Heartbreaking

[NICKinDALLAS]

I'll say it again. It was like watching two heavyweights go toe to toe, with mr. mvp providing the knock-out punch at the end of regulation.
I don't know why the Mavs would not drive the freaking lane. Thier pick and rolls were working too, but there are apparently nothing but jump shooters on this team. For crying out loud, go to the basket!
Now let's look at a few of the key players.

Dirk- This is his team and he needs to take control and lead it. He needs to call out those who need it and he needs to be held accountable when his performance is lacking. More than being held accountable, he needs to OWN his struggles. Working on his defense wouldn't hurt either.

Finley- This one is hard because I've watched Fin when he WAS the team. Before Cuban bought the team and they were horrid, Finley was giving it 110% and not complaining, not wanting a trade, nothing. He rode it out. I want desperately for him to get a ring in a Mavs uni. Unfortunately, in order for this to happen, he needs to be coming off of the bench. I think people defer too much to him due to his seniority and this can simply no longer be. Driving the lane every now and again wouldn't hurt either.

Howard- This guy is the real freaking deal and I love his game, but the one thing he needs to work on is his hot-headedness. I love the fire, but stupid T's are just that, stupid T's.

Damp- If this guy has to be either motivated for every game or in a contract year to do anything, then he needs to be moved to whomever will take him. He clearly has the talent, it just seems that he chooses when to use it.

Cuban- Fire Bradley. Pay him his ridiculous contract and have him leave, go home, send him to Europe for no apparent reason, I don't care, but do not have him suit up even once for another game. Also, looking into acquiring Jason Kidd for a short term deal wouldn't hurt either.

Now this next part may come as a suprise to some, i.e. SunsFan99 and AzCards21, but I hope the suns go on to win the whole thing. I'd much reather see them against Miami/Detroit than San Antonio. So, congratulations to the suns as they earned this series. And many thanks for some incredibly enjoyable basketball.
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Now, when does Cowboys training camp begin??

[AzCards21]

Originally Posted by NICKinDALLAS

Now this next part may come as a suprise to some, i.e. SunsFan99 and AzCards21, but I hope the suns go on to win the whole thing. I'd much reather see them against Miami/Detroit than San Antonio. So, congratulations to the suns as they earned this series. And many thanks for some incredibly enjoyable basketball.
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Now, when does Cowboys training camp begin??

Nick, you've been nothing but a class fan from the start of this series and thanks for the the props and well wishes. I have to tell ya when we were down 16 I was in panick mode. The Mavs played one hell of a series and have no reason to offer any oppologies. I'm gonna stay on the Suns bandwaggon for now but don't we play the Cowboys during the regular season? That could be a good time!

[NICKinDALLAS]

Thank you sir, much appreciated.
And yes, Sun Oct. 30 at noon in Az. should be a good time indeed!

Good luck to your suns the rest of the way.

[AzCards21]

Noon on the 30th it is! See you then.

[KP]

Great post, Nick....except for the Cowboy reference! Ha!

It seems when Dallas gets their panties in a bind they just start hoisting jump shots. Phoenix stuck to their game even after Amare fouled out. I hate bagging on Finley 'cause he has always been my favorite player for the reasons you mentioned. Howard should be an all-star within a couple years, but he does need to control his temper. Dampier? He's as frustrating as Bradley, but he's more productive. One game great, the next game sucks.

This was fun series to watch, no doubt. I'll be pulling for the Suns to take it all as well. I'd love to see a Phoenix/Miami final.