my Spurs came up a little short. đ
I’ll be rooting for the Mavs to win the championship…be nice to keep it in Texas.
To Mark, as easy as it is for most to hate you, I have to say I admire what you have done as an owner for your team, city, and fans. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and passion has benefitted not only your own team, but the entire league at times. I would say keep up the “whining”, lol, and I’ll be rooting for ya’ll.
Comment by spursfan -
Woooooooow~~~~~~ I`m so excited just like you Mark. Knock down the Suns, and eliminate Piston. Mavericks would be the NBA chamption. It is so incredible!! We would rewrite the NBA history. I believe we can do it!!Go! Dirk GO!Johnson Go! Cuban and GO! all the fans of Mavericks. Got the chamption !!! p.s. A fan from Taiwan, Jay
Comment by Jay -
As I sit here sipping on herbal tea to bring my voice back, I am still wearing it out re-hashing details of what MY MAVS did last night.
No one thought we would do. In fact, people here said that we wouldn’t. . .but we did. And you know what? It feels so good.
Comment by Alexis M -
As a long time Spurs fan, I would like to congratulate you personally on the Mavs win. Although it was heartbreaking for me to see the Spurs season end, we all know there has to be one winner and one loser at the end. This year just isn’t our year to go all the way. The best team wins a 7-game series, and I take my hat off to you guys. All personal riffs aside, I love the city of Dallas and visit often. I don’t think you’re a bad guy at all. Maybe a bit of a show off, but we’d all be pretty much the same way if we were in your shoes. Ya’ll deserve a standing ovation. Good luck in the next series, and we all hope you make it to the Championship. I’ll be pulling for you.
Jamie
Comment by Jamie Lansford -
As a long time Spurs fan, I would like to congratulate you personally on the Mavs win. Although it was heartbreaking for me to see the Spurs season end, we all know there has to be one winner and one loser at the end. This year just isn’t our year to go all the way. The best team wins a 7-game series, and I take my hat off to you guys. All personal riffs aside, I love the city of Dallas and visit often. I don’t think you’re a bad guy at all. Maybe a bit of a show off, but we’d all be pretty much the same way if we were in your shoes. Ya’ll deserve a standing ovation. Good luck in the next series, and we all hope you make it to the Championship. I’ll be pulling for you.
Jamie
Comment by Jamie Lansford -
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Sorry I’m still celebrating!!! đ
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amazing series and one of the best in what is already THE BEST PLAYOFFS EVER!!!! (And I’m not 22, I’ve seen my share đ
WOW.
OT games. LOTS of last minute shots that could change an entire season… TD gets a tip in, Dallas goes home. Lebron wears a size larger shoe, Arenas moves on. Manu blocks that shot instead of tapping Dirk’s hand – series over.
WOW.
WOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!
BEST
PLAYOFFS
EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Matt Antonino -
(Mark, I wrote this before I came to this blog. Great minds think alike: it’s deja vu all over again!!!)
“I’ve seen this before” by Greg Lowe (5/23/06)
I had déjà vu last night.
We’ve heard the French phrase so often in our lives, dĂ©jĂ vu, trying to explain the odd sensation of previously experiencing a moment. The literal French translation of “already seen” took place for me and most Maverick fans on Monday, May 22 2006. Manu Ginobili nailed a 3-point shot to break a 101-101 tie in game 7 of the Western Conference semi-finals against the San Antonio Spurs. With 32.2 seconds left. 32.2 seconds. Down by 3. On the road. I wondered if I looked as shocked and angry as Mark Cuban did on the TV.
DĂ©jĂ vu. Already seen. The Spurs have done this before. 2003. Looked like we had Game 6 locked up and were heading to a deciding game for the Western Conference Finals. Another deadly 3-point shot. His name was Steve Kerr, and he made what seemed like a hundred that night. But last night he was on the sidelines. He was the announcer for the game. He can’t take away our hopes again. So it was a different feeling, a different sort of dĂ©jĂ vu. One that extinguished the memories of 2003.
Scenarios started to fire off in my head: Do we go for the tie? Do we get a quick 2 and then foul? What if we miss? Can we wait another year? When can we get past these Spurs? Part of me wanted to walk away from the television. Having to endure this series was hard enough. 6 games going down to the final seconds, two overtimes, one suspension, and against the defending champions. A team who’s division title banner from the rafters reads more like War and Peace in comparison to ours which was raised on April 23 1987 in Reunion Arena to honor our only division title. I was there that night. I still have my ticket stub. But the Spurs have been consistently great through the yearsâthey actually have two columns of years for that banner. Along with three NBA championship trophies. And my Mavericks had to get through them to reach the next round. Tough as nails.
