Dirk Nowitzki’s performance in the fourth quarter and overtime Wednesday night may be the ultimate example of the old adage “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.”
Through three plus quarters at FedEx Forum, Nowitzki sat at 3 for 14 shooting with nine points. But a simple jump shot with 5:54 to go in regulation changed that. Nowitzki realized the magnitude of the game in more ways than one. He remembered that if the Mavericks won the game, they would become just the second team in recent memory to win 50 games for 10 straight seasons. The Spurs are the other. Dirk has been a Mav for the entirety of the streak. Dirk also remembered that the Mavs had lost three road games in a row to Memphis dating back more than two years. The final fact weighing on Dirk’s mind was that the Grizzlies are a Southwest division opponent, and the Mavs need to top the division in order to guarantee the best playoff position possible.
From that point on, Nowitzki netted 19 points on 6 of 9 shooting including going 2 of 3 on 3-pointers and 5 for 5 from the line. Nowitzki carried the Mavs to an improbable 106-102 victory after being down by double digits. He scored the last eight Maverick points in regulation on two 3’s and a fade away jumper to tie the game at 90.
The game wouldn’t have been knotted at 90 though without a 13-0 run by the Mavs from the 4:25 mark to the 1:20 mark to tie it at 88. The run was propelled by Rodrique Beaubois, Jason Terry and Nowitzki, who had six points in overtime after the Grizzlies pulled within one point at 99-98 on an O.J. Mayo long range shot. Free throws can win games, and Nowitzki put down four such shots in the final minute of OT. Nowitzki finished with 28, and from the boxscore alone, no one would know he struggled so mightily for most of the game.
TV announcers Bob Ortegel and Mark Followill commented about Dirk: “Where was that guy for the first 3 ½ quarters? I don’t know. I’m just glad he was here for the last two minutes and OT.”
Before Nowitzki found his rhythm, masked man Jason Terry put on a clinic of his own with 15 points at halftime, eight in the third and six in the fourth quarter and overtime for a total of 29. Terry executed a steal and breakaway to give the Mavs early control in the extra five minutes. Eight overtime contests this season ties a Mavericks’ franchise record.
Throughout the game, the Mavs took advantage of Memphis turnovers and racked up 11 steals compared to six for the Grizzlies. The Mavs were barely outrebounded 49-47 by one of the top rebounding teams in the league.
The Mavs outscored Memphis 16-12 in overtime for the four-point victory. The game was also tied at 50 at halftime.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
A Great Way to Spend A Couple of Hours
I have recently discovered the world of online sports chats. They are something entertaining to do on an otherwise mundane afternoon. The chats peak my interest even more when the topic of discussion is the Rangers.
Thanks to Rangers beat writer Evan Grant, who is apparently concerned that I will take his job one day, me and other people of great Rangers fandom, were able to ask Scott Feldman and Michael Young questions directly. Sounds like a dream to me, but hopefully one day when my job as a sportswriter arrives, it’ll be a reality.
I was fortunate enough to get one question answered by Scott Feldman and one by Michael Young. I’m sure they got mounds (no pun intended) of questions.
Feldman, the Rangers best pitcher last year, earned the nod of Opening Day starter this season. Just six days away, he mentioned he was looking forward to the huge crowd. That response spurred this question in my head:
So buzzing crowds really do have a positive impact for you and the other guys?
Scott Feldman:
When Michael Young, the current Rangers captain and leader in all aspects of the game came on, a flood of more than positive comments enveloped the screen. Real fans know the value of Michael Young, both on and off the baseball diamond. For more details, see my “Michael Young: The Right Captain” post in the February archives.
One of Young’s best assets at the plate is his ability to hit in a 0-2 count. Thus this question:
What is your mindset when hitting with 2 strikes? How are you able to consistently be one of the best?
Michael Young:
"I can definitely get better at it. When you get to two strikes, it's about heart. Put your nose on the ball and do everything you can to keep that at-bat alive. You can't be afraid to strike out. You have to be confident in who you are and your plan."
Well, there’s no doubt he has the heart and confidence necessary for success.
I am eagerly awaiting Young and Feldman taking the field to wild cheers Monday.
Thanks to Rangers beat writer Evan Grant, who is apparently concerned that I will take his job one day, me and other people of great Rangers fandom, were able to ask Scott Feldman and Michael Young questions directly. Sounds like a dream to me, but hopefully one day when my job as a sportswriter arrives, it’ll be a reality.
I was fortunate enough to get one question answered by Scott Feldman and one by Michael Young. I’m sure they got mounds (no pun intended) of questions.
Feldman, the Rangers best pitcher last year, earned the nod of Opening Day starter this season. Just six days away, he mentioned he was looking forward to the huge crowd. That response spurred this question in my head:
So buzzing crowds really do have a positive impact for you and the other guys?
Scott Feldman:
"Definitely. It's the most fun atmosphere you can have in a game. Other than pitching in Yankee Stadium or Fenway and that's because those places are sold out, and people are into the game. Even though they aren't cheering for you, they are into things. It just raises the energy level. It's not like if there isn't aThat confirms my sneaking suspicion. Great to know firsthand that the players do feel the energy that die-hard fans like me bring to every game. I mean it, literally all 162 of them.
big crowd you don't go out and try, but it's just nice to look around and see people in the stands. We had a series against the Angels at home last May and there were big crowds every day. We ended up sweeping that series. I remember how much fun that was and what a great atmosphere."
When Michael Young, the current Rangers captain and leader in all aspects of the game came on, a flood of more than positive comments enveloped the screen. Real fans know the value of Michael Young, both on and off the baseball diamond. For more details, see my “Michael Young: The Right Captain” post in the February archives.
One of Young’s best assets at the plate is his ability to hit in a 0-2 count. Thus this question:
What is your mindset when hitting with 2 strikes? How are you able to consistently be one of the best?
Michael Young:
"I can definitely get better at it. When you get to two strikes, it's about heart. Put your nose on the ball and do everything you can to keep that at-bat alive. You can't be afraid to strike out. You have to be confident in who you are and your plan."
Well, there’s no doubt he has the heart and confidence necessary for success.
