The Mavs CAN’T play Defense.
The Mavs CAN’T play a half court game.
The Mavs CAN’T get past the first round
The Mavs CAN’T beat <fill in a team here > because <fill in an excuse here>
Dirk CAN’T play against smaller defenders
Dirk CAN’T take the ball to the basket
Dirk CAN’T play defense
Dirk CAN’T step up in the playoffs
Stack CAN’T play a team game
JET CAN’T be the point guard on a Finals team
Devin Harris CAN’T get past last years playoffs to have an impact
Gana Diop CAN’T be a player in this league
Avery Johnson CAN’T lead this team to the Finals as a 1st year coach
Thank you. Thank you to everyone who has ever said or written about what they think the Mavs cant do. It was motivation that Avery called on early and often.
There is an old saying, Those who can, do. Those who can’t, are usually commentators telling as many people as will read, watch or listen why they think someone else who is actually trying to accomplish something, can’t.
No where is this more true than the sportsworld.
Hats off to the Suns for getting further than anyone ever expected.
Hats off to the Suns and the city of Phoenix for being great hosts.
A huge thank you to Mavs fans around the world. We thank you for wearing your lucky cowboy boots, lucky underwear, lucky hats, tshirts, shorts and pants, for wearing your Mavs gear under your clothes to work and with pride to school and around town.
A huge thank you to Mavs fans who were jumping up and down, screaming, hugging everyone you could find and generally going crazy as the clock ran down last night. We heard you. We felt you. All of us on the sidelines felt the exact same way.
My heart was pounding so hard, I was almost afraid to move. I have all these little good luck idiosyncrazies (my new word), and i refused to not do them until the clock ran out. I kept on playing mind games with myself. You know… McGrady scored 13 against the Spurs in 33 seconds. Dont relax. Then the ever popular…If we hit this shot, its over… Ok, maybe not. If we get this stop, its over.. Ok maybe not..
When we hit 00:00, I walked over to where the Suns owners were to thank and congratulate them, and to also make sure I had my legs underneath me. After that, I was never so happy to hug so many sweaty grown men in my entire life.
The guys who heard cant, but never believed it.
Four more wins to go.
The Heat is a great team. Shaq alone has more finals experience than our entire roster. Riley has probably coached more playoffs games than AJ has games. It wont matter. Its going to be a war. Probably no less thrilling and down to the wire as almost every other NBA playoffs series has been.
We may be the underdogs, but we believe and we dont understand the word can’t
This reminds me of Jon Gruden finishing off the Super Bowl for Tony Dungy’s Bucs squad a few years ago. In Avery’s case he took what was created by an offensive genius and gave them some defensive toughness from a different mindset. Kudos to Nellie and his son for finding Dirk Nowitzki and fleecing Milwaukee on that trade (Tractor Traylor for Dirk).
I’ve been a fan thru the highs (game 7 versus the Lakers) to the lows (when the Dexter Cambridges, Donald Hodges, Mike Iuzzolinis were the players in that wretched 1992 11-71 season). Its been a great ride and though I no longer live in Dallas I never miss a game if its on in my area and always check the box score of every game.
Kudos to all those fans who’ve stuck it out for so many years ! Thank you Mark for changing the franchise forever !!!! I hope you never sell the Mavericks and build a new tradition of winning for years to come
Comment by Sekar -
Gunny Hartman said (Post 231):
“First, you have to understand that Mark Cuban is actually a fan and not just an owner. Thus, sometimes he’s wearing his “fan” hat and behaves like the rest of us fans….As a fan, I love having an owner that REALLY cares.”
Agreed!! 🙂
Comment by tiptoe -
I’m not a Mavericks fan, I’m from Oakland CA and I’m a Warrior fan forever. But I’ve always been an Avery Johnson fan, even though he was here for only a few years. He’s a young young coach with a no nonsense, love of the game, old school approach that is much needed in the NBA. Thanks for giving him the freedom and authority do do his own thing. I think he’s the reason the Mavs will win in 7.
Comment by Phil Anderson -
I ASK TO ALL MAVS FANS TO VIEW THE PROMOTION THAT WAS DONE FOR THE MAVS BUT OVERLOOKED.
http://www.jgonzo.com/mavs.html
Comment by Jose Gonzalez -
I am not a Mavs fan. I am a Spurs fan through and through, but Dirk has impressed me in the play-offs. I never would of thought that the Dallas Mavericks would have made it to the play-offs moreless be the Western champs. (I figure they would have choked like in the past). But anyways congrats and good luck with the Heat. You’re gonna need it! And even though they lost Go Spurs Go!!
Comment by Melissa -
Diop can play defence! Diop! Diop!
http://www.nba.com/media/mavericks/diop.wmv
Comment by Krid -
Hey Mark,
Buy the Cubs already.
Thanks,
Leafy
Comment by leafy -
Congratulations, albeit I’m very disappointed the Suns didn’t make it. I think Dirt (oops! typo) is the most ungraceful player the NBA has seen, it’s a pity he makes most of those ugly shots! Good luck in the finals!
Comment by Dhiren -
Mark,
Have you looked into buying a nuclear weapon?
Comment by JR Ewing -
I can’t wait for David Stern to hand that trophy over to the Dallas Mavericks. I hope you hoist it high over your head in victory, then smash it over his head WWE style. Besides Paul Allen you are probably the last owner he would want to present with that trophy.
Get em’ Mavs!
Comment by Travis R -
Mark,
The wonderful roster you have asembled is like wine in my opinion. Dirk is out of this world and still has room to improve, J-HO is an up and coming star and i dont since that you’ll just have one player at all star week end for long, jt is jt and he is great, so is stack, diop, damp, harris, armstrong, griffin, quese and so on, thats why i think its so important that you keep this team in tact dont let dirk or j-ho sniff the free agent market this summer and keep griff to but i no youll make the right decisions.
Comment by austin -
Mark –
Anyway to get TNT to air a “crow eating” party for Sir Charles and company? Seems fair since they like to tease the players about going fishing when they loose. Hire some fancy chef and tell Charles it’ll taste like chicken. He owes the Mavericks this for all the “can’t” comments he’s made all these years. He’s sure turned his opinions around once the Mavs started dominating in the playoffs. I cringe now whenever he says anything good about the Mavs. I guess that’s been my idiosyncrazy lately. Just keep talking bad about ’em Charles! Bring Steve Kerr and Tim Legler into this too. They also said the Mavs “can’t” all through-out this season and playoffs. Time to take your medicine boys. It would be a blast to see them lined up with Mavs napkins under their chins. It would be a great media event of the likes Basketball fans would be talking about for years to come. Doubt the “talkin-heads” would go for it though.
Win it all Mavs! You CAN do it!
Comment by Mike -
GO MAVS GO! I am SSSOOOOO proud to be a Mavs fan! I think we’ve been underestimated far too many times and now is our chance to show “them!”
Comment by Gina -
Fred,
First, you have to understand that Mark Cuban is actually a fan and not just an owner. Thus, sometimes he’s wearing his “fan” hat and behaves like the rest of us fans. Sometimes he’s wearing his owner hat when he’s getting good coaches (Nellie & Avery) and good players (see roster).
I’ve not played NBA ball and likely never will at my 5’7″ 35 year old present status, but I suspect the players have enjoyed playing on his Mavericks team.
As a fan, I love having an owner that REALLY cares. So many franchises wallow in obscurity and mediocrity for generations because the owners are more concerned about the bottom line than winning.
Being originally from St. Louis and following the football Cardinals, I can assure you that all owners are not created equal, particularly in what they’re willing to do for a championship.
Hasta la vista, Spurs!
http://gunny93.blogspot.com/2006/05/hasta-la-vista-baby.html
The Mavs have silenced three home crowds by clinching on their court. They can and will win in Miami as well. Look for this one to end in Miami, with the Mavs bringing home the gold.
http://gunny93.blogspot.com/2006/06/this-crowd-has-gone-deadly-silent.html
Go MAVERICKS!
Comment by GUNNY HARTMAN -
The MAVS can’t win with class.
Except Avery.
It is wierd going into the NBA finals and all you here about is Cuban. Is he the one putting the ball in the basket? I am a basketball purist so I love the fact that the Mavs can shoot the lights off and can play good defense. Notice good not great. I just wish Cuban would stop trash talking and let the players be the center of attention. I have never seen an owner upstage his players so much. Stand to the side and realize it was the guys on floor who won. Go luck in the finals.
Comment by Fred -
Diop can play defence! Diop! Diop!
http://www.nba.com/media/mavericks/diop.wmv
Comment by Krid -
Hi Mark!
Congratulations for this great year and I hope it ends with the NBA title.I personally admire you and I wish all the team owners were like you.You have lots of fans here in Greece.
Finally,I ‘d like to say that although I support Pacers,I think that Mavs CAN be then next NBA champions if they continue to display solid performances like these against Spurs and Suns.
Comment by Petros Tziouris -
How about some love for the individual who had the foresight to put the two most important pieces of the Maverick championship puzzle together: Don Nelson. Without the mad scientist there would be no Dirk on the floor and no Avery on the sideline. This playoff run has been many years in the offing and it all started with a guy who decided to do the exact opposite of what everyone else in the league was doing at the time, namely run and gun as apposed to bump and grind. Avery Johnson has put the finishing touches on this team, but at the end of the day it all leads back to Nellie.
Comment by G. Frankel -
Mark, In 2 weeks you can add this one to your list:
The Mavs CAN’T repeat.
I expect a blowout, btw.
Comment by greg -
i’m not a mavs fan i’m a anti fan i wanted the mavs to beat the spurs because i hate the spurs and i wanted the mavs to beat the suns because i hated the suns, but almost half the teams in the playoffs were expected not to get to the finals except the pistons and the spurs. the lakers were not expected to beat the suns eventhough they came close, the cavs were not expected to beat the pistons eventhough they came close. the mavs outlasted the suns because, i watched that last game and the suns were getting everything they wanted. imagine if the suns were at full strength and played even a little defense. but i give credit to avery johnson that knows you have to outscore your opponent to win but another way is to stop your opponent from outscoring you by stopping them at least once.
Comment by kenny -
I was 10 in 1988 and was heartbroken after game 7 in LA. I loved the Mavs for years and years, despite those crummy 1990’s. Thanks, Cuban, for making me feel 10 years old again and thinking the Mavs can walk on water. GO MAVS! and fulfill the dream of every diehard fan.
Comment by Jim -
Hei Mark, I’m Indonesian Mavs Fan and now I live in San Francisco. I have been MAVS FAN since my undergrad days back in 96-00 @ UNT – Denton. All of my friends here never thought that MAVS will be in NBA Final. So..thanks to you, coach AJ and the team..because now I can say to all my friend..” I TOLD YOU SO”..:)
Comment by Antos -
Hello Mark,
give Dirk a big hug from me and good luck for Thursday.
I’m from germany and my whole family will wake up in the night to Friday to watch Dirk play.
Of course here a some nasty media things going on because of the World Cup starts in germany at friday and the dont write much about Dirk here at the moment (about an half side in the biggest german newspaper according to 4 sides for the national soccer team). He is the best international sportsman after Michael Schuhmacher (Formula 1) Germany has seen so far.
Best Regards
Christoph Baumann
Comment by Christoph Baumann -
cube, i know everybody cherishes the role of the underdog, but face it–the “CAN’Ts” ran out as soon as you guys beat the Spurs. Nobody said you couldnt beat the Amare-less Suns, and you are the unequivocal favorites here. you forgot to mention that:
Shaq CAN’T dominate anymore because he’s old and fat
Walker CAN’T stop chucking threes long enough to buy into a team concept
The free-wheeling, hotdogging J-Will CAN’T lead a team deep into the playoffs.
you’d be hard pressed to find three guys more maligned in the media than these; riles took huge risks in bringing in all three. i am by no means a heat fan, but objectively speaking, they are the ones that should have the media eating crow. your time to play the underdog card is up.
Comment by Ravi -
Mark,
Could you please buy the Denver Nuggets? Then with your money, clone Avery Johnson so he could turn our team around??? lol
Avery Johnson is brilliant. Both him and Pat have been very strategic in moving their players around to get them to where they are today. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out but also looking forward to seeing the match up of Avery vs. Pat. When it is all said and done…I’m pulling for you guys. Best of luck.
And off topic…love your blog and business posts. Keep it coming.
Comment by matt vegas -
it’s hard for the mavs to be considered underdogs with the homecourt advantage. i really think this series is a push — no favorites. shaq may have playoff experience but did it help him and the lakers in 04 vs detroit? riley may have playoff experience but did it help miami against the knicks in game 5 in 99? experience is overrated. magic vs jordan in 91 — who had more experience in the finals. who won?
like every series between two evenly matched teams, this series will come down to matchups and adjustments. let’s hope both teams stay healthy for the entire series and that they play good clean basketball.
may the best team win.
Comment by db -
The Heat are playing inspired and, at this point, its hard see someone stoppping Shaq from winning another championship. That being said, I picked the Mavs from the beginning and I’m sticking with my pick.
Comment by Ron Jumper -
I think it’s amusing how “fans” from the Heat get on to Mark Cuban’s blog to say that they think the Heat are going to win. A few weeks ago there were some Suns fans who also thought it would be a good idea and write on the Mark Cuban blog that the “Suns are going to burn Dallas.” A couple of weeks before that, there were Spurs fans doing the same thing. First, I’d like to know what happen to all of those “fans”??? They seemed to stop making comments after the Mavs beat their “respective” teams down. Second, do any of these “fans” actually think that Mavs fans care what any of them think? If anything it makes us realize what classless “fans” represent those cities. Finally, they all watched their teams go home at the hands of the Mavs. So really, Heat “fans”, please realize that we don’t care what you think, and also have the courage to congratulate the Mavs after our NBA Championship. By the way, what happened the two times the Mavs played the Heat this year? Oh yeah, that’s right, the Mavs whooped the Heat by an average of 24 points. Maybe Heat “fans” should actually beat the Mavs before they start running their mouths.
Comment by Ryan -
Hi Mark,
I just found out that you are from Pittsburgh (I am living here) and I read more about you. Even though I am a hugh Heat fan, I respect you as a person, a businessman and a nba owner.
I am looking forward to the Finals, and good luck to your Mavs. It would be a good series.
By the way, I hope you will buy the Pirates and turn the fanchiase around… they have potential, just need a good owner to manage it.
Comment by Nathan -
There is just no way you can contain Shaq and Wade. We have one guy to watch out for Dirk. Let him get 40 points, who cares. Wade will have 40pts on Terry9who will foul our try to guard wade) and Shaq will have 30+ vs. Who knows who. Does it really matter?
THE HEAT IS ON!!!!
Heat in 6
Comment by HeatFan -
o btw,
BEAT THE HEAT
4 More W’s left to go
Get it done
How bout them mav’s
Comment by Nawaid Ladak -
Great Job on saturday.
AJ might want to look back at Game 7 Last year agenst the Rockets for gameplan ideas. here’s why
1: Both teams (05′ rockets and 06′ heat) have one superstar point gaurd (McGrady, Wade) McGrady is better in this catogory
2: Both teams have a dominating center when put together with the point gaurd and the role players (Shaq, and Yao) Shaq is better.