But something happened. I experienced déjà vu. I was compelled to remain in front of that television, to watch the team that has been my favorite in sports for well over two decades. The Mavericks went to Dirk Nowitzki, arguably the best player in the history of the franchise. Down by 3, and seconds slowly ticked off the remaining moments of our season. And I believed. And watched something special. Real special.
Dirk, for years known as one of the best perimeter shooters in the league, at the instruction of coach Avery Johnson, has been working on his inside game, his back to the basket, and at getting easy shots. The season was placed on the shoulders of Dirk, who took his defender inside, spun and got fouled by the apparent hero Manu Ginobili. And Manu hit Dirk’s arm with enough force to completely alter Dirk’s shot. But the ball still went up, and danced on that rim long enough to suspend the beating hearts of every NBA fan in San Antonio and Dallas. I still can’t figure out how his shot went in. Even on the replays. But it did. “And one.” Dirk tied the game with his free throw.
DĂ©jĂ vu. I’ve already seen this. These aren’t the Dallas Mavericks of previous seasons. This year, there have been so many times when I thought a comeback would be nearly impossible. And in most of those times I have been greeted with something special. They use that phrase you know, around Dallas, the inside circles, the guys who broadcast the games this year. This season has the potential to be “something special.” I’ve heard it over and over as I watched nearly the entire season on NBA League Pass. And the dĂ©jĂ vu moment that took place at the end of Game 7, the moment that broke the aging San Antonio Spurs’ backs and sent them home for the summer, the moment that will go down in Dallas sports folklore as the “And One” took place before. We’ve “already seen” this. Or something similar.
At the end of a game on February 1st, after being down 75-66 with under 5 minutes remaining, in Memphis there were 40 seconds left. Atkins makes an 18 footer and the Grizzlies go up 80-77. The same neurons were firing up in my head, the same questions asked as when Ginobili hit his 3-pointer last night: Do we go for the tie? Do we get a quick 2 and then foul? What if we miss? On that night, Erik Dampier took a quick pass from Dirk and dunked the ball within 6 seconds. Then, as fate would allow, Atkins again had the opportunity to tell the Southwest Conference Memphis was for real. A career 75% shooter from the foul stripe would get two free-throw opportunities with 23 seconds left. And he missed them both. Chance for the win. Dirk got the ball, down by 1, and attempted the shot. No wait. He got fouled. No. He drew the foul. And he nailed his free throws.
But his ability to drive to the lane, to create his shot, to no longer depend on his perimeter shooting, to do what his coach asked of him was the reason why we won that game. And it is also the reason why these Dallas Mavericks, who are engendering “something special” this year, have moved on. To the Western Conference Finals, against a team, ironically, who has a player nicknamed The Matrix, named after a movie in which there is a scene with a cat and a dĂ©jĂ vu moment. How ironic.
Dirk, thanks for listening to your coach.
Comment by greg -
Mark,
In my 26 years of watching NBA basketball, I have never seen a game like that. 6 games all coming down to the final possesion. Avery and Pop trying to create mismatches. And in the final game the 2 superstars really shine and duel it out. AMAZING!! This is one big hurdle we have now passed. Now let’s beat the Suns and get passed that other hurdle. For 26 years I have been made fun of for being a Mavs fun. Either the team was awful or we were not a real championship contender. Well as of this morning all those jokes stopped. We knocked off the world champs!!! Maybe you don’t have to be L.A., Houston, Chicago, Detroit or San Antonio to win the NBA Championship??!!!
Comment by Jason -
Mark:
I want to congratulate the Mavericks organization on a great series. Your team proved a lof of experts, including this one, wrong about their desire.
Congrats to your team. Good luck and hopefully you will bring the gold ball to the state of Texas.
Sincerely
Greg M.
Comment by Gregory Moore -
Finally Chuck Barkley can say the Mavs play defense.
Man it was so hard seeing that 3pter under a minute left. TNT was sure to get a camera on you Mark. Everyone from Dallas’ heart just sank, but Dirk gritted his teeth and knew we weren’t going out like that.
Not to take anything away from last night, we proved ourselves against a team that champions its defense. We were 2-2 during the regular season versus the Spurs. Now we have to face a team whos offense is unparalleled, and went 2-2 in the season. The Suns will not play enough defense for our depth. We have three 7-footers to block shots. We need to watch the perimeter. If the Suns get over ten 3’s it might be an upset.
With the heart our boys are showing, Im calling it in 5. We will split the away games and finish at home.
Comment by Sean G -
GO SUNS!!! WHOOHOOOO!
Comment by ASHLEY -
Mark, well said. A well coached and great team beat a well coached and great team. Sad it wasn’t in the Western Finals, but hopefully that flaw in the system will be fixed by next year. If you love sports and you love a great game this series has to be considered one of the all time best in Professional Sports!