I am eagerly awaiting Young and Feldman taking the field to wild cheers Monday.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Mavs Strike Gold Against Nuggets: Mavericks 109 Nuggets 93
Behind 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists from Dirk Nowitzki and a boisterous crowd, the Mavericks won the much-anticipated, much-talked- about showdown with the Denver Nuggets in convincing 109-93 fashion at American Airlines Center on Monday night.
The victory puts the now 49-25 Mavs in a solid second place in the Western Conference, five games behind the first-place Los Angeles Lakers. The Utah Jazz sit in third at six games out, while the Nuggets fall to 6.5 games out. If the Mavs tie for second with Denver, they would take the tiebreaker because they won the season series 2-1. If the Mavs end up knotted with Utah, the Jazz win the tiebreaker with a 2-1 season record against the Mavs.
Nowitzki’s strong numbers in points, rebounds and assists mark just the second triple-double in his 11-year, 912-game career. He notched the last piece of the triple-double, his 10th assist, on a 3-pointer by Jason Terry with 2:15 to go in the contest. It was the 17th time this season he has surpassed the 30-point plateau. Despite his heavy offensive production, Nowitzki shot just 7 for 17 from the floor. Most of his points game at the line, where he made 16 of 17 attempts or from beyond the arc, where he saw 4 of 5 shots go in for the first time this season. 3-point shooting is not Nowitzki’s forte as he has only attempted around 40 3’s for the season.
Shawn Marion netted 21 points on 9 for 13 shooting for the night. In a televised postgame interview, Nowitzki called Marion’s performance “fantastic.”All his points came in the first, second and third quarters.
With good defense, the Mavs successfully lessened the offensive impact of Carmelo Anthony. Anthony, who is third in the NBA in scoring with an average of 28.9 points per game finished with a pedestrian 10 on 3 of 16 shooting. A second offensive threat for the Nuggets, Chauncey Billups, totaled just 11 points, going 3 of 14 from the floor. J.R. Smith found the basket for 27 points off the bench.
Back in a starting role, Brendan Haywood tallied four blocks, and Nowitzki added one. Haywood also scored 10 points on a 27 assist night for the Mavs.
What a golden night.
The victory puts the now 49-25 Mavs in a solid second place in the Western Conference, five games behind the first-place Los Angeles Lakers. The Utah Jazz sit in third at six games out, while the Nuggets fall to 6.5 games out. If the Mavs tie for second with Denver, they would take the tiebreaker because they won the season series 2-1. If the Mavs end up knotted with Utah, the Jazz win the tiebreaker with a 2-1 season record against the Mavs.
Nowitzki’s strong numbers in points, rebounds and assists mark just the second triple-double in his 11-year, 912-game career. He notched the last piece of the triple-double, his 10th assist, on a 3-pointer by Jason Terry with 2:15 to go in the contest. It was the 17th time this season he has surpassed the 30-point plateau. Despite his heavy offensive production, Nowitzki shot just 7 for 17 from the floor. Most of his points game at the line, where he made 16 of 17 attempts or from beyond the arc, where he saw 4 of 5 shots go in for the first time this season. 3-point shooting is not Nowitzki’s forte as he has only attempted around 40 3’s for the season.
Shawn Marion netted 21 points on 9 for 13 shooting for the night. In a televised postgame interview, Nowitzki called Marion’s performance “fantastic.”All his points came in the first, second and third quarters.
With good defense, the Mavs successfully lessened the offensive impact of Carmelo Anthony. Anthony, who is third in the NBA in scoring with an average of 28.9 points per game finished with a pedestrian 10 on 3 of 16 shooting. A second offensive threat for the Nuggets, Chauncey Billups, totaled just 11 points, going 3 of 14 from the floor. J.R. Smith found the basket for 27 points off the bench.
Back in a starting role, Brendan Haywood tallied four blocks, and Nowitzki added one. Haywood also scored 10 points on a 27 assist night for the Mavs.
What a golden night.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Mavs Lose Shooting Contest: Trail Blazers 101 Mavericks 89
The Mavericks have proven very streaky this season. Since the beginning of February, the team has lost three out of four, won 13 in a row and then dropped four out of six. The Portland Trail Blazers have been on top in nine of their last 11 games and have won all three contests with the Mavs this season.
Thursday’s 101-89 loss to the Trail Blazers was closer than the final score let on. The Mavs found themselves within one point on several occasions, but the Trail Blazers, who shot an even 50 percent for the game, quickly squashed any hope with a basket of their own to increase the lead. The Mavs finished with a shooting mark of 44.4 percent, but at times both teams threw the ball up at a mid-50’s clip.
Former UT Longhorn LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland’s offensive attack with 20 points, followed close behind by 19 from Andre Miller, 17 from Marcus Camby and 16 from Brandon Roy. Despite 19 points and 10 rebounds, Miller put up much more reasonable numbers compared to the 52 points he scored in the last meeting between the Trail Blazers and Mavs.
Caron Butler bucketed 25 points for the Mavs, while Shawn Marion and Dirk Nowitzki each registered 15. Mask and all, Jason Terry finished with 11. Sixteen of Butler’s 25-point total came in the first half, including the last eight Maverick points leading up to the buzzer. Marion also got 11 prior to halftime, but the Mavs saw themselves down 60-54.
At the 9:51 mark of the third quarter, a Butler slam dunk tied the game at 60. But over the next four minutes, the Trail Blazers executed a 12-0 run to take a 72-60 lead. Camby scored eight during the run. A Terry 3-pointer ended it, and the Mavs put down the next seven points to pull within five. All the more proof that Mavs’ basketball is streaky.
The Mavs could not recover in the fourth as they were outscored 21-14, mostly due to Aldridge, Miller and Roy.
Other Notes
- The Mavericks shot just nine free throws for the game and made eight of them. Nowitzki was 4 for 4 from the line.
- Kidd and Terry each went 3 for 6 from long range.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Big Innings Late Hurt Rangers: Angels 9 Rangers 6
It’s a relief to realize that spring training games really don’t have any bearing on the regular season. The Rangers lost Thursday afternoon for the sixth consecutive time, falling to the Angels 9-6 despite a 3-0 lead after batting in the fourth. Their record of 6-14-1 is bringing up the rear in the Cactus league. .