3: Miami’s Role players are better than the Rockets last year, but then again, the Mav’s Defense has gotten much better too
Conclusion: Same gameplan like game 7 agenst the rockets last year.
we’re gona let wade and shaq score ALL the points, but we’re not gona let your Posey’s and Haslem’s and Antawan Walkers get hot. let wade and shaq score 30 each, no one else should score. period
On top of that, give wade diffrent looks, remember, it’s only his third year in the NBA, he’s good, but not good enough to not make any mistakes, thats where we need to take advantage. with the diffrent looks, you will wear him down as the series progresses so if there is a game 6 or 7 (Mav’s should win it in five.) Wade will be tired, sort of like steve nash in the last series.
hack-a-shaq wouldn’t be a bad idea either in the fourth quarter with under five minutes to go.
also try what the bulls did somewhat, attack-a-shaq. what does this mean, let devin harris drive in and throw it up over shaq and flop. get shaq on teh bench with foul troubles early and often. the more you do this, the more pressure is put on wade to step up, and HE will make a mistake, i can feel it.
if anyone begs to differ, please e-mail me or send a message on my myspace. also. just quote me from this comment
Comment by Nawaid Ladak -
M.C.+ Little.General + DIrk = Larry O’Brien Trophy
GO MAVS….GO DALLAS….
Comment by bogsiedudes -
Mark
I appreciate everything you have done for this franchise. You alone, with your outstanding decisions, have turned this team we know as the Dallas Mavericks around. Thanks for being the greatest owner out there. You can count on me as being a “die hard mavs fan”…good luck in the Finals. Doesn’t that word sound sooooo good right now, “Finals!!”…4 more games to “can”!!
Comment by Frank Faber -
Billionaire,,, Dirk is a top 10 NBA player.He would of scored in my estimate 4 to 6 pts more a game if he had followed his shots taken outside of the paint. IT might be another edge if he was to do so in the CHAMPIONSHIP games. Good Luck to all ,i like SHAQ an Riley but could never root for the HEAT.
Comment by Ron D -
There is just no way you can contain Shaq and Wade. We have one guy to watch out for Dirk. Let him get 40 points, who cares. Wade will have 40pts on Terry9who will foul our try to guard wade) and Shaq will have 30+ vs. Who knows who. Does it really matter?
THE HEAT IS ON!!!!
Heat in 6
Comment by HeatFan -
Mark – you are a great owner and I wish more were like you! I wanted the Mav’s and Heat to both reach the finals – now I will just watch and enjoy this great finals match and be happy for either team!
Comment by Chris Weidman -
Congratulations to the Mavs for getting this far…but they are in for a very competetitive series against the Heat. I know the heat will win in either 4,5,6, or 7 games…it all sounds good. Shaq and D-Wade will be too much for Dallas to handle. So get ready to get BURNED by the HEAT! GO HEAT!!!!!!!
Comment by Marty penguin -
Thank you Mark, Avery and the entire coaching staff. Thanks to our MVP, and the starting worriers. Thanks the supporting cast for the hard work all season. Thanks to all the haters at ESPN and TNT for sucking up to Tim Duncan and Steve Nash all season long, and ignoring the Mavericks. No matter what the outcome of the finals
Mavs in 4 games
Mavs in 5 games
Mavs in 6 games
They all sound good to us.
Comment by John. A -
Although I was merely 10 years old when the Mavericks came to town, I have stayed true. Now 35, almost 36, years old I feel like I have grown up with the Mavericks. They are my team. I’ve seen ’em all – from Brad Davis to Roy Tarpley. From the Three J’s to Raja Bell as a Maverick (when he wasn’t quite a chump). And from Dick Motta to our Little General. All of those teams brought Dallas excitement – even in the painful years. Say what you will about Cuban and his style of ownership and his means to get his point accross. People didn’t agree with Jerry Jones’ way either but he brought Dallas a championship (a couple of times over). Should Cuban apologize for trying to make referees accountable for their calls? Should he apologize for trying to allow owners and players to have a voice and not accept the status quo? I say press on. The referees are far more protected than they need to be. The same system that fines Mark Cuban for being outspoken should find a way to fine the referees for making x amount of bad calls during a game.
Bottom line is Dallas has a great chance to pull this off. Dallas in five. Dirk lights ’em up for an average of 34 ppg. Stack finds his shot again and becomes the straw that broke the camel’s back. J How goes off. JET puts on a tre clinic.
I love the Mavs! And though most of the fans are just now coming out of the woodworks and jumpin’ on the bandwagon (it’s a Dallas thing – I dunno), just know that all of Dallas is behind you. Let’s bring it home and kick some Heat ass!!!
Comment by Ron Smithson -
What an awesome experience! My wife and I watched the incredible comeback with our 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter. At halftime, my son went outside to shoot baskets so he could “calm his nerves”…and now he’s convinced that his halftime shootaround helped the Mavs win! We’ll all be glued to every game of the finals!!!!
Comment by Eric Jontra -
I’m a Nowitzness.
Is Nelly bringing the clown nose? I think shaq’s gonna need it.
Comment by Nick -
Mark.
I felt a deep loss when we lost Nash a couple of years ago. Quite honestly. I didnt think we would be sucessful for a long time.
You have proved me wrong. You have taken this team to untold heights. You and the team should be extremely proud of this accomplishment.
congratulations to you all.
Comment by Mike Verinder -
Is this too fun, or what…reading all of these comments???? Mark, you must be really proud….Did you ever believe there were this many MFFL’s out there??? Danny, (oops) #141, I know what you mean! There is no amount of money that I would take for my Finals tickets….they are PRICELESS!!!! FO MO!!
Comment by margaret -
Congratulations on your team’s success. I just watched you on “Pardon The Interruption” and have always been a fan of your interviews, especially the ones on Howard Stern. I live in Trailblazer country, but will be rooting for the Mavs for the time being! Good luck in all you do!
Comment by Joel Conrad Bechtolt -
Congratulations. AJ is a great coach in the making. Dirk really has risen to a true franchise player and you have a great shot at winning a title. I think your great for the leauge (as a owner) and I know this series will be ultra competitive. Can’t wait for Thursday night.
Comment by Anthony -
Is this too fun, or what…reading all of these comments???? Mark, you must be really proud….Did you ever believe there were this many MFFL’s out there??? Danny, #140, I know what you mean! There is no amount of money that I would take for my Finals tickets….they are PRICELESS!!!! FO MO!!
Comment by margaret -
The day of game 6, I had a nightmare that the Mavs lost to Phoenix by a large margin. I woke and was even more relieved when we won! So, I hope I have a nightmare that we lose to the Heat, because then we will win. 🙂
Thank you sooooo much for helping to make the MAVs what they are today! I have lived in Dallas all my life and have been waiting for this day! I wish I could come to the game, but I can’t find tickets anywhere, so I will just have to be ROWDY, LOUD, and PROUD at home!
Comment by Roxana -
My two year(almost) old son cheers “Dallas!” for the Mavs. He hasn’t learned “Go Mavs!” yet, but he knows to clap when a basketball game come on the TV.
Wesley at a game; http://fios.cafewinter.com:8080/pictures/Adam/2006-02-28/100_0663.jpg
Comment by Adam -
Congrats to the team on getting this far, we had the feeling they were going to be something special this season. Please get the job done and win the whole thing, as a former Lakers season ticket holder during the Shaq/Kobe championships, I can’t have Shaq getting another ring after the way it ended here in L.A.
Comment by Brett -
Congratulations. AJ is a great coach in the making. Dirk really has risen to a true franchise player and you have a great shot at winning a title. I think your great for the leauge (as a owner) and I know this series will be ultra competitive. Can’t wait for Thursday night.
Comment by Anthony -
Cubes…I bought season tickets the year you bought the team, there was just a new attitude in town. It hasn’t been easy to keep them but as of now I have 4 tickets to the NBA-STINKIN-FINALS that I will NOT give up.
Great job team, Fo Mo, Fo Mo, Fo Mo.
Let’s go Mavs!!
Comment by Danny -
Mark,
Oh my Goodness. At my house I have to have on my Dirk jersey my cousin must have on his Jeff Gordon t-shirt (he changed into it at the half during game 6 Sat) there is to be NO POPCORN eating (they lost to San Antonio when we had popcorn) and bless my little girls heart she can not be in the room. We also have a little tradition that appears to help called 3 point shots, everytime you guys hit a 3 we take a shot. I swear I hope I feel it in the morning!
Good Luck Mavs!!!!!!! I have never enjoyed watching the game so much. I smell a CHAMPIONSHIP!
Comment by Malinda -
Here in Alabama, I had a pre-game party as if it were the Super Bowl. I already knew there would be no need for a game seven.
What a wonderful series to watch (all four teams), and I look forward to Thursday night.
Comment by Darleen -
Congrats. Let today’s greatest sporting rivalry write its next chapter: Shaq vs. Cuban (should be a great Finals). BTW, further to the TNT blog from a couple weeks back, on TSN here in Canada w/ a few minutes to go in the 4th quarter w/ the Mavs up and of course leading the series 3 – 2, the ad for Finals coverage still included a picture of Steve Nash (he is the MVP and he is Canadian so that could be the angle, but still)
Comment by Jay Weinstein -
I am so glad that you have taken your team to this level. It is very much deserved. I think it is key to your progress how you treat your players with the highest repect and allow them the great facilities to be as comfortable around the game as possible. I’ve been in a few players lockers in the NFL and been heard the rumors of some owners who don’t, I guess nurture their players and it shows in the heart they play their game with. This has been one of the best playoffs for me in years and it’s nice to see Dallas’ Mavs playing Shaq/Flash/Riley and the heat. Two very deserving teams. I can’t say I favor one over the other, but just to have a trench battle for 7 games.
Comment by Ty Webb -
Mavs in 1. Yeah, its that good…
Comment by pete -
Hi Mark – Thanks for posting “The Mavs Can’t” entry. You are reMARKable!
It has been so frustrating watching the games and all you hear is how great the other teams are playing…and of course all they like to show are replays of the other teams shots, etc. Sometimes I wish there were a sports channel that would let you hear the games “in the raw” with no interuption from the slimely commentators and their thoughtless comments.
We’re crazy about the Mavs and are showing our support on our Web site. GO MAVS!!!!!! WE HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED!!
Comment by Katie Glantz -
Go Mavs! I too have been saying all year this is OUR year. I love that…MAVS NATION. Cant wait til Thursday! We will prevail!
Comment by Carol -
Hey Mark,
Thank you sooo much for a fabulous run this year.I truly believe this is our year to bring the ring to Dallas.Dirk should be the MVP of the playoffs and his supporting cast is just superb!!!
I was a season ticket holder for 2002 & 2003..I wasn’t this year and I so regret it now.But I am more than happy to dish out $900.00 to be able to be there Thursday and watch the boys prove to the world that we mean business!!To me these tickets are PRICELESS!!I hope Dirk gets a ring for his birthday..that would be the best gift EVER!!My tickets are my birthday gift(JUNE13) and I wanted nothing else.Except of course an NBA Championship.Some of my friends think I’m nuts for paying that kind of money but they just don’t get it!!I am truly on cloud nine and will quickly renew my season tickets!! Thanks again Mark for bringing excitement to the city of Dallas!!Go Mavs!!
MFFL and Death,
America Cordaway
Comment by America Cordaway -
Hey Mark, just paid $350 a ticket for StubHub tickets for nose bleed seats for Thursday night (but did so with a smile). Immediately afterward I wrote tickets@dallasmavericks.com to get info about season tickets for ’06/’07 … if for no other reason, than to see the Mavs NEXT YEAR in the playoffs!
Is it wrong to have this much man-love for someone not related to me? Thank you for what you’ve done for this team and this town, Mark! Go Mavs!
Comment by Bob Tabor -
I am a HUGE Heat fan but I am very excited about this series. i think you are a great owner and Dallas is a great team. Both of our teams have been underesitimated and I think this will be a great series. You and Micky are probably the best owners, both care so much and give your team whatever it needs to win.
Good Luck …
The WHITE HOT HEAT!!
Comment by MiamiHeatRock! -
Mark, Mavs organization and fans alike. This past week I was in Europe with no access to TV to watch the games live. Instead, I set myself up in my hotel room (I was in France on Business)…I linked onto the internet and watched the updates on-line as they refreshed every 30 seconds!!! Tip off was around 2:30 AM for each game this week.
I got about 2 hours of sleep on those nights, if even that…
Now I’m back home and I got to watch the games as my son recorded them for me!!!
So there I was, alone, surrounded by some very great and accomodating French people…as I was going nuts for our WCF Victory!!!
I’m home for the next couple of weeks and I am looking forward to celebrating in Dallas with the rest of the MAVS NATION!!!
Not to mention, I have a key client in Miami that I hope to have fun with over the next couple of weeks.
On a final note, I posted on another board back in Nov of 2005, the night of our Regular Season opener against Phoenix…that this was the start of a journey that would end with the Mavs winning Game 7 of the NBA Finals in Dallas over Miami…
So far both teams are in the finals…now I am looking to see the rest of the statement come true…
If only I had been in Vegas that week, I’ld be ready to cash in…instead I simply get bragging rights!!!
Comment by jgprince -
HOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Comment by Jon -
Congratulations Mark, not done yet, but looks exciting and good!
ETA IU Grad 1990.
I seriously would like to paint the Mavs logo on a shirt and send to you. Think you will love it and some nice exposure for me.
Send a yes I will get to work and send to the Mavs office. Give me a chance, all I ask, love to add you as a patron one day.
Peace & Goodness.. Erik the Artist
http://www.eriktheartist.com
Comment by Erik the Artist -
Mark~ The best word to say is WE BELIEVE AND WE CAN DO IT!! And we did.. I am a HUGE Mav’s fan and even though I don’t have to money to buy a ticket to go to the game. You better bet your bottom dollar that I am watching it on T.V.!! I am the biggest Dirk fan and always wear his shirt for every game!! You have made Dallas a better place to live by getting the Mav’s where they are today!! Hat’s off to you and the boys!! Bring on the heat and we will use our sweat to cool them off!! Can’t wait for the FINALS!!
Comment by Amy -
Congratulations Mark, not done yet, but looks exciting and good!
ETA IU Grad 1990.
I seriously would like to paint the Mavs logo on a shirt and send to you. Think you will love it and some nice exposure for me.
Send a yes I will get to work and send to the Mavs office. Give me a chance, all I ask, love to add you as a patron one day.
Peace & Goodness.. Erik the Artist
http://www.eriktheartist.com
Comment by Erik the Artist -
Another Monkey off our backs…this time a Gorilla. GO MAVS! You guys make me proud to be a fan…way to go. Now lets take Miami by storm and bring the trophy to Big D!
Comment by Josh Deskin -
The Mavs are going to take it down in 6. Mark, you’re the best owner in sports. Congrats!
Comment by Jeff -
I’m a Spurs fan, but hats off to Avery Johnson and the transformation that these Mavs have undergone. Bear in mind, some of those “can’t” were true a season or two ago. AJ is primarily responsible for bringing the D to Dallas and the players have answered the call. So kudos to everyone in that organization.
But you should remember, make the best of this opportunity. Next year, this time, I believe that the Spurs will win.