Comment by Larry -
congrats to all the Mav fans. Mark, I think you are by far the best owner in the NBA, and it’s good to see your theories of running a team get some validation. GO MAVS.
Comment by Jim -
Congrats! I’m a die-hard Spurs fan, and as painful as those last minutes of the game were, I must say that game was fantastic. You made this series a hell of a lot of fun, and I get a kick out of watching you on the sidelines at the games. Keep up your passionate ways!
Comment by Jennifer -
>>When they hit that 3 pointer to go ahead. All I could think about is that I wasnt ready to go to the Lune , a local Dallas bar. I had seen us come back in this situation before. I trusted that we would get our shot.<< Are you kidding me? The look on your face suggested otherwise. Looked like you were ready to go Artest on someone. Anyway, Congratulations. It might be hard to watch any more of the playoffs after watching this series. It just can't get any better than that.
Comment by Brad Back -
I was getting nervous when they lost that huge lead. Especially right before they qualified overtime. I was sure the refs would make a bad call and scream foul. I knew Dallas would take it in OT though. That was too close for comfort but YEAH! haha! Wish I was there.
Comment by Brandon Connell | RankRover -
What an awesome game! I didn’t watch all the games but I definitely saw the best one. I was definitely jumping and screaming and sweating even. I would have cried if the mavs lost that one. Just a phenomenal first half and a perfect ending! Let’s take that to the Suns!!
Comment by Website Design -
Don’t believe the hype about cruising to the title now that you’ve gotten past the Spurs.
You’ve had trouble getting past the Sun’s, too. 4 and 8 since Nash returned to Phoenix; 1 and 2 this year (both losses at home).
And if you get past Nash, surely there’s a former Mav to torment you in the finals. đ
Good luck.
Comment by William Reeder -
Congratulations on finally tossing that monkey off your back, Mark. Very cool to see your Mavs take game 7 on the road.
But enough of this trivial nonsense; on to the important issues… did you get the number of the blonde behind you at the game last night??? đ
Comment by AG -
Congrats Mark to you and the Mavs!!! This is coming from one of the biggest San Antonio Spurs fans around (I became a huge Spurs fan when Artis Gilmore was traded to San Antonio in 1982). I am also a big Mark Cuban fan (talk about a paradox). I have to admit the better team won despite the heart of a champion the Spurs showed in coming back to tie the series after being down 3-1 and coming back to take the lead after being down by 20 in Game 7. You finally got over the hump but of course you did so by shrewdly hiring Avery Johnson and Joe Prunty, who know the Spurs organization inside-out, and implemented the Spurs defensive system.
Basically Duncan and Nowitzki cancelled each other out as they were both impossible to guard. The other matchup problems the Mavs presented were too much for the Spurs to overcome. The depth and athleticism of the Mavs, especially off the bench was the difference. While Finley, Horry and Barry are great shooters they are not athletic, nor do they play stifling defense, which cost the Spurs bigtime.
The Spurs-Mavs rivalry will be one to watch for a long time as the core of Duncan-Ginobili-Parker are signed for a while. As a Spurs fan, I hate to admit it but we missed Devin Brown’s defense and athleticism off the bench. The Spurs will need to get younger and more athletic off the bench to match up better with the Mavs. Also, good riddance to Nick Van Exel, who should have retired last year and hurt the Spurs when he spelled Parker. My hope is the Spurs somehow find a way to get Speedy Claxton back as the backup at the point as he has professed his love of playing for the Spurs when they won their 2nd title but won’t come cheaply.
Despite living in Chicago, my wife and I are hoping to make it to San Antonio for a Spurs-Mavs game next year as it is as compelling a rivalry as the NBA will have.
Best of luck the rest of the way in your quest to keep the Larry O’Brien trophy in the Southwest Division coffers.
— Rich
Comment by Rich -
Right on Mr. Cuban. That was some game. This would rank up there in the annals of basketball history. Your emotions on screen said it all. I can’t think of an owner who’s more emotionally involved than you! Those guys deserve all the praise in the world. Keep it up and looking forward for a charged Suns series!. This would finally be the year of the Mavericks.
Comment by Krishna -
Mark, I believe that the Mavs got very lucky in this series. I am a Miami fan, and I was disgusted at the refs calls, on both ends of the court. Unfortuantly, San Antonio got the bad end of the stick in reguarding fouls. The Spurs should have won games 3 AND 4, but the refs sided with the Mavs. How does Tim Duncan get called for a foul when Dirk steps on HIS foot??? I think you should thank your lucky stars and keep paying whoever it is you are paying!
Comment by Andrea -
The Mavericks have arrived! I look forward to witnessing the Mavs and in particular Dirk, getting the National recognition I believe has been a long time in coming.