For what it’s worth, the Angels, who have a proven track record of winning AL West championships, aren’t much better, going 7-12 during their time in Arizona. So the matchup lacks the fervor it would carry in the regular season.
A Julio Borbon triple past center fielder Torii Hunter followed by a Michael Young RBI single in the third gave the Rangers their first run. Borbon’s speed once again helped the Rangers. Rangers starter Derek Holland, the only hurler to shutout the Angels last season, pitched three scoreless innings.
Two more Rangers crossed the plate in the fourth. Chris Davis led off with a double to right field and got to third on a Bobby Abreu error. He scored on a 2-2 double off the wall by catcher Taylor Teagarden. After an Elvis Andrus groundout, Borbon singled to score Teagarden, who averted a play at the plate. More runs could have scored had Vlad Guerrero connected on a ball he drove to third for the final out of the inning. The at-bat served as a firsthand look at the free-swinging slugger. He swung at a pitch that bounced home and clearly doesn’t know how to take anything but a big swing.
Trouble surfaced for Holland, who pitched 5 1/3 innings, in the bottom of the inning when he surrendered three singled in a row to Hunter, Hideki Matsui and Kendry Morales, who tallied an RBI. A 5-4-3 double play left a runner at third, which scored thanks to a Howie Kendrick single. Holland was also called for a balk in the inning.
But the real problems came after Holland left the mound. Alexi Orgando allowed three hits, two earned runs and two walks in 1/3 of an inning. Ben Snyder, a Rule 5 pick, tried to stop the bleeding but allowed three hits, three earned runs and two walks of his own. Neither guy is expected to make the squad, especially after those outings.
Newly-acquired catcher Matt Treanor hit a two-run homer in the eighth.
The next televised spring training game is Sunday afternoon.
For what it’s worth, the Angels, who have a proven track record of winning AL West championships, aren’t much better, going 7-12 during their time in Arizona. So the matchup lacks the fervor it would carry in the regular season.
A Julio Borbon triple past center fielder Torii Hunter followed by a Michael Young RBI single in the third gave the Rangers their first run. Borbon’s speed once again helped the Rangers. Rangers starter Derek Holland, the only hurler to shutout the Angels last season, pitched three scoreless innings.
Two more Rangers crossed the plate in the fourth. Chris Davis led off with a double to right field and got to third on a Bobby Abreu error. He scored on a 2-2 double off the wall by catcher Taylor Teagarden. After an Elvis Andrus groundout, Borbon singled to score Teagarden, who averted a play at the plate. More runs could have scored had Vlad Guerrero connected on a ball he drove to third for the final out of the inning. The at-bat served as a firsthand look at the free-swinging slugger. He swung at a pitch that bounced home and clearly doesn’t know how to take anything but a big swing.
Trouble surfaced for Holland, who pitched 5 1/3 innings, in the bottom of the inning when he surrendered three singled in a row to Hunter, Hideki Matsui and Kendry Morales, who tallied an RBI. A 5-4-3 double play left a runner at third, which scored thanks to a Howie Kendrick single. Holland was also called for a balk in the inning.
But the real problems came after Holland left the mound. Alexi Orgando allowed three hits, two earned runs and two walks in 1/3 of an inning. Ben Snyder, a Rule 5 pick, tried to stop the bleeding but allowed three hits, three earned runs and two walks of his own. Neither guy is expected to make the squad, especially after those outings.
Newly-acquired catcher Matt Treanor hit a two-run homer in the eighth.
The next televised spring training game is Sunday afternoon.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Without Dirk, Kidd Has His Own Party in the 4th: Mavericks 106 Clippers 96
Dirk Nowitzki is the centerpiece of the Mavericks offense. He is seventh in the league in scoring at 24.8 points per game and is an intimidating presence to defend. Having scored 18 points in just over 19 minutes on the court, Nowitzki was on his way to being the leading scorer once again.
But with 9:16 left in the third quarter, former Maverick Drew Gooden appeared to have brushed Nowitzki in the back, but the foul was called on Nowitzki. Clearly angered by the call, Nowitzki received two technical fouls and an ejection from the game.
The result: a steaming head coach, visibly rattled players and a 14-point third quarter by the Mavericks. The Clippers outscored the Mavs by 15 and what looked like an easy Maverick victory after a 14-point halftime lead turned into a 77-76 deficit at the end of the third quarter. A stark contrast to the other three 30-plus point quarters.
Enter game-changers Rodrique Beaubois and Jason Kidd. Beaubois came into the game with 2:55 remaining in the third and bucketed seven points in a row with a 3-pointer, a layup and an impressive dunk. With a strong fourth-quarter performer like Nowitzki out, Kidd, on his 37th birthday, served as the offensive powerhouse the Mavs needed for the 106-96 victory. He had his name all over the stat sheet with a season-high 26 points, 12 assists and six rebounds. Thirteen of Kidd’s 26 points came in the fourth on three 3’s and two layups. He also tallied four assists in the quarter, including on his protégé’s dunk to begin the quarter.
The Mavs outscored the Clippers 30-19 in the final 12 minutes, which began, thanks to Kidd and Beaubois, with a 22-3 Mavs run.
Brendan Haywood also got six of his 12 points in the fourth as well as 10 rebounds and four blocks for the game. Third in the NBA, Haywood averages 2.11 blocks per game.
After going for the mask-free look Monday, Jason Terry sported the mask again Tuesday.
For the Clippers, Gooden brought it all to the court against his former team with a notable double-double of 26 points and 20 rebounds.
The Mavs embark on a two-game West Coast road trip before returning home Monday for an important conference matchup with the Denver Nuggets. The Mavs win coupled with the Nuggets loss puts the two teams in a tie for second at the moment.
But with 9:16 left in the third quarter, former Maverick Drew Gooden appeared to have brushed Nowitzki in the back, but the foul was called on Nowitzki. Clearly angered by the call, Nowitzki received two technical fouls and an ejection from the game.
The result: a steaming head coach, visibly rattled players and a 14-point third quarter by the Mavericks. The Clippers outscored the Mavs by 15 and what looked like an easy Maverick victory after a 14-point halftime lead turned into a 77-76 deficit at the end of the third quarter. A stark contrast to the other three 30-plus point quarters.