Comment by (s -
I will do anything for tickets to one of these games. Just ask. I would also give anything to see Nellie sitting on the sidelines by Avery when the ball tips off on Thursday. If anyone deserves a shot to go to his first NBA finals as a coach he definitly is it. I’m just glad to see that he is still with the mavs even if hes not screaming and yelling his heart out to the refs or another player on this squad. What a coach, sure do miss him and the time he looked like the goalie of the U.S. national soccer team. Man, what a leg. He looked like he kicked that ball about 40 rows back.
Comment by Tim -
Mark Cuban <- Savior of Dallas Basketball. I'd give you a high five if I knew you personally, instead you'll have to settle for an e-high five. Congrats to Mark, and Dallas, We all know who BIG D is DAL-LAS BASKETBALL
Comment by chris carey -
How ’bout them MAVERICKS?!!!??!!
OMG I have been waitng for this moment forever!! I am only 16 years old but hey, I LOVE THE DALLAS MAVERICKS!! I was one of the fans at the airport when ya’ll got here after the win over the suns!! I saw the game at hooters in downtown took me 5 minutes 2 get my team gear at Academy then went to 2 the airport to recieve the CHAMPS.I was not able 2 get tickets but I will be supporting from my house!! I can’t wait for that Parade after we win that Gold Trophy and seeing ya’ll get off that plane again but instead of the shirts saying Western Conference Champs they will say “NBA CHAMPS” and Dirk will be the “REAL MVP!!!”
“LET GO MAVS!!!”
“MFFL”
Comment by Felipa V. -
Oh Jay, Jay, Jay… way to have sour grapes. Let me return one in kind:
“Go Spurs! Winner of 2.3333 NBA Titles!”
(if you can’t do math, “championships” durings strikes & lockouts – where teams play what, 40 games? – mean NOTHING!)
Cmon Spurs, maybe we can get 3 1/3 next year!
Comment by Fred -
That gave me chills, literally.
All my friends have been asking me why I’m so excited this year, and why I’ve been so excited al year. first of all, I’m always excited for basketball season. But this year, ever since preseason, Ive been saying this is our year.
And I tell them I’m so proud of it this year bc everyone has bet against the MAVS… the NBA, the refs, everyone. The only ones who believed were the team, coaches, owner, and the fans. and to finally prove that the MAVS are worthy of credit and respect, and that they can overcome obstacles and trash talkers… that’s the sweetest thing.
GO MAVS! bring the trophy home… where it belongs. [I, for one, will be wearing my lucky shirt until the end.]
Comment by Lauren -
Mark Cuban, you are a great owner and should be a role model for all sports owners. Congratulations to you and your team for making the Finals. You guys are definitely a contender to be dealt with. However, I do think it was accurate assessment of your past teams the things you list on this post (the last 5 things you listed, I’ve never heard anyone say, must be a local dallas media thing). Your team wouldn’t play defense, couldn’t play a half court game, Dirk was not the superstar in the past that he is now such as dominating smaller defenders, going to the hole more, willing his team to win when things are bleak, playing d, doing all the intangibles a superstar should (but he always kept working hard and he will only continue to ascend to new heights). THESE THINGS WERE ALL TRUE. If you didnt think that, then why did you hire Avery Johnson to do the job he has done. Because you knew and everyone one else knew those were all the shortcomings. So I find your blog chest pounding a bit weird for lack of a better word. But you definite deserve to pound you chest for being the western champs because you guys are the best of the west and you have a great opportunity at bringing home the championship trophy. Good Luck, the Mavericks have been one of the most fun teams to watch this year. And again congratulations.
Comment by Raj Patel -
Good Luck in the Finals!
Comment by IntuitiveC -
Cuban, congrats. I hope the Mavs win the championship. D-wade is strong. How are you going to contain him? I guess the question I should be asking is….how are the Heat going to contain number 41? Good luck. bring it home.
Comment by Shawn, Pittsburgh -
Good luck on the Finals!!! As the only Mavs fan I know growing up in Philly and hating the 76ers, this was a dream come true (and great to shove under the disbelieving faces of all those people!
Anyway, this is a wild ride and I wouldn’t give it up for the world! Four more games to prove them wrong!
Comment by Niki -
Never underestimate the heart of an inconsistant referee.
Jay
in San Antonio
Comment by Jay -
Mavs fans in Tennessee partied hard this weekend! It’s Dirk vs. Shaq, it’s Avery vs. Riley, it’s Hasselhoff vs. Buffett, it’s more than I ever expected and it’s going to be a GREAT finals!
Looking forward to Thursday!
Thanks for everything.
Comment by Jack -
mavs in 6.
Comment by iNOeverDamThing -
Mark, when my parents and I moved to Dallas in 1991 we instantly became Mavs fans. We attended at least 15 games each season. Always sitting in the $5 seats up in the nosebleed section of Reunion Arena. Back then, even though we were the laughing stocks of the NBA, the games were exciting, electric. The true fans rooting on their hapless heros. Through the years I’ve gone away to college, moved away from home (I’m now living in the California Bay Area) but my heart has always been with my home team. I can’t explain how excited I am. If I could, I would fly down to Dallas and find a way to get into at least one of those games. But I promise, I will be screaming my butt off during every single game. For me, this is almost as big as the Cowboys making it to the Super Bowl…Almost 🙂
Thanks!
Comment by Preston -
Congratulations Mark. I know you and Shaq will make for some entertaining quotes throughout the Finals…if nothing else.
But why choose now to focus on negativity? You made the Finals. You proved the doubters wrong. They have egg on their face either way. Just keep smiling and cheering. If you never doubted your guys…you’d have never let the “can’t” affect you in the first place…and you wouldn’t be writing about it.
But either way, congratulations!
Comment by Ernie Garrett -
Mavs can’t shake David Hasselhoff stealing their heat.
Comment by Joe Corey -
Mark,
I must applaud you on a job well done since taking over this franchise. Moved to the area about 9 yrs ago from the NEast and after going to my first Mavs game I became an instant fan. Over the past several years my evenings have been planned around each and every Mavs game on TV (haven’t missed many) and have enjoyed watching this team grow and mature into the class act they are today and will be for many years to come. We Mavs fans thank you for bringing the possibility of a new championship to the MetroPlex! GO MAVS !
Comment by gtrostle -
Just one thing…
although by your great efforts, the Mayor won the bet that makes Pnx mayor buy breakfast for all Dallas Police and Firefighters… I wish we could get the mayor to go ahead and do the same for our great Western neighbors. what the heck.
Comment by Brian Barnaud -
I am from Dallas, but have lived in PHX for the last 3 years. The people here are shattered. I tivo’d game 6 because I just couldn’t stand to watch it. I know what the Suns can do. I didn’t want to know the outcome, I wanted to watch it alone and in my own house. Needless to say, that was ruined when my phone started blowing up with all the calls from my friends in TX, saying things like ” You must be sooo happy”, and ” WE ARE GOING TO THE SHOW”. Well, let me say that watching it on Tivo is still awesome. I would have puked if I had watched it in real time. I didn’t do this for any other series but the Suns. Well, I will finish by saying that I am very proud. ( yes, I did cry) MFFL!
PS- If Steve “freakin” Kerr says one positive thing about the Mavericks it will be his first.
(Note his body language and facial expressions- after the game when he is finishing up with Marv” The Backbiter ” Albert. – YES!
If I should be so lucky to have him read this blog I would tell him to …….
“don’t be a hater, be LOUD, ROWDY, AND PROUD BEEOCH!”
Comment by Razor Rich Sharpe -
A couple of years ago I knew that we would have a Greek summer (despite the “Can’t do” Euro Soccer Finals and Olympics). Mark my words: this summer is German (NBA Finals & FIFA World Cup)!
Maki – http://www.papadopoulos.net
Comment by Maki Papadopoulos -
One team one goal:BEAT THE HEAT
Comment by chase -
Hey Mark u missed one “CAN’T”. Mark Cuban CAN’T leave statements against the mav unresponded.
Comment by Tobias Seitz -
Congratulations on getting to the Finals. I’m glad to see the Mavs get over then hump. But do you have to use the same tired rhetoric we heard during the NFL playoffs about lack of respect, noboby said we could do it, etc.? The Mavericks have been one of the premier teams in the league this decade. They were doubtlessly one of the best teams in the league this year.
So it’s a bit disingenuous to be acting like the Mavs are an underappreciated, overachieving team that can’t get any respect. That is an overused motivational techinique that became cliche during the NFL playoffs this year, thanks to the Steelers, Seahawks, Colts, Panthers, etc. who were all comepteing in the press to be the most disrespected team in the league.
If anything, the Mavs have been an underachieving team considering their talent level. Please spare us the victim of disrepect routine. Pro teams need to find some other way to motivate their players. How about, “We’re professionals. We’re paid to win championships. What others say (or don’t say) about us is immaterial.”
Win it all, and those naysayers in the sports media will be the first to hitch up the bandwagon. Prior to that, complaining about respect sounds like whining.
Good luck. Beat the Heat. What Pat Riley did to Stan Van Gundy is a disgrace.
Comment by J. Kelly -
GO MAVS! My husband and I had a playoff party on Saturday. Party didn’t start off great, but ended as the party of the year!!! Can’t wait to use our Finals tickets…got friends coming out of the woodwork!! Several months ago I booked a trip to Playa del Carmen with some girlfriends….supposed to leave June 19th. Going to cancel that baby…unless, of course, we win in 4 or 5 games…can go to Playa anytime…How often have we been able to see the Mavs play in the NBA FINALS?????? This is SOOO awesome!!! The Avery Bunch ROCKS!! Mark, can I come sit by you Thursday night? 🙂
Comment by margaret -
ROTFL..I think the first part was more intended towards Charles Barkley? Anyways..he’s supporting the Mavericks. Man..what a game..what a game..out of the world. GO MAVS!!!
Comment by Vikram -
Hey Mark u missed one “CAN’T”. Mark Cuban CAN’T leave statements against the mav unresponded.
Comment by Tobias Seitz -
Enough with the Mavs love. They “can’t” stop Shaq. I’m happy to be proven wrong, as my beloved Spurs were gone long ago, so I’m not particularly fussed as to the result.
Comment by Trav -
The Mavs Can’t?
Yes,they can…..
Comment by xiao tianjun(a chinese boy) -
I’ve been in a few players lockers in the NFL and been heard the rumors of some owners who don’t, I guess nurture their players and it shows in the heart they play their game with. This has been one of the best playoffs for me in years and it’s nice to see Dallas’ Mavs playing Shaq/Flash/Riley and the heat.
Comment by runescape money -
It PAINED them to admit they had been wrong allll season long. Kudos to all those fans who’ve stuck with the MAVS, knowing they could do it all along. Avery is an amazing coach. These guys know they can do it, and know they can prove all the doubters wrong.
Comment by wow powerleveling -
Cuban is great! Dirk is great! Mavs are great!!!!
Comment by Liu Huan -
Senthil from India.
Gonna watch all the Finals games be it 4AM or 3AM starts here….
Still remember Dirk of 3-4 years ago. Game on the line and 2 points needed. Dirk seems to dribble all day and then takes a fadeaway jumpshot or passes to Finley at the last second only for a miss.
Today he posts up Bowen, goes around him, drives, lays it up, draws the foul and makes the free throw.
Gotta love it
– Senthilnathan from Bangalore
Comment by Senthilnathan -
Like Joel, I’m also from the Philippines. I’m not a Mavs fan, but I’d like to congratulate your nonetheless. I can only imagine what you felt, seeing years and years of hard work, decision-making, and patience finally pay-off. Good luck and good fight!
Comment by Rico Mossesgeld -
Because of you, I’m more likely to root for the Mavs. Besides, who would actually root for Antoine Walker or Gary Payton to win a championship?
Comment by kwikstah -
Cuban, you’re a hero. I love Mavs because of you. You’ll make it.
Comment by windbirdie -
Hi Mark! I’m an avid fan of NBA from Philippines, just want to congratulate you and your Mavs Team from getting to the finals. Being a spurs fan and after watching the mavs-spurs series, i see that this team has grown to be a title contender, in fact i can see that this team can win it all for this year. Good luck to your team!
Comment by Joel Bauca -
Welcome to the beach! You are not the underdog anymore. Eventhough, I want the heat to win though :). Man I thought you were going to sign and trade Nash for Shaq. But regardless it still worked out for you. Your in the finals.
Comment by Ecin -
Hey Mark! First off i want to say congratulations on making it to the NBA Finals. I am a Miami Heat fan first and foremost. I live in Miami, Florida. I am a season ticket holder and have been for years, but i respect the Mavericks as much as anybody. It’s going to be a great series between two great teams, and may the better team win. Obviously i want the Heat to win. However, if we were to lose i wouldnt want to lose to anybody but the Mavericks because i love Dirk Nowitzki. I want him to win a title, but not at our expense of course. By the way, I think you are one of the ebst owners in all of sports. You show that you care about your team and really love the game. We need more owners like you. Good luck in the series!
Comment by Geovani -
I’ve never seen you speechless the way you were after the game. I was pretty struck, myself. I am so proud of the team and the coaching staff (wow, AJ–thank you!) that there aren’t even words for it. Forget “underdog”: we’re taking it to the top.
I will be rushing back to my hotel room after a full day of work activity on the road to see Game 1 of the Finals. I am there, loud and proud, you better believe it.
Comment by Mallory -
Mark –
In this blog, I believe you are being overly sensitive to negative criticism. These criticisms come from the inherent fact that nobody or basketball player is perfect. Every player in the league has his flaws and your players are no different. Still, you have overcome some odds to get to this point and you are owed much praise. As I wrote to you in an e-mail, I think your player personnel decisions (not re-signing Nash, not trading for Shaq, drafting Harris) have all proved to be both savvy and impressive. Best of luck in these finals and make the most of this blessing that very few will have the opportunity to experience.
Comment by David Becker -
Best of luck in the finals. Beat the Heat for us but don’t count Los Angeles out next year (neither the Lakeshow now the Clips!). 🙂
Comment by emad -
Mr. Mark, as a fan since a wee tot when the Mavericks came to town I thank you for all you have done to bring us to the Finals. I thank AJ for giving us 100% and beyond. Not to mention the players for pulling out a great win in the Spurs series but bringing it home in the Suns series.
As I sat watching the clock tick down and the tears of joy run down my face I could only wish the game was on our turf. I was at a Spurs playoff game and the energy that the crowd puts out for the Mavs is incrediable. Call me biased but the Mavs Fans Rock!
I didn’t get Finals Tickets I only wish there could have been more tickets available to sale but you can count on me to be cheering loud and proud in my den.
GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by JeNN -
Mr. Mark, as a fan since a wee tot when the Mavericks came to town I thank you for all you have done to bring us to the Finals. I thank AJ for giving us 100% and beyond. Not to mention the players for pulling out a great win in the Spurs series but bringing it home in the Suns series.
As I sat watching the clock tick down and the tears of joy run down my face I could only wish the game was on our turf. I was at a Spurs playoff game and the energy that the crowd puts out for the Mavs is incrediable. Call me biased but the Mavs Fans Rock!
I didn’t get Finals Tickets I only wish there could have been more tickets available to sale but you can count on me to be cheering loud and proud in my den.
GO MAVS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by JeNN -
Mr. Cuban,
Please give free tickets to Stan Van Gundy. In fact, give him the courtside seats between the Miami bench and the scorer’s table.
Comment by Tim -
Go Mavs go.
Cant wait until Thursday.