Perhaps this isn’t the time to complain about officiating, but my wife, whos knowledge of basketball is limited, asked me,”Why is it that every time the announcer says “Duncan” it is followed by a whistle?”. Good question.
Comment by Michael -
Big Guy,
Saw this docu/bio on you, on Turner South, few days back. Checked on the morning sports shows early today and man, I was just thinking of you…wow, what a journey…just thinking of your days in the 80s and 90s…man, you ought to really write an autobiography, some day. You are an inspiration to those of us who may have, somewhere down the road, lost our edge for sports (due to work & responsibilities & such), but look up to you to give us that chutzpah, that pizzazz, that joie-de-vivre when the chips are down and when all we yearn for is a game of catch/hoops/cricket/you-name-it, just like the old days of our youth.
I hope you guys win this NBA Championship — a testament to your enthusiasm, insanity and persistence. Thanks, Big Guy. Us quant jocks need some of that ammo to keep the fire in our (soft) bellies burning.
Comment by Gautam -
Billionaire… good,,, give away tickets to “SOMEWHERE” next year tight wad .
Comment by Ron Des Laurier -
First of all congratulations to all the mavs fans and Mark Cuban. I couldn’t sleep last night. This club is on fire. I have been a longtime supporter of this incredibly talented and united team of players. Theese guys deserve to advance.
And as far as Dirk goes, I have no words. I really don’t know how this man comes through time and time again. His jump shots looked effortless last night(when do they not).
I have to say, it felt a little weird going up against Mike and Nick, and now Steve and Raja. I am looking forward to the up coming series. I think there are going to be some high scoring games(release the hounds). If we continue what we did with the spurs(total teamwork), there is no reason we can’t get past the suns. To be very honest I know the mavs are a better team. So here’s to our mavs taking the western conference finals and making it to the NBA finals.
Comment by Neal B -
hey mark,
love the blog. congrats on making it to the western finals. best of luck against phoenix.
Comment by Bryce Coleman -
You’re right Mark, I am only 22 years old but this is by far the mhe best series I have ever witnessed as a basketball fan. It was so painful to watch at the same time, hoping the Mavercisk wouldnt break our hearts again. But I had confidence ( even though I will admit it was shaken dramtically when Ginobili hit the 3 pointer with 32 seconds left).
We just have to remember and the guys have to to remember this as well Mark, This means nothing if we dont beat the Suns and advance to the NBA Finals.
Dirk Nowitzki has arrived as well, I was a HUGE critique of the Mavericks for passing up on Paul Pierce but man was I wrong and I have spent the last 8 years doing everything I can to try and make it up to Dirk lol. He is such an incredible player and definetly a top 5 player in this league.
Mavs in 6 over the Suns by the way.
Lets Go Mavericks.
Gary in Fort-Worth
Comment by Gary Smith -
I honestly think you guys wouldn’t have one had it not been for Diop’s defense and rebounding in the overtime period. He might not be an all-star, but he’s the exact kind of tough physical defensive player you all have been missing.
Comment by Matthew -
Being a Spurs fan, I just wanted to let you Mavs fans know, the Mavs proved that they are defintiely the better team. Even though the Spurs had a very real chance at stealing this game in the final seconds of regulation
(ginobli foul on Dirk was a disaster), the Mavs
pulled it together and finished off the Spurs. I have only been a NBA fan for a few years, but this series was totally awesome!!!!!
Comment by Johnny -
I actually thought about that GTown/Nova championship game as well after the Mav’s hot shooting start.
Comment by Mark -
what i liked watching last night was seeing everyone on the mavs bench up and on the court at every timeout, every three pointer, and every time our guys needed help. reminded me of college basketball in march.
Comment by drew mixon -
Congrats, Mark. I’m glad the Mavs made it past the Spurs. I’m proud of Dirk and how he overcame the bear hugs from Bowen.
Comment by morgamic -
The only thing better than watching the Mavs game last night with six of my best friends…jumping up and down spilling pizza and Dr. Pepper everywhere….
Getting to watch the season finale of “24” on TiVO afterwards…then not knowing which to talk about more on the drive home.
Mavs beating the Spurs felt great. But just like Daniels told you on the sidelines…We’re not finished yet.
Comment by Jason Palmer -
Best of luck to the Mavs! I have been a die hard Spurs fan since 1984 and I can’t ever remember a more hard fought series than the 7 games I have witnessed the past two weeks. Kudos to Coach AJ and going with the small lineup. I can’t ever remember Coach Pop ever scrambling as much as he did. Its amazing to think the Mavs could have swept the Spurs 7-0 or the Spurs could have won this 6-1.
I am rooting for the Mavs to win the whole thing because since you have shown up, the city has really turned around and embraced this team. I wish ever owner could be as passionate as you. You are truly living the dream of just about every young boy. Now go beat up those Suns!
Comment by Mike Gath -