Enter game-changers Rodrique Beaubois and Jason Kidd. Beaubois came into the game with 2:55 remaining in the third and bucketed seven points in a row with a 3-pointer, a layup and an impressive dunk. With a strong fourth-quarter performer like Nowitzki out, Kidd, on his 37th birthday, served as the offensive powerhouse the Mavs needed for the 106-96 victory. He had his name all over the stat sheet with a season-high 26 points, 12 assists and six rebounds. Thirteen of Kidd’s 26 points came in the fourth on three 3’s and two layups. He also tallied four assists in the quarter, including on his protégé’s dunk to begin the quarter.
The Mavs outscored the Clippers 30-19 in the final 12 minutes, which began, thanks to Kidd and Beaubois, with a 22-3 Mavs run.
Brendan Haywood also got six of his 12 points in the fourth as well as 10 rebounds and four blocks for the game. Third in the NBA, Haywood averages 2.11 blocks per game.
After going for the mask-free look Monday, Jason Terry sported the mask again Tuesday.
For the Clippers, Gooden brought it all to the court against his former team with a notable double-double of 26 points and 20 rebounds.
The Mavs embark on a two-game West Coast road trip before returning home Monday for an important conference matchup with the Denver Nuggets. The Mavs win coupled with the Nuggets loss puts the two teams in a tie for second at the moment.
Back To Blogging
I recently moved, and learned that transferring one’s high-speed Internet is no high-speed process. After a week without Internet (Dial-up does not count), I am excited to get back to writing.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Not Such A Walk In The Park: Giants 8 Rangers 5
I’m moving, so I’ve had little access to Internet over the past two days. So forgive me for the late and limited coverage of last night’s Rangers-Giants game in Arizona.
The walk numbers for Rangers pitchers have been down so far this spring, but that was not so on Monday night. Both teams struggled with their control as the Rangers walked seven batters and the Giants five.
Rich Harden went 3 2/3 innings and threw 80 pitches.
The second batter of the game, Fred Lewis, homered and gave the Giants a 2-0. The Rangers tied the game at 3-3 in the third but couldn’t score again until the eighth.
Nelson Cruz hit the ball out of the park for the Rangers.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
L.T. Jetting From One Coast To Another
Former TCU star running back LaDainian Tomlinson has signed a 2-year $5.2 million contract with the New York Jets. After getting cut by the Chargers last month, the No. 5 overall pick in 2001, considered the Vikings and Jets and spent a day with each team before making his decision.
L.T. has 12,490 rushing yards to his name and is second in the NFL with 138 rushing touchdowns, and his 153 total touchdowns is third in the league.
He wore No. 5 for the Horned Frogs. Go Frogs!
L.T. has 12,490 rushing yards to his name and is second in the NFL with 138 rushing touchdowns, and his 153 total touchdowns is third in the league.
He wore No. 5 for the Horned Frogs. Go Frogs!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Knicks Knock Out Mavs: Knicks 128 Mavericks 94
With a marquee bout just down the road, the Mavericks didn’t put up much of a fight Saturday at the American Airlines Center as their much-talked-about win streak came to a screeching halt in a 128-94 loss to the New York Knicks.
The game really never was close as the now 23-43 Knicks plain and simply outplayed the now 45-22 Dallas Mavericks. The 128-78 dismantling the Knicks suffered at the hands of the Mavericks on January 24th for the worst home loss in team history was undoubtedly on their minds.
With an extra burst of energy, the Knicks got their revenge. Although the Mavs have a league best 18 wins when trailing at halftime, this one was not to be.
The Knicks expanded their lead every quarter, leading 30-25 after the first, 58-48 at the half, 91-66 after the third and eventually 128-94. A shooting percentage of 56.2 percent for the game, combined with 16 3-pointers will do that. The Knicks sit third in the league in 3’s attempted, and they all fell in on an exceptionally good night. Seven players made 3’s in the game, but Toney Douglas and Bill Walker really had hot hands, going 4 for 4 and 5 for 8 respectively from long range. Jason Kidd landed 4 3’s for the Mavs.
Down by 10 at halftime, the Mavs were outscored 33-18 in the third, and the Knicks managed three quarters of 30 points or more including a 37-point fourth. It’s surprising that only four Knicks players finished with 20 or more points. Rick Carlisle simply called it “ugly.”
Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Other Notes
In a phone interview during the second quarter, Jason Terry said he hopes to play in Wednesday’s game against the Bulls. Terry practiced Friday for the first time since fracturing his orbital bone March 3rd. Uncomfortable with the mask he used, he sought out a more custom fit. Terry wants to be safe but is not too keen of the mask idea and plans to shed it as quickly as possible.
The game really never was close as the now 23-43 Knicks plain and simply outplayed the now 45-22 Dallas Mavericks. The 128-78 dismantling the Knicks suffered at the hands of the Mavericks on January 24th for the worst home loss in team history was undoubtedly on their minds.
With an extra burst of energy, the Knicks got their revenge. Although the Mavs have a league best 18 wins when trailing at halftime, this one was not to be.
The Knicks expanded their lead every quarter, leading 30-25 after the first, 58-48 at the half, 91-66 after the third and eventually 128-94. A shooting percentage of 56.2 percent for the game, combined with 16 3-pointers will do that. The Knicks sit third in the league in 3’s attempted, and they all fell in on an exceptionally good night. Seven players made 3’s in the game, but Toney Douglas and Bill Walker really had hot hands, going 4 for 4 and 5 for 8 respectively from long range. Jason Kidd landed 4 3’s for the Mavs.
Down by 10 at halftime, the Mavs were outscored 33-18 in the third, and the Knicks managed three quarters of 30 points or more including a 37-point fourth. It’s surprising that only four Knicks players finished with 20 or more points. Rick Carlisle simply called it “ugly.”
Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Other Notes
In a phone interview during the second quarter, Jason Terry said he hopes to play in Wednesday’s game against the Bulls. Terry practiced Friday for the first time since fracturing his orbital bone March 3rd. Uncomfortable with the mask he used, he sought out a more custom fit. Terry wants to be safe but is not too keen of the mask idea and plans to shed it as quickly as possible.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Woman Named Head Coach of High School Football Team In D.C.