Thanks Mark for the great team and great basketball
Comment by Vin -
Mark,
Congratulations!! I just bought tickets to Game 2 and yes I will be bringing my lucky Yahoo flashing super ball. I was not holding it last night in the first quarter as I usually do. Sorry, won’t let that happen again. Also, “Can’t Do” people piss me off!
Comment by Doug -
Congratulations and Thank you.
Comment by Brian Bengston -
Big deal. but congrats.
Mavs in 5 – at least that makes my Suns number 2. Don’t screw it ip 🙂
Comment by Howard Lindzon -
Like Jeff Harris, I too am a Lakers (and Clippers) fan. I’ve been a fan of the Mavs at times (when they’re not playing my favorite teams, heh) and it’s great to see what they’ve done this year.
However, I see the Mavs as the team with the advantage. They have homecourt and they beat the Heat in the season by quite a few (though things can be different in the playoffs). I’m seeing the Heat as the underdogs. Being a Laker fan, I still remain a fan of Shaq. However, I don’t know who should win. I’m looking forward to a few more fun games of basketball though.
Comment by Shawn -
It was wonderful! Do it again guys!
My 2 sons & I came here in 3/01 to look for a place to live. I called and *poof* we had Mav’s seats at Reunion Arena that week. No problem. Look how far all y’all have come. A lot of it’s due to you, Mark!
I watched Dirk and Steve Nash (oh we should have KEPT him!). How do they do it? How do they run, jump, skip, run, jump, shoot, dribble, run & run for nearly all of the 48 minutes? It’s mesmorizing. Look how well Dirk’s come along since 2001. My heart was in my mouth the first period (now it’s quarter) of this game. Wadda come back! SWEET!
I also watched all of the Pistons vs the Heat cause ya have to know the other side. If Steve’s the Suns and Dirk’s the Mavs then Shsaq’s the Heat. Dirk vs Shaq?
As for the nattering-naysayers of negativity, just ignore ’em.
Wadda team. I’m proud!
tt
Comment by tiptoe -
Woo-Hoo!
First, it’s hasta la vista, baby to the Spurs.
http://gunny93.blogspot.com/2006/05/hasta-la-vista-baby.html
Plus, this is the third home crowd that was quieted by this Cinderella story Mavs team.
http://gunny93.blogspot.com/2006/06/this-crowd-has-gone-deadly-silent.html
How sweet it is to have Mark Cuban for an owner, Avery Johnson for a coach, and some great players who really play well together.
Bring on the Heat!
Comment by GUNNY HARTMAN -
Mr. Cuban (because I’m not worthy enough to call you Mark). As a Lakers fan since the days of Showtime when I was just a little fella, I gotta say THANK THE STARS FOR THE DALLAS MAVERICKS for finally getting rid of the Phoenix Suns. Finally, an NBA Finals with newer faces. Life should always be this good. Course, I live in a highly-populated state without a single pro franchise, so I always have to look at teams from afar (and doomed to hate the Washington Nationals for not landing in Norfolk instead). Best of luck in the Finals.
Comment by Jeff Harris -
Why don’t people realize that the more you say someone, or in this case, a group of someones, can’t do something, the harder they try to prove them wrong? So what if they say the Mavs can’t, we know they can. So say the can’t win the whole thing and let’s see our boys prove them wrong.
And Mark, I watched Game 6 at Nellie’s sports bar and let me tell you, it was ROCKING. I’ve watched quite a few games there this playoff season and last night was the loudest I’ve heard it so far. Oh, and I’m totally weird about the little good luck things too, I have one song that I swear, every game day that I hear it, the Mavs win and when I don’t, they lose. So don’t worry, during the Finals I’m keeping glued to the radio all day every game day hoping to hear that song! Go Mavs!
Comment by Kate -
Congrats to the Mavs! I had complete faith that the Mavs would win game 6 somehow. No, I’m not kidding. I knew with their guys in foul trouble you guys would take advantage of that. Obviously there was more to winning the game than that but it was one the keys to winning the game. The other way was shutting down Phoenix’s offense and scoring 40 points in the 4th quarter might’ve help too. (Laughs) When’s the last time that’s happened anyway?
I was there at Love Field airport at 2:00 in the morning with the rest of the Mavs fans. When you guys held up that trophy, chills went down my spine.
People can say the Mavs CAN’T all day long but this team is very capable of winning a NBA championship. And we only have to win 4 more games to do that.
I would like to end here with this: “Beat the Heat! Beat the Heat!”
Comment by Gabriella -
Why don’t people realize that the more you say someone, or in this case, a group of someones, can’t do something, the harder they try to prove them wrong? So what if they say the Mavs can’t, we know they can. So say the can’t win the whole thing and let’s see our boys prove them wrong.
And Mark, I watched Game 6 at Nellie’s sports bar and let me tell you, it was ROCKING. I’ve watched quite a few games this playoff season and last night was the loudest I’ve heard it so far. Oh, and I’m totally weird about the little good luck things too, I have one song that I swear, every game day that I hear it, the Mavs win and when I don’t, they lose. So don’t worry, during the Finals I’m keeping glued to the radio all day every game day hoping to hear that song! Go Mavs!
Comment by Kate -
Mark,
I am not a Mavs fan, but i am here to thank you. I want to thank you for standing up to the league (calling them out on crappy calls…malofficiating (and not caring of paying out what you’ve paid out to date in fines/penalties. I want to thank you for making the league evolve (even if it is an inch, at a time). I want to thank you for showing that team owners aren’t just comprised of old guys who only care about how much money they rake up, but also care about the team/fans (even the coach’s wife) (and are a true fan). I am a common guy, but i (as well as any other fan) can connect with you as a fan, and THAT is what this league needs. I know with time other professional sports teams will follow your method/trend of running a team (motto, if you will). Not because it’s the right thing to do, but because they have to emulate whatever you’re doing (sort of what the big cable companies, baby bells are starting to do). For whatever reason that might come to be, i hope in time you’ll get the credit you deserve (i’m sure you don’t really care that you get credit,or not, but i, as well as many other fans of yours do) for changing the league. Like i said at the beginning i am not a Mavs fan, but i am really a Mark Cuban fan. Even though i am a Miami heat fan (since the days of Ron Rothstein,sherman douglas, seikaly,etc. I really am looking forward to the series, and know it will rank up there with the showtime/bulls/celtics series of yore…God luck to you Mark, and may the best team win….
Comment by Jorge trana -
i wore my mavs headband all day during the day of game 4! and they won!
it’s too tight to wear all day though so i’m hoping that guy watching the game in his lawn will make up for me not wearing it
Comment by Kurt C. -
Congrats Mark on making it to the finals, lets bring home the championship
Comment by kdub -
As a devoted Suns fan since their inception back in 1968, congratulations to the Mavericks. The better team definitely won. As hard as it was to see the Suns lose, it seemed almost inevitable that this undersized, undermanned squad would eventually run out of steam. The Mavs are a deep and versatile team that will give the Heat all that they can handle and they have a coach that I really respect in Avery Johnson. I will be rooting for the Mavs all the way, to keep the championship trophy out of the hands of Shaq and Riley et al.
GO MAVS GO!
Comment by Patrick Mertz -
To put this into perspective for us long time die-hards:
1980-81 Mavs = 15 wins, 67 losses
1992-93 Mavs = 11 wins, 71 losses
1993-94 Mavs = 13 wins, 69 losses
And in just this 2006 post-season only, the number of wins (16) will surpass all 3 of those team’s regular season totals!
Translation: 2006 NBA Champions!!!!!
The long wait is over. Wow. Still so amazing… looking forward to a great series w/Heat and deserving national recognition
Comment by greg -
I’m a Mavs fan, but if it helps… CAN’T!
Now go kick some Heat butt!
Mark
Comment by Mark Keefer -
Having lived in the metroplex all my life I still cannot believe we are going to the FINALS. It is such an amaing feeling. Watching the Mavs celebrate and seeing Mark speechless during the trophy presentation was unreal. It felt so good. I cannot imagine how good winning it all will be.
I honestly feel that the NBA title is the hardest to win in all of team sports. WE WILL WIN THE TITLE. One more series to go Mark. ONE MORE!!!!!
LET’S GO MAVS!!!!
Comment by Omar S -
Hey Mark,
I just wanted to say congrats on gettin the team to the Finals and hopefully the championship. I live in Birmingham, Alabama and have led the Mavericks fan club ever since Jordan retired. All my friends used to mock me during the early part of the decade and it’s so sweet now to have them eat crow. I had a quick question for you. I’m not sure if it’s you or the league who decides this, but the NBA has a preseason game here every year…..it would be awesome if the Mavs came here as I could take my friends down and show them what Mavericks basketball is all about. Thanks again and keep up the great work.
Comment by Farhan A -
Mark,
Congratulations! I think you’ll have to look southeast for the “can’t” chanters now.
Good luck against the Heat, although with
Avery Johnson and the Mavs talent, I don’t think you’ll need it!
Comment by Richard Cunningham -
shaq. not shaw. (dunbar….not dumb bear) Friggin’ typos.
Comment by Bruce Castleberry -
again, thank you Manu for the foul on Dirk!
Mavs CAN and WILL be NBA Champions!
Comment by TommyD -
The whole thing is pretty damn cool. What a long way these guys have come. The last 24 hours I keep saying: “The Mavs are in the NBA Finals.” It seems like a fantasy. Great stuff. It’s going to be fun. I think Shaw’s going to be exposed as the old man he really is. Wade’s a great player, but Josh Howard is becoming a true star. You’ve come this far; why not just go win the damn thing then?
Comment by Bruce Castleberry -
In Louisville, Kentucky several of us are still jumping up and down with elation and probably will still be jumping up and down at tip off on Thursday. The MAVS have permenantly removed the word can’t from my vocabulary and I will never say the word again. GO MAVS!
Comment by Melissa -
Moved here 6 years ago, and instantly became a fan. I have seen these Mavs grow into the championship caliber team that they are. They are a team to be reckoned with for years to come – thanks to you Mark. I am so proud to be in this city, and be a MFFL!!!!
Comment by Tony -
I believe.
Comment by Mike C -
What an amazing series! Can’t wait for the next one. Thanks for helping to turn the team around over the last few years. If you’d have told me a decade ago that the Mavs would be in the finals in 2006, I’m not sure I’d have believed you. But y’all did it! I am a skeptic no more.
Question, Mark: One thing I really admire about the Spurs is how you can’t go anywhere in San Antonio without seeing signs, billboards, bumper stickers, etc., that say, “GO SPURS GO.” I hope the Mavs will be rolling out some car flags and stuff so that we can show our support. Where can I get stuff like this?
Comment by Amy -
With all due respect Mark, I have to disagree with you on one thing; THE MAVS AREN’T THE UNDERDOGS BABY!!!! I don’t care about the playoff experience of Shaq and Pat Riley, that doesn’t matter. The Mavericks are the better team in the Finals and that will show when all the Mavs fans show up rowdy, proud and loud for games one and two in Dallas.
The Heat don’t match up well with us and that showed during the season when we schlacked them by 36 with Shaq in the lineup…it’s going to be an awesome series and only four words need to be said in this situation….HOW ‘BOUT THEM MAVERICKS?!?!
Comment by Chad Wylie -
James Askew, you, my friend, are what NBA basketball is all about!
This is going to be a fantastic series, I believe. It’s only fitting, for the Mavericks, after being dominated so many times by Shaq and the Lakers, to have to go through Shaq to get their first championship. And Pat Riley being the coach that kept the Mavs from championship glory 18 years ago(18 years, that’s an entire generation!), it’s like the Mavericks are facing all of their old demons, and disposing of them one by one. So it is indeed fitting that Shaq, no matter which conference he is playing in, will always be the brick wall between the Mavs and the championship…tear down that wall!
KnightRider4Ever!
Comment by Tim -
Mark – you are dead on. We have watched every second of every mavs playoff game in my backyard. Why? Because it is working and I am not changing a thing. When we lost to the suns in game 4…I realized I did not wash my Dirk Jersey that day….I washed it…Dirk hits 50!…There is now about 10-20 people in that backyard each with thier own “idiosyncrazies” every game. And yes we all hugged after that game 6…I can’t take this anymore 🙂 Bring on the HEAT! Mavs fan 4 life!!!!!!
Comment by Mark Thompson -
mark-
ive been saying all year long that i truly felt this was OUR YEAR to win it all and make it to the top. if you received my christmas card, you will know tht even at the beginning of the season i had a feeling we would win it all. i am so happy and excited!!! i know that you know that the true mavs fans have always known we could do it.
I CANT WAIT TILL THURSDAY!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by cali -
All of what you said in this was true! All year and playoffs long all i ever heard was why the Mavs couldn’t make it to the finals, why they couldn’t beat the spurs, and why they can’t run and play with the high flying Suns! I will be there Thursday with all the true Mavs fan! If the players have the heart that they have showed this whole postseason than we are no the underdoggs! Go Mavs!
Comment by Jonathan Erskine -
Mark, congratulations… You have done so much for the city and residents of Dallas. My brother who has been really sick the past 3 months with a nasty virus after watching last night’s game was the healthiest I have seen him in ages. He loved playing basketnall and respects you greatly. We wish you and all the Mavs the best in the Finals, and look forward to seeing you guys take it to the Heat.
Comment by Red Barchetta -
The 2006 playoffs have been that of redemption for the Mavs and Mark. Everyone thought he was so stupid when Mark didn’t resign Nash….and when he let go Finley…and when he did not trade for Shaq 2 years ago. Well, we have shut up the first 2 of those nay-sayers and have one left to go.
Comment by Matt -
Good luck in the Finals, Mavs fans everywhere are behind you. If you win, I am getting the old Mavs logo tattooed on my right butt cheek. That is a promise.
Comment by James Askew -
Congrats man! Good luck!
Comment by jmarx -
Mark,
I am glad that Coach Avery and the Mavs proved to the doubters that they can get the job done. They may have come two short but you have to get up and try it again. I don’t care what people say about the Mavs but I know they can do it and I glad to say that I am a PROUD MAVS FAN!!! By the way, thanks for being you and not a snob!
Comment by LaShawnda M -
The Mavs Can’t?
No, no they can’t…
Comment by Tim -
It all starts with two DICK HEADS on top DAVID STERN and STU JACKSON. We also ended up with three JACK ASSES, Joe DeRosa, Bennett Salvatore, and Joe Crowford. Shaq bumping Dirk, NO CALL, Shaq elbowing Devin Harris NO CALL, D-Wade with back court violation NO CALL, D-Wade committing a charge on Jet Terry NO CALL, but they do reach down and pull the whistle out of their asses and blow one on Dirk to put the Jordan wanna be on the line. Not to mention the time out part. We finally had a fun season in NBA, but these Miami ass kissers wanna just hand them the trophy. NBA’s front office just make me sick. Win or Lose I love my Mavericks, but I hope they come out and give them some Texas style ass kicking with two double digit wins……GO MAVERICKS BABY!!!!!!!
Comment by JOHN -
Put the Heat on ICE………
Comment by JoZ -
I know Dallas is the better team and should have swept Miami. Why am I about to turn off the game for the third game in a row? Mark, your team does not want it bad enough, which shows in their lack of aggression. I have better things to do with my time than watch a team that is happy with two wins. Phoenix would have a least put up a fight. I would have left the remote alone with the Suns. “Quit” is not in their vocabulary. Hope your team puts on their jock-straps at half-time and shows some balls and prove me wrong. Baseball sounds good tonight. See Ya!