On Friday, Calvin Coolidge Senior High School in Washington D.C. named Natalie Randolph its new head football coach. A science teacher at the school, Randolph played for the D.C. Divas, a women’s professional football team, from 2004 to 2008. While Randolph realizes her new job will draw attention, she is ready to get on the field and start coaching.
Read more here: http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/11/woman.football.coach/?hpt=Mid
Read more here: http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/11/woman.football.coach/?hpt=Mid
A Salty Situation
There is more to the Jarrod Saltamacchia situation than the Rangers are letting on.
Saltamacchia was scratched from Tuesday’s spring training game with shoulder soreness. It’s thought that the soreness may be caused by scar tissue that developed as a result of surgery to remove a rib and correct thoracic outlet syndrome.
While I tried to downplay it, he’s now missed three games, and some words from manager Ron Washington and general manager Jon Daniels raise questions about his chances to win the starting catcher role. I think the Rangers want Salty to be a healthy starting backstop and leader for the pitching staff as well as reach the potential they saw in him after trading Mark Teixeira.
In an article written by T.R. Sullivan, Washington stayed vague on the situation.
The statement about a statement sounds more than a little fishy to me. It makes me think the Rangers know more than they are willing to talk about.
Although the Rangers are carrying six catchers in Surprise, only Saltamacchia and Taylor Teagarden are true candidates for the starting job.
But comments from Jon Daniels make me wonder whether management will even make a decision or choose to split time equally between the two.
Clearly, a lot is riding on camp for Saltalamacchia. He needs to get on the field and prove he can play day after day. If he doesn’t, he could be staring at a much-reduced role on the club.
Saltamacchia was scratched from Tuesday’s spring training game with shoulder soreness. It’s thought that the soreness may be caused by scar tissue that developed as a result of surgery to remove a rib and correct thoracic outlet syndrome.
While I tried to downplay it, he’s now missed three games, and some words from manager Ron Washington and general manager Jon Daniels raise questions about his chances to win the starting catcher role. I think the Rangers want Salty to be a healthy starting backstop and leader for the pitching staff as well as reach the potential they saw in him after trading Mark Teixeira.
In an article written by T.R. Sullivan, Washington stayed vague on the situation.
“We'll keep those guys hoping behind the dish until we make a statement. They don't seem to be fretting it. We have until April 5 ... we'll be all right by then.”
-Ron Washington
The statement about a statement sounds more than a little fishy to me. It makes me think the Rangers know more than they are willing to talk about.
Although the Rangers are carrying six catchers in Surprise, only Saltamacchia and Taylor Teagarden are true candidates for the starting job.
But comments from Jon Daniels make me wonder whether management will even make a decision or choose to split time equally between the two.
"It could be ... it's something we've talked about," "I'm not one to say there is one way of doing things. Some would say you have to have a clear No. 1, some would say you have to have at least one veteran ... to me it's all about the individual."
-Jon Daniels
Clearly, a lot is riding on camp for Saltalamacchia. He needs to get on the field and prove he can play day after day. If he doesn’t, he could be staring at a much-reduced role on the club.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Mavs' Streak Reaches 13: Mavericks 96 Nets 87
Nerve-racking. Nail-biting. Down to the final minutes.
These are all descriptions you would not expect to read about a game between the now 45-21 Dallas Mavericks and the now 7-57 New Jersey Nets. On paper, the matchup should have been a sleeper of a game, but the 96-87 Maverick win was anything but that.
The Nets sent their message right from the tipoff: A bad record doesn’t automatically equate to a bad team. Just to make sure the Mavericks got the idea, the Nets executed am 11-0 run right out of the gate.
Much of that offense came from former Maverick Devin Harris, whose shots met the basket for 11 points in the first quarter. Brook Lopez, who averages 19 points, nine rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, had 10 points through one quarter. The Nets shot 65 percent in the first quarter compared to the Mavs’ 37 percent. No surprise, yet a big surprise that the Nets ended the first up 33-19.
Despite allowing the Nets to score just 14 points in the second quarter, the Mavs weren’t able to pull away, scoring just 20 points for themselves as the lead ballooned to 18. Rodrique Beaubois led the offense with 11 points off the bench in the first half, helping the Mavs’ pear down the deficit to a more manageable eight points at the half at 47-39. Beaubois had a driving layup, a crucial 3-point play and an assist on a Shawn Marion dunk in the second quarter. A minute and a half before Beaubois’ 3-point play, Dirk Nowitzki missed the free throw to complete his own 3-point play.
The Mavericks dealt with a rare off night from Nowitzki. He went 2 of 9 shooting in the first half and 3 of 16 for the game, finishing with 12 points.
Nowitzki did assist the Mavericks in erasing their 8-point halftime deficit with a bucket and free throws. For the most part though, veterans Jason Kidd and Caron Butler took over in the second half. With 7:26 left in the third and the score knotted at 51, a mini victory in itself, Devin Harris hit from long range. All Kidd could do was answer to tie the game at 54 and send the Mavs’ into an 8-0 run that would include another Kidd 3 and put them up 59-54. Kidd found the basket on five 3-pointers for the game and had a team-high 20 points.
The Nets were baffled when their offensive leader, Devin Harris, who bucketed 21, had to leave the game because of foul problems. With Harris sitting, the Mavs’ opened up an 81-69 lead. But the lead dwindled as the Nets stayed with the Mavs’ and even put together an 11-0 run to get within 1 point at 81-80.
Having hit his stride offensively in the past three games, Butler finished with 18 points for the game, including a number of important buckets in the final quarter. Butler stopped the Nets’ run and scored baskets to put the Mavs up 87-83 and 92-85.
Brendan Haywood fashioned a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, mostly after halftime. Haywood missed the previous two games with back stiffness. Erick Dampier also played for the first time since suffering an open dislocation to his right middle finger February. 16th. J.J Barea sat out the game with a sprained ankle.
Fourteen points and 13 rebounds also gave Marion a double-double.
The Mavs’ 13-game winning streak ties the Cleveland Cavilers for the longest in the NBA this season.
These are all descriptions you would not expect to read about a game between the now 45-21 Dallas Mavericks and the now 7-57 New Jersey Nets. On paper, the matchup should have been a sleeper of a game, but the 96-87 Maverick win was anything but that.
The Nets sent their message right from the tipoff: A bad record doesn’t automatically equate to a bad team. Just to make sure the Mavericks got the idea, the Nets executed am 11-0 run right out of the gate.
Much of that offense came from former Maverick Devin Harris, whose shots met the basket for 11 points in the first quarter. Brook Lopez, who averages 19 points, nine rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, had 10 points through one quarter. The Nets shot 65 percent in the first quarter compared to the Mavs’ 37 percent. No surprise, yet a big surprise that the Nets ended the first up 33-19.
Despite allowing the Nets to score just 14 points in the second quarter, the Mavs weren’t able to pull away, scoring just 20 points for themselves as the lead ballooned to 18. Rodrique Beaubois led the offense with 11 points off the bench in the first half, helping the Mavs’ pear down the deficit to a more manageable eight points at the half at 47-39. Beaubois had a driving layup, a crucial 3-point play and an assist on a Shawn Marion dunk in the second quarter. A minute and a half before Beaubois’ 3-point play, Dirk Nowitzki missed the free throw to complete his own 3-point play.
The Mavericks dealt with a rare off night from Nowitzki. He went 2 of 9 shooting in the first half and 3 of 16 for the game, finishing with 12 points.
Nowitzki did assist the Mavericks in erasing their 8-point halftime deficit with a bucket and free throws. For the most part though, veterans Jason Kidd and Caron Butler took over in the second half. With 7:26 left in the third and the score knotted at 51, a mini victory in itself, Devin Harris hit from long range. All Kidd could do was answer to tie the game at 54 and send the Mavs’ into an 8-0 run that would include another Kidd 3 and put them up 59-54. Kidd found the basket on five 3-pointers for the game and had a team-high 20 points.
The Nets were baffled when their offensive leader, Devin Harris, who bucketed 21, had to leave the game because of foul problems. With Harris sitting, the Mavs’ opened up an 81-69 lead. But the lead dwindled as the Nets stayed with the Mavs’ and even put together an 11-0 run to get within 1 point at 81-80.
Having hit his stride offensively in the past three games, Butler finished with 18 points for the game, including a number of important buckets in the final quarter. Butler stopped the Nets’ run and scored baskets to put the Mavs up 87-83 and 92-85.
Brendan Haywood fashioned a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, mostly after halftime. Haywood missed the previous two games with back stiffness. Erick Dampier also played for the first time since suffering an open dislocation to his right middle finger February. 16th. J.J Barea sat out the game with a sprained ankle.
Fourteen points and 13 rebounds also gave Marion a double-double.
The Mavs’ 13-game winning streak ties the Cleveland Cavilers for the longest in the NBA this season.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Mavs Reign In Timberwolves: Mavericks 125 Timberwolves 112
For unexplainable reasons, the lowly 14-50 Timberwolves, who sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, have presented all kinds of trouble for the playoff-bound Mavericks, now owners of a 12-game winning streak.
Case and point: The Timberwolves shocked a discombobulated Mavericks team at the American Airlines Center, winning 117-108 on February 5th. Just five days ago, the Mavericks once again barely escaped at home, with a 112-109 victory that went down to the final seconds.
Monday night’s game started down a similar path. The Timberwolves found themselves up by 10 early at 19-9. But that’s where the script changes. Sick of getting stuck in the middle of tight contests with the lesser Timberwolves, the Mavs sculpted a 25-8 run without Dirk Nowitzki on the floor. Tagged with two fouls just 1:39 into the game, Nowitzki found himself on the sidelines for the rest of the first quarter. Shawn Marion began the run and netted 10 points in the first quarter en route to a season’s-best 29 points to go with 14 rebounds for a double-double. Jason Kidd and Caron Butler each recorded seven points in the opening frame.
Any Timberwolves’ advantage became a distant memory as Nowitzki returned to the floor in the second quarter and found the basket for 12 points in about seven minutes before foul trouble sent him out of the game again. One of the worst teams in the league as far as turnovers are concerned, the Timberwolves gave up the ball at least 15 times in the first half. That statistic and nearly 61 percent shooting for the Mavs in the half led to a 37-point second quarter and 71 points at halftime.
Led by Al Jefferson’s 36 points for the game and Ryan Gomes, the Timberwolves put up a 34-point quarter of their own and cut the lead down to 10 at 71-61 at the break. Minnesota’s 26 turnovers represented the dagger in any hope of coming back.
Marion, who played 37:54 in the game, set a new season-high for points by the 6:50 mark of the third. Dressing only nine players, all five starters finished in double figures. Eduardo Najera and J.J. Barea each contributed nine while DeShawn Stevenson and Matt Carroll had four apiece. Carroll hasn’t played since February 22 but saw 7:34 minutes Monday as a result of foul trouble for the starters.
Other Notes
- Things got interesting in the fourth as Minnesota’s Ryan Hollins was called for a Flagrant 2 foul on Nowitzki and ejected from the game.
- J.J Barea rolled his ankle in the fourth and was unable to shoot his foul shots. Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis got to pick Barea’s replacement. He chose Najera, who made both shots. Hopefully, Barea is OK; the Mavs don’t need any more injuries.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Rain, Rain Go Away
For the second day in a row, the Dallas weather apparently is playing hooky and showing up in Arizona. Although, it may not be having as much fun as yesterday. Saturday’s sun and temperatures in the 70’s have turned into rain and temperatures in the 50’s in both locales.
The nasty change means no contest between the Rangers and Indians today. And none of Eric Nadel’s vivid descriptions of the ballpark that make me yearn to be there.
The Rangers play the Angels at Surprise Stadium on Monday. I wonder what sort of reaction Vladimir Guerrero will receive. If you're hare core, you can listen to the webcast and find out.
The nasty change means no contest between the Rangers and Indians today. And none of Eric Nadel’s vivid descriptions of the ballpark that make me yearn to be there.