Comment by Merv -
Well the Mavs can’t get a fair trial in Miami either. Shaq can bust Stack’s nose and throw elbow after elbow, but one hard foul and the NBA hop their happy asses in the mix. That was a bullshit call But we still can get the Dub in Miami. Just one win in Miami and i guarantee the series is over.
Comment by Freddy P -
the mavs can do it! i wish that you get the championship! that turn around fade away jumper that nowitzki makes sure is something! i really love the mavs and so does my friends at webdate dot com. we go chat and talk about different things that the mavs must do to win. go mavs!
Comment by baby_angel -
again mark , and dallas staff, i said this from the first day , it was your year , congrads and drink the sweet wine ,
Comment by nathan -
I truly believe the Heat will turn this around and be the 3rd team in history to come back from a 2-0 deficit to win the NBA championship. Riles will turn this ship around and create a zero point white hot Heat.
Welcome to Daddy’s House Mark!
Travel-Ascending
http://www.travel-ascending.com/
Comment by Dan -
Mark,
Me and my brother appreciate everything you have done for basketball and sports in general. We need more owners like you who have passion and put every ounce of heart into your team. Thank you Mark, don’t ever change.
2 more wins to go, good luck and keep grinding!
Comment by Joe D -
You wouldn’t be in the Finals without me Mark.. heck.. you wouldn’t even have Dirk without me.. In fact.. Dirk probably wouldn’t even be playing in the US without me.
I would get this team to the Finals without Avery before Avery would get this team to the Finals without me.
Comment by Don Nelson -
Great post. I referred it to a couple of young athletes as something inspirational they had to read. Rising to the occasion and walking on new ground is where one finds both oneself, and greatness.
I look forward to the coaching battle between the great new coach and the old lion.
Good luck!
David http://www.evolutionshift.com
Comment by David Houle -
All I know is mavs are championship bound…Miami aint nothin…The mavs havent lost to them since 2004 and that was a 1 point game..sure d wade and shaq are superstars.. but every player on the mavs roster is superstar..each player provides different roles..If the mavs keep this up..well theyll be dominant for at least 3-4 years…AS FOR THE NBA and DAVID STERN…go fuck a pig..seems like paying off referees and calling many fouls agaisnt the mavs didnt work..an NOW LOOK..we ARE championship bound..Id also like to give a toast to Avery Johnson..on his first full season as a NBA coach..he has broken all odds..no one knew that only thing BIG D was missing was BIG DEFENSE. With Nellie’s Offensive techniques still vivid in the mavs and Avery’s outstanding Defensive philiophsy.. the MAVS are unbeatable…By the way Mr. Johnson, if you are reading this, I would start working on a plan to stop Amare Studimore (cant spell that well)..IT seems he will be back next season and piosed to get revenge…
Comment by MAVS NUMBA 1 FAN (JAISON) -
Much respect to the Mavs. They have played extremely well thus far. Avery J deserves a lot of credit, especially for getting these guys to play such solid defense. Dirk’s play has been downright scary! Stakh, Terry, Howard have been playing well. On paper, they are better than the Heat. Their versatitily should cause some serious matchup problems. If Howard can do a good job on Wade, Mavs should be fine. even if Shaq has a monster series. Heat have the edge in terms of experience. Should be a great series.
Comment by Sudipta -
I am a loyal Suns fan, and it was hard to see my team lose, but kudos to you and the Mavs. You guys deserved it. And please! Go out there at kick some HEAT butt! Go MAVS!
Comment by Dre -
All I know is mavs are championship bound…Miami aint nothin…The mavs havent lost to them since 2004 and that was a 1 point game..sure d wade and shaq are superstars.. but every player on the mavs roster is superstar..each player provides different roles..If the mavs keep this up..well theyll be dominant for at least 3-4 years…AS FOR THE NBA and DAVID STERN…go fuck a pig..seems like paying off referees and calling many fouls agaisnt the mavs didnt work..an NOW LOOK..we ARE championship bound..Id also like to give a toast to Avery Johnson..on his first full season as a NBA coach..he has broken all odds..no one knew that only thing BIG D was missing was BIG DEFENSE. With Nellie’s Offensive techniques still vivid in the mavs and Avery’s outstanding Defensive philiophsy.. the MAVS are unbeatable…By the way Mr. Johnson, if you are reading this, I would start working on a plan to stop Amare Studimore (cant spell that well)..IT seems he will be back next season and piosed to get revenge…
Comment by MAVS NUMBA 1 FAN (JAISON) -
HELP!!!
Can someone PLEASE tell me where I can find the t-shirt Cuban was wearing on ESPN this week?
It says “AVERY JOHNSON BASKETBALL”.
Pure greatness!!!
Comment by MoFo -
Mark, you’re a class act and you never fail to entertain. I’ve been a Suns fan for the almost 28 years of my life. I’m still waiting for our championship but the Mavs beat the Suns in a good series. They wanted it more and they were the better team.
The Mavs have a tough series ahead but you’ll have a Phoenix fan cheering them on. I’d love to see the west win the title again and there is no better team the Dallas Mavericks to do it. Congratulations to the Mavs, their fans, and you on your team’s sucess. Good luck against Miami. I look forward to the Suns facing the Mavs next year in the playoffs.
Comment by Mark -
I agree the Mavs are deeper but in no way are they more athletic. And no way the Mavs will win this series easily thats just stupidity talking. This will be a great and fun series to watch full of drama. Mavs are bigger in the paint so were the Clippers so were the Lakers where did that get them. Oh yeah you called Diop and Mbenga athletic WHAT THE HELL is that all about. If they put those guys in who says they will be able to cover the lane since they will be out by the 3 point arc, so how will they clog the lane? They tried to play D’Antoni’s game last night and lost.
Regards, Mobi Man
http://mobilnik.blogspot.com/
Comment by Mobile blog -
Props to Post #245. Go Warriors. Congrats Mark, and I have to say that the Mavs are an awesome team. I’ve liked the team, but definitely not anywhere near my favorite Warriors, and I gotta say I like the Lakers too, but the Mavs have honestly been very impressive in the past 2 years. You guys deserved it, and I loved nothing more than round 2 of the playoffs where you guys steamrolled the Spurs. Hell yea. Good luck and may the Mavs win this year.
Comment by bleepz -
Hey Mark!
First of all I want to congratulate you and of course your Mavs-Team for reaching the finals! I was so happy to see you guys beatings San Antonio and I was even happier then I ever was as I saw you beating the Suns! Your team ist playing great basketball and you have the real MVP with Dirk in your team! MVP 2007 for sure! I wish you guys the best for the finals! Bring the trophy to Dallas (the Big D is for Defense)! Best wishes from switzerland! Bojan Gut
oh… i almost forgot… yess, the Mavs CAN do it all!
Comment by Bojan Gut -
UFFFF, how ’bout them yankees!!!
Comment by ARIANA A -
Anyone that believes some random Mavs fan “kidney punched” an “old man” who was using a “walker” is VERY gullible.
Comment by Kevin Bailey -
Sam-
I have news for you: the series WASN’T “decided by officiating.” It was decided by the best team beating the second-best team on the court. The sooner you deal with that FACT, the better off you’ll be.
Comment by Kevin Bailey -
I have to say congrats and I think that you should be able to take the series if Dirk is healthy and keeps the offense streak up. Go Mavs!
Comment by My Lenaptalf -
Again, Teo, you’re not understanding what my point is. I’m using the fact that the series was decided by officiating to call out Mark. And by the way, I’m sure if I was dilligent enough I could find a quote from him blaming the officiating for a Mavs loss in a series. Where was his outrage at the horrible officiating that was obviously bothering Avery (he stopped short at the press conference)?
Comment by Sam -
What I dont understand is why does the NBA continue to dragggg out the playoffs. Game one Thursday. No game Friday or Saturday night (stupid). Game two Sunday. Game Three Tuesday. Game Four Thursday. Game Five Sunday (end of week two). Game six Tuesday. Game seven Thursday. Did I miss something?
Friday and Saturday are going out nights. Everyone is going to hit the local pubs to watch their team (It doesn’t matter what city). Sunday night, people have to go home and get ready for work the next day. Who wants to go to work on Monday with a hang over or tired from staying out Sunday night. So why they don’t put a game on Friday/Saturday night is well beyond my intellect.
Also, why does the nba have to have TWO nights between games. Travel day? Come on! The worst case scenario is a 5 hour flight coast to coast.
Baseball players play twice as many games as NBA players. Their playoffs are barely 1 month! They play every night! The NBA should follow suit as this never ending season is decreasing my interest in basketball.
Comment by Bryan Polozola -
If you are so hungry for respect and validation, you must realize that it’s a 2 way street and you’re going to have to show your opponents some respect too
I would have supported Mavs in the past as a Texas team but not anymore.
When we attended semifinals games 3 and 4 in Dallas, the fans cursed at us, shot the finger, screamed obscenities at us, kidney punched my husband in the back even tho he walks with a cane, etc. We were quietly trying to leave the building and I thought I might have to get security to get out of the building safely.
I refused to go back to game 6 there.
I don’t mind fans being excited and loud etc. but the level of hostility and anger was frightening.
As an older couple, it was not like we were posing a threat or saying anything back.
There are other examples we have been hearing about such as a mid-40s mav fan spitting on the 13 year old girl because she was cheering for the Spurs.
And yes, I know there are piss poor fans in every arena, but Dallas takes the cake.
I think that this poor sportmanship display is the result of the example that Cuban sets.
Cuban’s claim that Terry’s blow to Finley’s testicles was only a push only reminds me of a former President saying “It depends on what your definition of ‘is’ is.”
I have no respect for Cuban and his organization.
And Cuban’s cussing Bruce Bowen after game 6 only shows that, after all his drunken frat boy antics, Mark has made Marge Schott look respectable
Comment by 12Tone -
Go Mavs!!!I am so looking forward to the Finals
I have never been so excited like this before. It’s like once in a lifetime!
The playoffs so far has been an emotional ride, from the thought of almost being eliminated in spurs game 7 until the overtime! and eventually winning the west finals! what a game! i love this game! Thanks for all our players. Let’s cheer them on to Victory!!!
Comment by tina -
Mark,
I knew when you took over ownership of the Mavericks that this team will become a dynasty. Then having AJ as coach sealed the deal. You guys are doing a superb job I’ve been a Mavs fan for a long time even in the loosing years. Let’s go and kick the Heat’s butt. They may be called the Miami Heat but its HOTTER !! here in Big ‘D’
Comment by Pettis Hartfield -
games 1 & 2 to the mavs, game 3 to the heat, game 4 to the mavs, game 5 to the heat, game 6 to the mavs. book it.
Comment by iNOeverDamThing -
Mark I’m glad you heard our cheers. I’m glad you could feel our excitement. I have to admit though as things looked bleak towards the end of Game 5, our house was divided with how to handle our pain. We have a big, beautiful HDTV that had not one viewer. I was distracting myself watching High School Musical in an upstairs bedroom with my 6 year daughter and my husband was finding comfort by laying in our bed flipping channels with the sheets being quickly accessible if he were to need them to shield his eyes. My 9 year old son was the only one who watched from his small gaming TV and reported back to us that the MAVS gained control of that game. We jumped. We screamed. We even did the Dirk/Devin shoulder slam. So, needless to say, we repeated the same “comeback routine” for Game 6. I’m glad our efforts helped. If my daughter has to watch 4 more nights of High School Musical and our HDTV has to play to no one. So be it. We will be there for you. GO MAVS!
Comment by MFFL07 -
Sam —
“Why nothing from you after a series that was obviously decided by the officiating?”
Did you type that? You did. Don’t back off now. You ARE complaining about the Spurs getting shafted.
Everyone gets shafted. Everyone complains. But only the ones with less intelligence cry that a series is decided by official’s calls. That is why they play 7 games.
No hard feelings. I like the Spurs. But we are better now. And A LOT less boring than the Spurs. Facts is facts.
Join the bandwagon! It will be a fun ride.
Comment by Teo -
In response to Teo:
You do realize that when you described me, you also described your owner and coach? Also, maybe reading comprehension wasn’t valued at your school or maybe you chose to read my first post otherwise, but I’m not complaining about the Spurs gettting shafted. I’m complaining about Mark for being hypocritical when it comes to the sport he says he loves.
Comment by Sam -
I think all ESPN and TNT guy have their lips glued to SPURS, SUNS and PISTONS, BUTTS they can’t talk about MAVS at all. And now OH SHAQ is gonna take care of business with his playoffs experiance. This is the same HEAT team that got worked by BABY CHICAGO BULLS in first round. MAVS just gotta make them run like SPURS and let them old fart Miami catch up. If MAVS can’t sweep them 5 games would be enough.
JUST A REMINDER TO ALL SPURS FANS GAME 1 OF THE FINALS IS THURSDAY 6/8/06 IN DALLAS TUNE IN TO ABC 8PM CT AND STOP YOUR CRYING.
MAVS ALL THE WAY BABY!!!!!!!
Comment by John. A -
ECK —
It’s all about matchups. Check ’em out and you will see the light. The Mavs will be the 2006 NBA Champs.
Ole’ Shaqy is gettin up there. Damp is gonna put some hurt on him. You watch. But you gotta give him his props.
It’s gonna be fun. And again, there is no conspiracy for or against the Mavs. Get over it.
Go Mavs!
Comment by Teo -
Congrats on your Mavs Mark. I’m a Suxers fan and while my team cannot seem to do anything right I still love watching the NBA playoffs. Im happy that neither the Spurs nor the Pistons are in the finals. This series should be as good as the rest of the NBA playoffs have been this year.
This series wont come down to the superstars, its the role players that will win this thing. Good Luck
Comment by The Silent Majority -
The Spurs have a right to be bitter. the Mavs have been crying about the refs since Mark became the owner. Now Sern has showed pity for them and decided to blow the spurs/mavs game and let the mavs win. So then you guys play the suns without Amare and win in 6. No sweat b/c my heat are here and he have the flash and superman on our team, here to save the day from the evil whining mavs team!
Comment by Eastcoastkid -
COME ON MARK. WE ALL KNOW THE HEAT ARE GOING TO DESTORY THE MAVS IN THE PLAYOFFS. YOUR STARTING FIVE CAN NOT CHECK SHAQ IN THE PAINT. AND D-WADE WILL MAKE HARRIS LOOK LIKE A HIGH SCHOOL BACKUP PG. LETS GO HEAT. ZO NEEDS A RING
Comment by Eastcoastkid -
Poor Sam, still crying over his spilt milk. Bad calls are always made. It evens out. Any semi-intelligent person understands that. Part of life is learning to be a good sport. You obviously are not there yet.
Get over it. The Mavs were obviously better and deserved to win. You are doing a diservice to the perceived intelligence of Spurs fans by crying like a spoiled child.
Good luck next year. haha
Comment by Teo -
not sure why it added “mavs” at the end. It should be “refs”.
Comment by Sam -
Uh, did you even read my post? Of course not, that ouwld assume you could read in the first place. I said that BOTH teams were shown some of the worst officiating in the league. I said had the Mavs lost, you guys would have enough “evidence” to blame the mavs.