The Rangers play the Angels at Surprise Stadium on Monday. I wonder what sort of reaction Vladimir Guerrero will receive. If you're hare core, you can listen to the webcast and find out.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Ultimate Example of Teamwork: Mavericks 122 Bulls 116
A couple of hours ago, I said the Mavericks would face a test from the Chicago Bulls. They passed it with flying colors. The game should be bottled and labeled as “A True Testament to Teamwork.”
Without Jason Terry or Brendan Haywood, the Mavs overcame a 36-point fourth quarter by the Bulls to win their 11th in a row, 122-116. The Bulls usually allow opponents to make 44 percent of field goals, the fourth best figure in the NBA. But the offense completely connected as the Mavs shot 56.3 percent for the game. The 122 points represents the most allowed by Chicago this season.
With the help of 3’s from J.J. Barea, Eduardo Najera, DeShawn Stevenson and Jason Kidd, the Mavs scored 36 points in the second quarter to go into halftime with an 11-point advantage at 66-55.
This 11-game win streak is impressive, but another streak also deserves recognition. With 24 points, rookie Rodrique Beaubois set a new career high in points for the third consecutive game. As if that is not enough, Beaubois also finished with five assists and five rebounds in 34:47 minutes in a starting role for the short-handed Mavs. The Jet would be proud that the rookie has really taken off.
But this win wasn’t focused on one player but the entirety of the effort. Shawn Marion matched his highest point total with 18. Najera netted 11, his most since his return to the Mavs, including three shots from long range. The 3-point shot is one of the game assets Najera developed after leaving the Mavs. Caron Butler, who had banked one 3 since coming to the Mavs, connected three times, Kidd was 2 of 5 on 3’s.
Butler led the Mavericks with 15 of his 24 points in the first half, followed closely by Marion, who registered 14 of his 18 before halftime. After two quarters, Dirk Nowitzki bucketed 12, a pedestrian mark by his standards. After getting just one basket in the third, the Big German turned it on for 13 in the fourth and ended with a team-high 27. As if following a script, the game got too close for comfort and the Mavs were happy to have Nowitzki take it another level again.
As a matter of fact, everyone rose to the occasion. Teams with chemistry can do that.
Without Jason Terry or Brendan Haywood, the Mavs overcame a 36-point fourth quarter by the Bulls to win their 11th in a row, 122-116. The Bulls usually allow opponents to make 44 percent of field goals, the fourth best figure in the NBA. But the offense completely connected as the Mavs shot 56.3 percent for the game. The 122 points represents the most allowed by Chicago this season.
With the help of 3’s from J.J. Barea, Eduardo Najera, DeShawn Stevenson and Jason Kidd, the Mavs scored 36 points in the second quarter to go into halftime with an 11-point advantage at 66-55.
This 11-game win streak is impressive, but another streak also deserves recognition. With 24 points, rookie Rodrique Beaubois set a new career high in points for the third consecutive game. As if that is not enough, Beaubois also finished with five assists and five rebounds in 34:47 minutes in a starting role for the short-handed Mavs. The Jet would be proud that the rookie has really taken off.
But this win wasn’t focused on one player but the entirety of the effort. Shawn Marion matched his highest point total with 18. Najera netted 11, his most since his return to the Mavs, including three shots from long range. The 3-point shot is one of the game assets Najera developed after leaving the Mavs. Caron Butler, who had banked one 3 since coming to the Mavs, connected three times, Kidd was 2 of 5 on 3’s.
Butler led the Mavericks with 15 of his 24 points in the first half, followed closely by Marion, who registered 14 of his 18 before halftime. After two quarters, Dirk Nowitzki bucketed 12, a pedestrian mark by his standards. After getting just one basket in the third, the Big German turned it on for 13 in the fourth and ended with a team-high 27. As if following a script, the game got too close for comfort and the Mavs were happy to have Nowitzki take it another level again.
As a matter of fact, everyone rose to the occasion. Teams with chemistry can do that.
Triple Threat Saturday...Or Not
It’s 70 degrees and partly sunny in Dallas today – the perfect day for sports. Hopefully, the harsh winter, at least by Dallas standards, is gone, and we will be graced with more days with more days like this one.
The Stars, Rangers and Mavericks are all in action today, but unfortunately all in road contests. They are missing out on this beautiful weather. And not only that, but the Stars and Rangers have already lost today.
The Stars served as the opposition for a lunchtime puck drop with the Pittsburgh Penguins and just continued their post-Olympic break stupor that that the team hasn’t been able to shake since returning to NHL ice Tuesday. The Stars have been outscored 17-5 in three games this week. In an attempt to reverse fortunes, the Stars tried Kari Lehtonen in goal in wake of Marty Turco’s recent struggles. But things didn’t go much better.
To be fair, the Stars had a chance in Saturday’s game, one that was created and seemed to fizzle away in the second period. Tied 1-1 after the first period, the Stars scored a pair of goals in 59 seconds courtesy of Brandon Segal and Loui Eriksson to take a 3-1 lead. Before the end of the period though, Lehtonen allowed three goals, and the lead would completely dissolve never to be seen again. For good measure, the Penguins added two more goals in the final frame.
Like the day in Dallas, the Rangers played their spring training game with the Royals in near-perfect weather this afternoon in Surprise, Ariz. But they certainly didn’t garner any benefits from it.
Today’s game carried much more of a spring training vibe with it than Thursday’s tilt. With the exception of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Chris Davis and Nelson Cruz, the Rangers rested most of the faces fans can expect to see on Opening Day.
Both of the Royals’ runs were unearned in the 2-1 victory for Kansas City as the Rangers ‘B’ lineup committed four errors. The only run for the Rangers crossed the plate as a result of two walks, a stolen base by Esteban German and an RBI groundout by Le Garcia for his first RBI in big league camp.
Good news comes from the fact that seven Ranger pitchers did not walk anybody, and the staff in general has shown excellent control and efficiency during the first three games.
The Rangers travel to Goodyear, Ariz tomorrow to play the Indians.
The Mavericks are the third team from Dallas to play today, and hopefully they can beat the Bulls for their 11th straight victory. But minus Jason Terry and likely Brendan Haywood, the team’s depth will be tested once again, especially on the second night of a back to back.