Comment by Sam -
haha, still getting bitter spurs fans on here (post 250). The mavs have been on the short end of the stick of calls for a long time. You think stern and his team of stooges want to reward the owner of a team that has been so outspoken and openly bitches about the officiating. I doubt it. If they really were trying to help the mavs win as post 250 states why would they suspend Terry in game 6 of that series with the next game being on the road in San Antonio. With Terries over 20 ppg average that would probably have put the mavs over the top in 6 rather than 7. Blame Ginobili for fouling Dirk or your spurs for blowing a 20 pt lead in that game. Move on. Spurs had a good run, but couldn’t get past the mavs. I would base the victory on overall depth and the emergence of an up in coming star in Devin Harris.
Go Mavs. Beat the Heat !!!!!!!
Comment by Gray -
GO MAVS!
DIRK IS MVP!
MARK IS THE MOST VALUE BOSS!!
Comment by 刘洋 -
Here in Italy I’ve always thinked one thing during the years
The Mavs can do it!
Thank you for the dream Mark!
Comment by Claudio K -
Wow, such an objective collection of responses. What happened to those short lived posts critcizing you or the Mavs? I can understand that you’re passionate about your team but you’re a big hypocrite. We always hear you whine, as you even admit in one of your blogs, after the Mavs lose. “It was the ref’s fault” is usually your response. Well, how can you explain the obvious officiating breakdown that probably cost the Spurs the series? Oh and before you delete this post I also believe that had the Mavs lost that series, the refs could be blamed. They were that bad.
But it came down to a Technical here (the one RESCINDED by the league) that would’ve meant a game 4 win for the Spurs and the obvious foul on Tim Duncan on the last play of regulation in game 7. Why nothing from you after a series that was obviously decided by the officiating? oh that’s right, because you only show what you want people to see and if people saw you being critical after a Mavs win, they wouldn’t think highly of you. So go ahead and delete this post. Maybe one person will read it before you can.
Comment by Sam -
Wow, such an objective collection of responses. What happened to those short lived posts critcizing you or the Mavs? I can understand that you’re passionate about your team but you’re a big hypocrite. We always hear you whine, as you even admit in one of your blogs, after the Mavs lose. “It was the ref’s fault” is usually your response. Well, how can you explain the obvious officiating breakdown that probably cost the Spurs the series? Oh and before you delete this post I also believe that had the Mavs lost that series, the refs could be blamed. They were that bad.
But it came down to a Technical here (the one RESCINDED by the league) that would’ve meant a game 4 win for the Spurs and the obvious foul on Tim Duncan on the last play of regulation in game 7. Why nothing from you after a series that was obviously decided by the officiating? oh that’s right, because you only show what you want people to see and if people saw you being critical after a Mavs win, they wouldn’t think highly of you. So go ahead and delete this post. Maybe one person will read it before you can.
Comment by Sam -
Sam (Post 250)
You sound very cynical.
Unfortunate.
tt
Comment by tiptoe -
I was hoping for a Suns/Mavs Western final all year-I only wish it had gone another game-just for the fun of watching. I like the way both teams play. NOw I am a Pistons fan tried and true-been thru all sorts of heaven and hell with them. But as I say for us “Wait til next year” and am counting the days to tip off again-I will also be watching this Finals and I am pulling for Dallas. Its good to spread the wealth around and have some new blood and faces in the Finals. Have a safe and fruitful series-I will want this one to go 7 games too-and thanks to all the teams for giving us a few hours a day to take our minds off the real world-which is getting crazier by the minute. We appreciate the work and fun and for letting us as fans be a part of it.
Comment by Jan Scholl -
The Mavericks ~can’t~ win it all. We can take the Heat!! MFFL, always will be no matter what. I do believe in the Mavericks! They are the best team!!
Comment by Tammy -
The Mavericks ~can’t~ win it all. We can take the Heat!! MFFL, always will be no matter what. I do believe in the Mavericks! They are the best team!!
Comment by Tammy -
Sam Smith said that the bulls should trade Eric Piatkowski and a 2 for Dirk! Pull the trigger Mark!
Thanks,
Leafy
Comment by leafy -
What in the hell is White HOt supposed to mean. Maybe the mavs should be Green Hot or Blue HOt. Nah, kind of sounds retarded to be honest.
The Heat have a great squad this year, but I’ll put all my money on the mavs. They match up well against the heat and played excellent against them in the couple of times they met in the regular season. If they can contain Wade even a little bit I think the mavs will be victorious in 6 games.
Comment by Jake -
Go Heat!!! I am probably the only person in Dallas not on this ridiculous bandwagon. Congrats Mark, your hard “work”, or consistent whining as we should call it…….has finally paid off.
Comment by Heater -
Thanks for this great team, Mr. Cuban.
Mavs fans in Germany are going crazy right now.
We will have Mavs parties until Dirk has his ring!
Comment by Michael Krause -
Mark, you are an exciting owner to watch. We can all identify with you as fans.
Congrats – and you’ve got Mavs fans in Ohio rooting for you this week!
Great job picking a coach – Avery is a tremendous person.
I predict the Mavericks in six over the Heat.
The longer-term question might read, “Can you defend your title from Lebron’s attack in ’07?”
Comment by Gary Underwood -
I picked the Mavericks to beat the Heat in the finals from the beginning. I have just felt like it was their year this year. Dirk has been underappreciated and its time for him to get some love.
Go Mavs!
Comment by Ron Jumper -
Hi mark i’m marco from italy , congratulations for the finals …but you have to admit it ..without all the injuries ..the suns should reached the finals….good luck against the heat from a suns fan …i have an humble advice for your game plan : let’s start dirk at center …shaq can’t handle him and he’ll finish on the bench fauls plagued…. mavs in 6six!!
Comment by marco molinu -
I do see the Mavs becoming a dynasty and if they consistently beat the spurs in the playoffs, then there is a possiblity of becoming the next Bulls of the 90s. With the international exposure of basketball, the mavs can sure become the world’s team in this millenium. Mark, the possibilities are endless…. Dirk and Mavs will be a marketing cash cow worldwide.
Comment by Henry McGregor -
I’m a Mavs believer from the UK, spreading the Mavericks word on this side of the pond.
A great franchise, a great owner, a great team with some clear leadership from the great little general. The Mavs played a big part in my life for 2yrs when working in Dallas, its fantastic to see it all coming together now ! 🙂
Looking forward to some midnight viewing here in the UK. LETS GO MAVS
Comment by UKMFFL -
Well, I’ve gotta say congratulations. I’ve always been a Dirk fan, but a Steve Nash fan as well. In Steve Nash’s personal video blog, he was pretty upset:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq14G0hFDfo
Comment by Brian Laesch -
from italy let’s go mavs… wunderdirk MVP…
Comment by fabio - monza italy -
I’m Mavs fan from Hong Kong.
Congratulations on getting to NBA Finals~ ^^
Mavs is the best!!
Comment by Banana -
Considering I have a Vegas betting slip from last August that has the Mavs winning the NBA title (at 12 – 1 odds!) I believe you have fans all over the world! I am from Anaheim, CA, I don’t mind the Clippers, but I hate the Lakers! The Mavs have been my team for years and can’t wait to see them win! Go Mavs!!!!
Comment by Kim -
hi,mark.i have read your article,that is great!i am a Chinese,so i have translated it into Chinese and put it in my blog. do you mind it? sorry about this, but i do love it! should i get your permission before i do it?
by the way, i think HEAT is stronger than MAVS. but as you said: you do not understand the word “can’t”.only more confidence people who can make the miracle.
Comment by Zhang jinghua -
First of all, I’m happy for Mark Cuban and the whole Mavs team/organization and the city of Dallas. Really hoping that they will bring the championship there.
Been a fan since the very beginning, and I kinda grew up with the team. Stuck with them even during all those losing seasons. Can still remember the Germans before Dirk. The Mavs have really come a long way during the days of Uwe Blab and Detlef Schremp!!
Comment by texaspeklat -
i like Mavs from now on , hehe, from china
Comment by seawave -
Good luck Mavs! I bet $50 with my friends on this Finals and I hope they win 🙂
Comment by Thomas Chang -
Double post? I didn’t do it, really.
Someone can delete it.
tt
Comment by tiptoe -
I read through all of these posts.
I’m feeling a little badly for the rest of the TEAM. The win was due to more than just Dirk and Mark.
Thanks to:
Darrell Armstrong
Erick Dampier
Marquis Daniels
DeSagana Diop
Devin Harris
Adrian Griffin
Josh Howard
Didier Ilunga-Mbenga
Dirk Nowitzki
Josh Powell
Jerry Stackhouse
Jason Terry
Keith Van Horn
And, of course, to Avery Johnson, et.al.
It’s heartening to see that there are fans worldwide!
tt
Comment by tiptoe -
I read through all of these posts.
I’m feeling a little badly for the rest of the TEAM. The win was due to more than just Dirk and Mark.
Thanks to:
Darrell Armstrong
Erick Dampier
Marquis Daniels
DeSagana Diop
Devin Harris
Adrian Griffin
Josh Howard
Didier Ilunga-Mbenga
Dirk Nowitzki
Josh Powell
Jerry Stackhouse
Jason Terry
Keith Van Horn
And, of course, to Avery Johnson, et.al.
It’s heartening to see that there are fans worldwide!
tt
Comment by tiptoe -
Mark–First of all, congrats on making the finals. Also, kudos on having such a consistantly entertaining blog. I’ve told people I want the Mavs to win just to read your post-championship blog post. I can understand wanting to foster the “underdog mentality” with your team, but the Mavs ain’t the underdogs. Hopefully David Stern doesn’t hit you up with a fine for having a comment on your blog mention gambling, but at most reputable offshore and Las Vegas books the Mavs are -150 or -160 favorite to win the championship. Since Dirk Nowitski has become the most unstoppable player in the NBA, I don’t think you *need* the underdog chip on your shoulder…
Comment by Jim Murphy -
Congrats Mr.Cuban. If we had more passionate owners like you in sports unlike those who just sign the checks, sit up in the VIP boxes and sip on Moet, we will be more inclined to sit back in our couches and watch the beauty of basketball that is about to be unfolded with the Miami-Dallas series. I was a huge Dallas fan during the Triple J days(Jason Kidd, Jamal Mashburn and Jimmy Jackson- greatness that was promised but never materialized). I am rooting for both teams…one because I want Alonzo Mourning to get a ring for what he has gone through and that I am a big fan of Dwayne Wade, and the other cuz there is no other owner deserving of bringing back a championship and credibility to Dallas than you. May the hungrier team win!
Comment by Raj Lancy -
Mark is the only and single-entity with cuban affiliation that speaks of team-passion and sympathy. I cried when the Mavs beat the Suns for they deserved it more than any team in the league. They have you Mark, that’s the single most uncomparable reason why the Mavs needs to drive the franchise to the championships. Never in the history of the league that an owner displays such compassion to his team, shares with them the pain of defeat and rejoice on each triumph. The DALLAS MAVERICKS will win the title, its as sure as Manny Pacquiao will beat every Mexican toughies.
Comment by napoleon nilo -
Mark, you know your ball club has costed me a LOT of money in that series with the Suns and I’d just like to congratulate you and your club. The whole 2nd half of that game 6 was a complete 180 compared to what happened in the first half. My hat is off to the Mavs. You guys persevered alight and look where it got you. The NBA Finals.
Comment by Jono -
Congratulations to you Mark! Your work has finally paid off. It would really be nice to end this season with a ring on your finger.
FYI, there are a lot of Mavs fans here in the Philippines and we have all been with the team throughout this journey. We are all very happy just to see the Mavs get a shot at the title.
So, bring on the HEAT!
Comment by Third -
hello there maverick maniacs!!!!!!!!!!!! its been
a good ride this season and nice to see the mavericks go to the finals. Congrats to all the succes this season,it sure is nice to the miami run out of heat on the finals. Most people here in the philippines bet on the heat. BUT ME ILL ALWAYS BE A MAVERICK FAN!!!
GO MAVS!!! SHOW THEM WHY WE MAVERICKS FANS SHOULD BE ROWDY, LOUD AND PROUD!!
Comment by JASON -
Hey Mark,
I’m a big Suns fan, so seeing us lose to you on our homecourt definitely hurt. You should certainly expect to see the Suns again, and when Amare comes back the Mavs are toast. Here’s a “CAN’T” that you can’t live without –the Mavs CAN’T beat the Suns with Amare in a 7 game series, but I do hope that you represent the west coast and win it all this year! Cheers!
-Mark L
Comment by Mark -
It’s about time!!!
Congratulations on getting to NBA Finals. Best of luck, although my money’s on the Heat.
Comment by Steven Yanis -
Go Mavs!
Go Roach Coach!
Go Cuban!
Comment by RamZ -
It,s nice to know that a German guy can bring so much joy to Mark Cuban and the whole Mav’s family: http://www.hoopnation.de/?p=52
Comment by Tobias Seitz -
Congratulations on finally making the Finals! You were able to take a really bad franchise and get it to four wins away from a championship.
Win or lose, I think your Mavs (well, the Suns as well)may have proven that “fun-to-watch” basketball has a place in the NBA, and can win in the playoffs.
You may have also proven Jerry and jerry (“boo, hiss”) right – that organizations win championships. You built it (well, rebuilt it?) and the success did come.
Comment by anavlas -
Our African Grey now can say “Dirk Witski”.
He’s a MFFL.
Comment by Danny -
In response to post number 160 by John Third…dude, are you freakin’ kidding me? I think it was game 5 when the Spurs got to the line 34 times and them Mavs got to the line 20 times I think? Somebody correct me if I’m wrong on the numbers or the game, but they are all pretty close. Also, how many bad calls were made on the Mavs because the only thing Manu Ginobili is good at is flopping on the ground? I remember watching the series when the Spurs played the Sonics last year and Ginobili fell on the ground WITHOUT being touched…give me a break John. Actually…Ginobili is good at one more thing…fouling Dirk so we can tie the game, and then missing the layup to send it to overtime and ultimately send us to the NBA Finals…so here’s to you John, and to your Spurs…may they go fishin’ in friendly waters.
Mavs in 6 baby
We are ALL NOWITZNESSES
Comment by Chad Wylie -
YEAAAAA BOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!1 MAVSSSS ALL THE FREAAAAAAKING WAY!!
i was sooo happy that night it was crazy. As everyone in the south shore of montreal call me, CRAZIEST MAVS fan theyve seen:), i want to tell you Mark, you are freaking awesome.:)
Ahmed
Comment by Ahmed -
Thanks.
Most of my adult life I was a Warriors fan. Avery Johnson won me over in 93-94. After 8 years in Seattle, I’m a Sonics fan. For me, it’s very much about community. In the last two years, you, Mark, have won me over.
In a player driven league, I’m rooting for an owner and a coach.
Go Mavs!
Comment by Bruce Moore -
Congratulations to the entire Mavericks organization on a hard earned berth in the NBA Finals. You reminded this city what talent, grit, determination, and superlative coaching can accomplish. Thank you, Coach Avery Johnson for your fire and passion for the game. Thank you, Mark Cuban for believing in Coach Johnson’s abilities, and giving him the opportunity show what he could do with the talent assembled in Dallas Mavericks’ uniforms. Four more wins, guys, and you can bring it all home! (Mavericks in 6 over the Heat.)
Comment by sharon crow -
I’ve gained so many grey hairs during this postseason. Finish the ride, Mavs. And thanks, Mark. =)
Comment by Patrick Feller -
Mark, I’ve been your biggest fan since the day you saved “My Team” from Carter, what a drip. I carried a Large Orange sign to every Mavs game during spring ’03 that said CUBAN FOR MAYOR. Thank you for makin the whole MAVERICK ORG. what it is today. I turned down offers to come over and watch game 6 with this one and that and pissed off a really good friend in the process. I had to do this one for the guys, just the right way at home with my Weimaraner (Love those Germans) cos he knows the rules! I was very calm during the first half which isn’t my normal Mavs watching personna, but I knew what was to come from my guys in the second half. It is “OUR YEAR”, we are a team of Destiny. Thank you for your passion and drive to help My Team to the NBA Finals! Oh, and how did you know about my lucky underwear! P.S. Sure wish you would give that mayor thing some thought, she’s a drip too!
Comment by Mavs Fan Annie -
(more Kerr)
A younger, more inexperienced team might have eased through a game like Monday’s Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies, unaware of how important it is to close out an opponent quickly.
But Avery Johnson got through to his Dallas Mavericks, who put forth another suffocating effort to complete a four-game sweep.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-playoffs050106&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
The Mavericks won 60 games this season and were rewarded with the West’s fourth seed, which goes down as one of the all-time injustices in league history. Still, Avery Johnson will have his team ready to play and Dallas will make no excuses.
The Mavs draw a tough Memphis team in the first round and then face the prospect of seeing the Spurs in the second round should they advance. But this is a very good, versatile Dallas team that has a shot to go a long way.
Dirk Nowitzki is – in the words of Celtics coach Doc Rivers – “the toughest matchup in the league,” and he’ll need a better postseason than last year’s to help his team advance. Still, thanks to their defense, the Mavericks are better prepared for playoff basketball than any Mavs team in recent history.
The one-two combination of Erick Dampier and DeSagana Diop gives Dallas two shot-blockers, and the wiry strong wing athletes – Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels and Jerry Stackhouse – are versatile enough to cover multiple positions.
Jason Terry was huge in last season’s playoffs, hitting key shot after key shot, and old vets Darrell Armstong and Adrian Griffin give the Mavs grit, experience and defense. Dallas has a chance to have major success in the playoffs, but it’d be in better shape if it was in its rightful place with the No. 2 seed.
Prediction: Eliminated by Spurs in the West semifinals.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-west042106&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
(okay, he was wrong, but he wasn’t much wrong: the Spurs were the Mavs’ toughest win so far)
Kerr was, incidentally, right on where every other team lost in the West, except the Spurs (who he thought would beat the Suns in the WCF). He thought the Nets were gonna beat Miami, though, and then he thought the Pistons were gonna beat the Nets and go on to win the title.
Comment by Dan Flemming -
Why all the Steve Kerr hate?
It was a performance that conjured up the great names of the NBA’s past – Bird, Magic, Jordan, you name it. Nowitzki was that good. He personally willed his team to the victory with a stunning display of skill, desire and athleticism.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-playoffs060106&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
I believe the Mavericks pose more problems for the Heat than the Suns would. The Mavs are deeper and more versatile and can adapt to any style of play they want. They have two big men who can battle Shaq and bother him some, and they have plenty of depth and bench strength to try to wear down Wade.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-playoffs052806&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
As usual, Dirk Nowitzki was dominant, scoring 30 points and grabbing 14 boards. He made all the big shots when the Mavs needed them, but that was expected.
What wasn’t expected was Howard’s big night, and his activity and energy helped slow down the Suns’ attack.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-playoffs052606&prov=yhoo&type=lgns (talking about Game 2 of the WCF)
(to be continued in another comment)
Comment by Dan Flemming -
The Mavs Can’t ?
The Mavs CAN’T play Defense.
The Mavs CAN’T play a half court game.
The Mavs CAN’T get past the first round
The Mavs CAN’T beat because
Dirk CAN’T play against smaller defenders
Dirk CAN’T take the ball to the basket
Dirk CAN’T play defense
Dirk CAN’T step up in the playoffs
Stack CAN’T play a team game
JET CAN’T be the point guard on a Finals team
Devin Harris CAN’T get past last years playoffs to have an impact
Gana Diop CAN’T be a player in this league
Avery Johnson CAN’T lead this team to the Finals as a 1st year coach
Sure he, they, it them, etc., etc., can…
Nah, actually Cuban can’t win a finals appearance without influencing the refs by his constant whining regarding mavs received fouls unseen by seemingly biased officials rendering seemingly bad calls incurred almost totally by his players.
Well it paid off grandly in the series with the spurs; they being the victims of some true terrible & forged calls totally benfitting the mavs.
Comment by John Third -
Congrats Mark and the Mavs. I have never had a greater sporting experience than when I was at game 5 and watched Dirk drop 50, and I can’t wait to see how loud and crazy it’s going to be for the Finals. Go Mavs! MFFL!!!
Comment by Jeff -
Oh, and Mark I love the way your blog has got the media bickering. I think it’s hillarious.
😀
Comment by Ehab -
We aren’t really underdogs if you think about it. We have been executing greatly in the regular season, but now we just need to get the respect we deserve. The only way is to show the world that the MAVS ARE THE CHAMPIONS.
LETS GO MAVS!
Comment by Ehab -
Hi Mark,
I am a huge Mavericks fan and I want to congratulate you and the organization for all of your hard work to get to this point. I know we have a great shot at winning our 1st title with all of the talented players and our crafty head coach, Avery. I believe that we can win a few times over the next decade.
We have superb coaches and players who are committed to succeed and to stay focused at all times on the court. If we win it (which we will) it will be music to my ears when I hear, “Who will stop the Mavs”, instead of “Who will score against the Spurs.”
Good Luck. GO MAVS!
Comment by UTOPIA -
It’s been a team effort. Now go and get what you deserve. Dirk summed it up best: “Let’s Go Mav’s!” Make us all proud to call America’s 2nd team World Champions in 2006.
Comment by raf -
Hey Mark
i’m from israel and i’ve been staying up LATE to watch all the mavs games, dont think i’ve missed any of them as a matter of fact (besides the ones that werent aired and you can bet my mood was sour on those nights). you are without a doubt the most interesting owner i’ve ever seen, and watching you get so excited at games really puts a smile on my face. so anyway, i’ve been bettin’ on you guys all season long, and im bettin’ still. so far so good, only 4 more to go. so keep on doin that voodoo that you do and get that ring for your fans (around the world). GO MAVS!
Comment by Noa -
Since you are a leader and seem to like to change things, how about changing the ticket system? Make sure the fans get them and not the brokers. Total crap. I’ve been a Mavs fan since 1980 and can’t get a ticket for less than $250 – 90% of them are ticket brokers.
Comment by Brandon -
Congrats on a nice run. I’m actually looking forward to the Finals for the first time since my 76ers made it in 2001. I have watched the Finals but never with much anticipation.
When the Mavs and Heat lock horns on Thursday, I will be excited to sit down and watch the game.
To be honest, I have a hard time rooting for anything Dallas related (Eagles fan here) but it’s hard not to root for the Mavs. Nowitzki is a beast and his game is so much more advanced than most of the players I have ever watched.
However, I also find it hard not to root for Wade, Shaq and Company.
As for your comment about the Mavs being underdogs, Vegas has you guys at about -155 for the series and I’m sure the home court helps but overall the Mavs are and should be the favorite in this series.
Me and a few friends were partial season tickets holders in 2001 and for some reason the folks that held our seats for the other game plans did not opt to buy the playoff tickets. We were given the opportunity to buy all the games and I couldn’t imagine not buying those tickets. I remember going to all those 76er games in 2001. We sat in the 2nd level and lived and died with that team through 2 Game 7s. Being in the 2nd level isn’t exactly the prime seating and I was still stoked for every game, like I actually had something more than being a fan going on. I can only imagine what it feels like to actually own a team on a run like this. Tremendous job turning the franchise around.
Best of luck!
Comment by Greg -
At first I was really pissed that no one was giving us any credit…and now I’m kinda pissed that they are. Barkley and other commentators never believed the Mavs could get this far, and after beating Phoenix making their predictions for the finals said, “Yeahh…I gotta go with Dallas.” It PAINED them to admit they had been wrong allll season long. Kudos to all those fans who’ve stuck with the MAVS, knowing they could do it all along. Avery is an amazing coach. These guys know they can do it, and know they can prove all the doubters wrong. Every single player has stepped up and done their part, and that’s why we’re going to win it all. GO MAVS! PS- I bruised my sister during the last game I got so excited… Hopefully Thursday I won’t injure anyone…..unless they’re Heat fans 🙂
Comment by Jenny W -
Congrats on advancing to the Finals, but I honestly believe your ride ends here. Your team is awesome, I love the way they play, but the Heat will take it all in a long series. You’re not even underdogs, really. The Mavs spanked us once and dropped a Hummmer on us in your building.
It’s not about what the Mavs can’t do, but about what the Heat can do.
We can score in the post whenever we want.
We can run you around in cricles defensively, creating good shots on the wing.
We can lock you down defensively. Dirk will get his 25-35, but Howard and Stack will have trouble penetrating the middle.
Wade, Payton, and even the much-maligned Antoine Walker can hit clutch shots.
Udonis Haslem may not be able to stop Dirk, but he’ll be a hindrance that will win us games.
I look up and down the roster and see the Heat being able to answer any question your team asks.
What do you think?
Comment by Joshua Hoade -
Every year during this time I basically have nothing to do. I am already looking into free agents and who Mavs can sign etc. Its a great feeling to be involved into NBA in June. The scary part for the league is that this team has still not reached its full potential yet. With players like devin/josh/dirk still young it is not too far fetched to say that Mavs will be perennial contender for lots of years to come.
Comment by Chandra -
Mark and the Mavs organization,
Congrats to the Western Conf Champs. I’ve truly been a MFFL, I remember when a Dr. Pepper can and $5 could get you into Reunion Arena, and by half you would be sitting courtside.
Even though the current players, owners and coaching staff deserve %100 of the credit, the recent success makes me think back of Michael “Fin-Dog” Finley grinding it out every night even though he had no talent around him and about 2,000 fans in the arena. Or how Steve Nash bounced back from a tough start in Dallas and improved the Mavs to a consistent playoff team. Or how Don Nelson created a fun, entertaining team given the talent he had to work with.
The biggest change in the Mavs of the 90s to the recent teams have been the attitude. The day Mark bought the team, I remember reading the DMN thinking this guy is nuts, how does he expect to turn this thing around? But there is a reason everything Mark touches turns to gold. When you surround yourself with intelligent, talented people who share a common goal, you can accomplish anything.
My thanks also go out to Mark for the time I e-mailed him a few years back while being stationed in D.C. and asked about the possibility of tickets for a Wizards vs. Mavs game. About 2 mins later I get an email from Mark saying there are 4 tickets waiting at Will Call for free under the basket. Thanks.
Go MAVS!!!!
Comment by David Bader -
I was so tired I fell asleep a half hour before the game. I was up for 3 days straight until 5 am and woke up at 10 am so I was exhausted. I woke up and checked the score and the Mavs were down 18 points. I was like DAMN then I passed out again. When I got back up at 1 am I looked at Yahoo and there it was. Mavs won. I couldnt believe it. Nice comeback. I wish I saw that game! Maybe if I was a millionaire or billionaire but right now I am a dollariare and I have to design and market websites all day.
Comment by Brandon Connell -
Who said we were the underdogs? Maybe we don’t have the experience, but this Mavs team is ready! The pieces are in order and we are strong. I can’t tell you how excited I am. I’ve never loved a team the way I love the MAVS…GO MAVS WIN IT ALL!!!
Comment by Nicol B - A True Blue Fan! -
Good luck Mark….I’m sure the legions of Laker fans will all be rooting for you, Dirk and the Mavs.
Comment by Kyle Bunch -
Mr. Cuban I want to congratulate you and your team for making the N.B.A. Finals. I’m from Michigan and will be pulling for your team to win the title, i’m also a huge Piston fan and it has nothing to do with the Heat knocking Detroit out,but the fact you have former Piston Jerry Stackhouse on your team and he did a great job when he played for Detroit. He deserves a ring and the rest of your team does also, your team is playing great basketball , i believe your team will take the Heat out in 6 games. Go Mavs.
Comment by Mark Gohsman -
Congrats, Mark and the Mavs!!
This is such an accomplishment. I am so proud. I don’t even have the words to explain how proud I am of the Mavericks. It’s STILL overwhelming to think about it all.
I am glad to hear you say that you all felt and heard our screams and cheers. Because I know at my house Saturday night, it was a rowdy loud and proud Mavs party! I couldn’t talk most of the day Sunday because I screamed so much during that 4th quarter and then at that final buzzer, oh man!!! We were sending all our prayers and our cheers hundreds of miles to you guys, as well as so many others here in Dallas were.
I knew just as so many did, all year long that this was THE year. This was MAVS time. Now here we are…going to be biggest stage of all… ready to take on the Heat and I know, I KNOW we are going to win it. You can just feel it. The guys are ready, Avery’s ready, you’re ready… the FANS are ready. This feeling that we have now has been worth every heartache. Worth hearing every naysayer. Worth being the underdog. Worth every summer that we’ve come so close but just not close enough. Every disappointment only made this moment sweeter for all of us.
Thank you Mavericks. Thank you for an amazing season. Thank you for an amazing postseason. Thank you for bringing so much joy and excitement to this city. Thank you for becoming the champions we’ve all known that you are. Now, let’s go get that ring. Bring on the Heat.
How ‘bout them MAVS, baby!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Jamie -
Victory is soooo sweet!! Congrats to Mark, Avery, Dirk and the boys, and hell, congrats to all of my fellow loyal Mavs fans. Keep fightin’ the fight and looking forward to Mark doing a “fly-by” over the whole state with the O’Brien Trophy. Oh yeah – my sympathies to Nash, Fin, Raja and Van Excel – we’ll send you guys a postcard from the finals.
Comment by js -
In today’s DMN even Barkley is said to believe that the Mavs are the favorites in this series. I know, I know, not so loud, don’t want the players to hear that…
As a transplanted Michigander I’m actually somewhat relieved the Pistons didn’t make it as a Dallas-Detroit final would have been a total heart render for me. Now I have no qualms about who to root for. Congratulations, Mark. You’ve earned this.
Comment by Kevin -
Victory is soooo sweet!! Congrats to Mark, Avery, Dirk and the boys, and hell, congrats to all of my fellow loyal Mavs fans. Keep fightin’ the fight and looking forward to Mark doing a “fly-by” over the whole state with the O’Brien Trophy. Oh yeah – my sympathies to Nash, Fin, Raja and Van Excel – we’ll send you guys a postcard from the finals.
Comment by js -
Congratulations Mark, team, and entire staff!! Going to the Finals!! Can’t wait to see the Mavs take it to the Heat!
Comment by Nate -
GOOOOO MAVS!
Congrats Mark, Avery, the TEAM, and entire Mavericks organization.
Shaq who?
Comment by John -
Now Mark, let’s say the Mavs can’t win the Final! 😉
Keep up the good work, we are still believing way up North!
Take care,
François
Comment by François Beaulé -
The Mavs CAN’T beat the Heat. LOL
Yeah right. Actually, I’ll be rooting for the Mavs. I’ve hated Shaq ever since he told me called me apunk and told me to get out of his face in 1991. Yweah, what a tough guy. He’s in college and I’m in grade school. I hope he breaks 6 vertebrae in the finals and on his way to the locker room gets hit in the head with a baseball bat. Thats what he deserves.
Die Shaq and get the fuk out of my country.
Comment by JR Ewing -
Ohhhhh my god. We are going to the finals. I can’t wait.
Mark,
Congrats buddy. I saw this coming. 4 more.
Comment by Neal B -
Lets face it the Mav have Defence, the Mav have heart, the Mav have a coach and we know the Mav have a great owner who is committed to win. The pieces are in place, so let make history and keep supporting the Mavs.
Coach Willie Stephens
Comment by Coach Willie Stephens -
Congrats on making it to the finals. I am a lifelong Suns fan and was at Game 6. I was sick to my stomach the entire second half. You could see the Suns stalling and your Mavs starting to pick up speed. It was hard to watch…
But I will be cheering the Mavs on in the finals. You guys have a great thing going in Dallas and I look forward to a good rematch in next years Western Conference Finals!
Oh, and thanks for giving Steve a hug after the game. It made me happy 🙂
Comment by Mike Nothum -
Mark just about everything you said was true until Avery took over as head coach. What Dallas needed was for Dirk to start playing closer to the paint and having others get involved. Phoenix overachieve without Amare, Dallas should have beat them. The Corner stone series was over the Spurs. Dallas should beat the Heat is 6 unless the refs stop calling offensive fouls on Shaq. Dallas is too versatile for the Heat. Good Job Mark, you have created a winner in Big D. Move over C-Boys.
Comment by dalsmavsfan -
Congrats to you & the team for making it to the finals. I’m really looking forward to watching the upcoming series.
Comment by Michael -
Great post, and it is 100% true those who can’t sit and tell others that they can’t do it ither. Mark, I believe the mavericks can do it!
Comment by Richard Bowles -
Thanks for being a gracious owner in a sport where chivalry seems long forgotten. I know to many the name Cuban and the word “gracious” seem oxymoronic; but when you had a chance to really slap around the media, rant, and get fined (again) you chose to thank Phoenix and compliment Miami. Good luck!
Comment by Fred -
Mark,
thank you from the MFFL who endured the shawn bradley years!
Turn off the Heat!
GO MAVS! 🙂
Comment by asian -
Dirk can rebound!! I was so impressed with Dirk’s offensive rebounds in the playoffs. If Dirk had hit the boards hard during the season he would have been the league MVP. Scoring 50 points was pretty impressive too.
I think the Mavs should use all available fouls against Shaq anytime he has a possible dunk. Over play his right hand and make him spin left. Do NOT double team Shaq…just foul him if he backs in to within 2 feet of the basket.
Who wil guard Dirk? He is a tough matchup for any team, but especially the Heat. If he mixes up his game with outside shots, offensive rebounds, and strong moves to the hoop…no one can stop him. Drives to the hoop gets him to the foul line where he is automatic.
This should be a great series. I am picking the Mavs in 6.
Don Dodge
Comment by Don Dodge -
-great team
-great coach
-great Dirk (real MVP)
-great owner
-great city
-great fans all around the world
Mavs for Championship!
auf geht’s Dirk!
Grüße an Dirk, Mark und alle Mavs-Fans auf der ganzen Welt!
Matthias aus Deutschland
Comment by Matthias from Germany -
Way to go Mavs but what am I to do?? Every year my wife, Bonnie, has withdrawal pains when the Mav’s season ends. She is already starting to suffer because of the wait till Thursday for the 1st NBA CHAMPIONSHIP game. Please, please win this series in 4 games so my life can start to get back to normal. Everybody “Say Mavericks!!!”
Comment by Dick Hammond -
Congrats on making the finals Mark. Now can you post the Shaq Albert videos so everyone can watch?
Comment by Brian -
Way to go Mavs but what am I to do?? Every year my wife, Bonnie, has withdrawal pains when the Mav’s season ends. She is already starting to suffer because of the wait till Thursday for the 1st NBA CHAMPIONSHIP game. Please, please win this series in 4 games so my life can start to get back to normal. Everybody “Say Mavericks!!!”
Comment by Dick Hammond -
Buy the Cubs!!!
No but seriously, congrats from a Bulls fan. Ever since they were eliminated, the Mavs have been my de facto team to cheer for. In my humble opinion, no team played harder or showed more heart then the Mavs this postseason. From the starting 5 to the last man on then bench, the whole team was full of passion and dedication to the mission. Well guess what, 4 more wins and its mission accomplished. Good luck in the Finals. Go Mavs!
Comment by Chicago -
Congratulations to all Mavs fans! We did it. To those hard core fans that suffered thru the 90s, we did it. To those that have waited since the 80s to get this far, we did it! To those disappointed by the 2000’s Mav playoff teams, we did it. To those like me that almost suffered a heart attack this post season, we did it! This is greatness! But we need to remember, if the playoffs mark the beginning of the second season, then the Finals marke the be beginning of the 3rd season. Its not over, the real test has just begun. Four more Ws. MFFL!
Luis
http://www.miaspartyrentals.com
Comment by Luis -
WE BELIEVE!
go mavs!
brian b.
dallas tx
Comment by brian -
Hi there, this is another one from good old Germany! You guys will be the reason for my first heart attack 🙂 While watching the final game vs. the Spurs I stuffed my duncan voodoo doll with some needles and suddenly he didn’t get things done anymore 😉 During last quarter vs. the Suns I did the same w/ my nash doll and it worked again… just kidding! You guys did a great job – can’t wait to see you live on friday night 3 a.m. German time. GO MAVS !!!
Comment by Tino -
SOMEONE SEND THIS BLOG TO CHARLES BARKLEY!!! They CAN and they DID and they ROCK.
Comment by Lisa White -
Congratulations, Mark.
Good choice hiring Avery. He’s the reason you’re there, and he’s also the reason why Dirk is the real MVP.
Comment by Dan Flemming -
What is the Heat’s record vs Dallas in the last 4 years? I know the Heat havent beaten us in the last 2 years (4 matchups, Dallas 4-0) and also Dallas gave the Heat their worst lost of the season in each of those seasons. They cant match up against us at all in terms of overall team speed, skill, depth and desire. Each team has one team they cant beat and we are that team for the Heat. Mavs in 4
Comment by Bob Jenkins -
Thank you, Mark Cuban. I have been a Mavs fan since I was a little kid growing up in Dallas. I supported the Derek Harper, Rolando Blackman teams, even when they didn’t make it out of the first round. I supported the “3 J’s” – and saved up babysitting money for 2 years so I could buy a season ticket for Jason Kidd’s second year in the L. I was one of those fans who showed up each year thinking this would be the year we break through. My guidance counselor in high school told me to let go – the Mavs would never be successful – and now I want to call him up to gloat….but not for a few more weeks. I am now 27 and I live in Miami and I cannot WAIT for Thursday. Go Mavs!!!!!
Comment by Lindsay -
Congrats to the Mavs, I am a die-hard Heat fan and I look forward to a great series. I am a regular reader of your blog and I am a big fan of Dirk. I will be rooting for D-Wade and the rest of the Heat come Thursday but I wanted to extend my congrats to Mavs fans.
Comment by Andrew -
I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Rene -
I was with 30 spurs fans in Sa when we lost game one to SA and it hurt real bad. HOW MUCH CAN CHANGE IN A WEEK OR TWO. I was in SA again for a baby shower Saturday and with the SAME SA fans asking me how many titles we have. SCoreboarding me with 3-0, the only come back they can result to now and there they were pumping me full of Suns in 7 when we were down 18 and even more when our slight come back got put back to 12 a the half. Thing is I never lost faith that we had this game. I took to jeering and didnt say a word as MY mavs came back and won the game. My friends said they were ready to hear it but I didnt say a word becuase that is what hurt the worst when we lost to the Spurs, the reacted like cahmps should, not happy with small wins on the way to the REAL goal. Mark, your team has that look that they are not happy by beating the Spurs or the Suns or sweeping the Grizz and that is what the great ones did, didtn let it go until the hardware was in hand, ie… Jordan crying. We got this, thank you.
Comment by Dominic Massaro -
Congratulations to Mark Cuban and the Avery Bunch on winning your 1st of many more to come Western Conference Finals. Now it is time to snuff out the Heat and bring home that NBA bling bling! (Mavs in 6!)
Comment by David P -
I thought(if I had not already known) that the Suns won after listening to the awful commentators on TNT. They had nothing good to say about the Mavs-only the suns.I am sick of them. Also where was Stern? What a coward. Three cheers for Mark. Could TNT plase give some grammar lessons to their announcers? They are embarrassing. Where did they go to school?
Anyway, congratulations, Mark. NBA.com said you are a omnipresent owner. You are.
Keep going, MAVS.
Comment by pinktyger -
Don’t forget my personal favorite from years past… “the Mavs can’t compete as long as their owner continues to be a distraction”.
Good luck in the finals. There are a lot of fans like me who, while not being a Dallas Mavericks fan specifically, are rooting for you solely on the basis of our belief that a passionate owner like yourself deserves this for the players, the team, your fans, and mostly for the game itself.
Comment by Bret Callentine -
I’m another Mavs fan from Germany, who is watching this team for years now. Absolutely amazing to see how the whole team — and of course especially Dirk — has improved! Can’t wait till Thursday (which is indeed Friday here in Germany… 🙂
Comment by Delo -
Hi there to all Mavs fans.
Just to let you know that there are Mavericks fans even far away from you – in KOSOVA (former Yugoslavia).
Let`s hope we celebrate the title in two weeks time. Now go Mavs.
Comment by Amir -
I am still in disbelief. I keep pinching myself and wondering if I’m dreaming. No, no. This is no dream. It’s real. I’ve always said if someone says ‘You CAN’T’ then you turn right around and do it anyway. I’ve found that IS the best way to show them CAN’T is only a state of mind. Nothing is impossible as long as you have the spirit and determination to overcome the obsticle.
As for Mav gear, I really don’t have much but since Dirk’s 50 point night (you know, the night nobody could shut up about his bad night) I have worn some ponytail holders (that just happened to be pretty close to Maverick colors) on my right wrist. When the guys were down at the half, I was popping them mercilessly hoping things would turn around… and boy did they.
I sacrificed half of my lunch break yesterday to track down SOMETHING real, not just two ponytail holders that are barely passing (though I managed to get away with wearing Maverick colors all weekend at work… in San Antonio). I went to the sports store we have at the park I work at and purchased a pennant. This brought two other Mavs fans out of the woodwork and we celebrated for a few moments right there.
I stapled it up as soon as I got home but it still feels like a dream… but it’s getting more real every second. Thanks again for showing that CAN’T doesn’t mean anything unless you let it.
Rebeccalee
Comment by Rebeccalee Coventry -
Mark,
We all know you want to and since it is the finals, you should suit up and get on the bench and get some playing time in the closing secs of the 4Q when the game has been decided.
Congrats.
Comment by Robin -
So proud to be a Mavs fan!!!
Yesterday I was getting my nails done and in a nail salon full of women of all ages, races and backgrounds the topic of conversation was the Mavs. You all have really made an impact on the metroplex!
MFFL in Keller!!
Comment by Kyle Blonde -
Darn. I forgot, no href’s. Here’s a link:
http://farlane.wordpress.com/2006/06/05/nba-comix-mark-cuban-has-a-shiny-ball-too/
Comment by Andrew McFarlane -
Congratulations on finally capturing the shiny ball, Mark.
I really, really (really) hope the Mavs can find a way to beat the Heat.
-Signed, A Piston Fan who Cannot Stand the Monstrosity that is Antoine Walker and the Oiled Machiavelli that is Pat Riley.
Comment by Andrew McFarlane -
Mark
Good luck to you and the Mavericks. Vegas says that your team is a four point favorite for the first game, which is to say that the game will be close. We’re waiting for all of you to come on down and get introduced to our sixth man: South Beach! Better keep those guys on a leash!…lol
Seriously, I expect it to be a very tight series with neither team having any sort of major advantage. At this level, it’s whoever has more heart, desire, and who can execute their plan best.
Good luck to you and all the Mav fans!See you on SoBe!
Comment by SoFunInTheSun -
Hey Mark
Congratulations on taking out the phoenix suns. I only have one problem with what you said, the Mavericks are not the under dog here, the Heat are, nevermind the playoff experience, in the end its about talent and skill and clearly the Mavs have more of that, the Mavs are more athletic and long, a better shooting team with a renewed focus on defemse, thas why it will be such fun to see Shaq and Wade take you out and beat the crap outta ya. peace 🙂
Comment by manuel -
Check this video out Mark:
http://www.youtube.com/v/VHMfFv60yj0
Comment by Deven -
hi mark! im a die hard fan of dallas mavericks from the philippines. having dirk nowizki and josh howard for the mavs we can overcome the Heat.. goodluck to all of u and bring home the trophy! dont forget to give all the credits to manu for his aggressive effort against my love dirk nowitzki… we can make!!! we believe in u and we will pray for all of u!!! go AJ! go dirk! go MAVS!!!!!
p.s. thanks MARK for ur blog! ur such a good owner who support ur team all the way… keep it up! go mark! go mavs!!!
Comment by annie marie c. ramirez -
THANKS MARK!!
As a long time MFFL, I’ve been waiting on this opportunity since ’88! Through the infamous Roy Tarpley ongoing saga, through the painful 11 win season (where every win was cause for some major celebration), to the 3 j’s expirement, to Dirk going from having zero confidence to arguably the best player in the league (thanks Nellie!)…
Back in dec 19,2000 I saw a change, a much needed change in the team from the players on the floor to the way they played to the overall culture.
Thank you for that day you injected a new life into this team!
You forgot one…
Mark Cuban CANT live outside the box and produce a winner in Dallas.
4 MORE WINS!!!!!!!
Comment by Elliott -
Hey Mark,
YEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS! Finals! Mark, I’m going to have the most important tests in my life while the Finals (it’s my examn). Do you think, I’m not going to stay awake here in Germany, just because of a test the other morning? I don’t think so! I believe in you! Go Mavs!!!
Comment by Martin -
Great series, Great Playoffs. You have been an elite owner in all of sports for many years. I am glad you and your team are finally getting the recognition you deserve.
Good luck with the whole underdog thing. Pretty sure you guys are going to be the favorite, for good reason.
Comment by shameless -
keep running !!!!!
http://www.icebin.net/post/574.html
Comment by icebin -
Mark-
Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!!
You have helped show the world what the Mavs can do when everyone else said they couldn’t. I told everyone I knew that Avery would get coach of the year. No one believed me. And he did. I’ve been saying since opening game Mavs are going all the way to the finals. No one believed me. And look where they are now!! It’s the M&M basketbll finals!! All I have to say is go Mavs!! Keep doing what you’re doing because you are the best!!! It’s the year of the mavs. I’m so happy that finally there’s a NBA finals I want to watch. You’ve got the right formula and I’m happy to be here, cheering and yelling and supporting such an awesome team. 🙂 Oh and for the record, Sir Charles Barkley says the Mavs are going to take it all the way. Let’s prove him right. Whoooo!!!
Comment by Angela -