We will see in roughly 10 minutes…
The Stars, Rangers and Mavericks are all in action today, but unfortunately all in road contests. They are missing out on this beautiful weather. And not only that, but the Stars and Rangers have already lost today.
The Stars served as the opposition for a lunchtime puck drop with the Pittsburgh Penguins and just continued their post-Olympic break stupor that that the team hasn’t been able to shake since returning to NHL ice Tuesday. The Stars have been outscored 17-5 in three games this week. In an attempt to reverse fortunes, the Stars tried Kari Lehtonen in goal in wake of Marty Turco’s recent struggles. But things didn’t go much better.
To be fair, the Stars had a chance in Saturday’s game, one that was created and seemed to fizzle away in the second period. Tied 1-1 after the first period, the Stars scored a pair of goals in 59 seconds courtesy of Brandon Segal and Loui Eriksson to take a 3-1 lead. Before the end of the period though, Lehtonen allowed three goals, and the lead would completely dissolve never to be seen again. For good measure, the Penguins added two more goals in the final frame.
Like the day in Dallas, the Rangers played their spring training game with the Royals in near-perfect weather this afternoon in Surprise, Ariz. But they certainly didn’t garner any benefits from it.
Today’s game carried much more of a spring training vibe with it than Thursday’s tilt. With the exception of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Chris Davis and Nelson Cruz, the Rangers rested most of the faces fans can expect to see on Opening Day.
Both of the Royals’ runs were unearned in the 2-1 victory for Kansas City as the Rangers ‘B’ lineup committed four errors. The only run for the Rangers crossed the plate as a result of two walks, a stolen base by Esteban German and an RBI groundout by Le Garcia for his first RBI in big league camp.
Good news comes from the fact that seven Ranger pitchers did not walk anybody, and the staff in general has shown excellent control and efficiency during the first three games.
The Rangers travel to Goodyear, Ariz tomorrow to play the Indians.
The Mavericks are the third team from Dallas to play today, and hopefully they can beat the Bulls for their 11th straight victory. But minus Jason Terry and likely Brendan Haywood, the team’s depth will be tested once again, especially on the second night of a back to back.
We will see in roughly 10 minutes…
Friday, March 5, 2010
Mavs Topple Kings: Mavericks 108 Kings 100
Free throws can make a big difference in close basketball games. Head coach Rick Carlisle doesn’t get fired up about things, but he felt that a lack of foul calls and thus free throws for the Mavericks was worthy of argument.
Ironically, in the end, six free throws, four from Dirk Nowitzki and two from Jason Kidd, would put the final seal on a 108-100 victory over the Sacramento Kings, the 10th in a row for the Mavericks.
With 6:37 remaining in the second quarter, Carlisle was called for two consecutive technical fouls and asked to leave the floor. At that point, the Mavericks had not yet attempted a single free throw, although the Mavs’ would say that the officiating crew missed several calls on Kings’ players who made too much contact with Dirk Nowitzki.
The ejection brought the Mavs a new wave of energy and a buzz that may have been lacking due to Jason Terry’s absence. Terry underwent a surgerial procedure Friday morning to repair a broken orbital bone. The break is on the outer part of the bone, which means it should heal quicker than an interior fracture. If all goes well, Jet could return to action in seven to 10 days.
After a 15-5 run to complete 24 minutes, the Mavs were only looking at a one-point deficit at halftime with a score of 53-52. Rodrique Beaubois finished the half with two 3-pointers, two layups and a free throw, the first of the game for the Mavericks. For the game, Beaubois bucketed 22 points in 24:29 minutes. The 22 was a new career high for the rookie and surpassed his previous high mark of 17 that he set just two days ago. J.J. Barea racked up three of his seven assists during the rally.
Beaubois, Barea and DeShawn Stevenson will try to cover for the injured Terry.
The rally spilled over into the third quarter when the Mavs outscored the Kings 33-19. An immediate dunk by Beaubois set a vigorous tone to the quarter. Seven different men scored in the third, and 10 of the points came from the free throw line.
Nowitzki scored 23 of his team-high 31 points in the second half, and he saved 13 for the fourth when it became a one-basket game with 1:36 to go.
Carlisle’s efforts and emotion did not go to waste as free throws – what he was fighting for - provided the Mavs’ the necessary cushion to win.
Ironically, in the end, six free throws, four from Dirk Nowitzki and two from Jason Kidd, would put the final seal on a 108-100 victory over the Sacramento Kings, the 10th in a row for the Mavericks.
With 6:37 remaining in the second quarter, Carlisle was called for two consecutive technical fouls and asked to leave the floor. At that point, the Mavericks had not yet attempted a single free throw, although the Mavs’ would say that the officiating crew missed several calls on Kings’ players who made too much contact with Dirk Nowitzki.
The ejection brought the Mavs a new wave of energy and a buzz that may have been lacking due to Jason Terry’s absence. Terry underwent a surgerial procedure Friday morning to repair a broken orbital bone. The break is on the outer part of the bone, which means it should heal quicker than an interior fracture. If all goes well, Jet could return to action in seven to 10 days.
After a 15-5 run to complete 24 minutes, the Mavs were only looking at a one-point deficit at halftime with a score of 53-52. Rodrique Beaubois finished the half with two 3-pointers, two layups and a free throw, the first of the game for the Mavericks. For the game, Beaubois bucketed 22 points in 24:29 minutes. The 22 was a new career high for the rookie and surpassed his previous high mark of 17 that he set just two days ago. J.J. Barea racked up three of his seven assists during the rally.
Beaubois, Barea and DeShawn Stevenson will try to cover for the injured Terry.
The rally spilled over into the third quarter when the Mavs outscored the Kings 33-19. An immediate dunk by Beaubois set a vigorous tone to the quarter. Seven different men scored in the third, and 10 of the points came from the free throw line.
Nowitzki scored 23 of his team-high 31 points in the second half, and he saved 13 for the fourth when it became a one-basket game with 1:36 to go.
Carlisle’s efforts and emotion did not go to waste as free throws – what he was fighting for - provided the Mavs’ the necessary cushion to win.
Facial Injury Will Have Terry Cheering From Bench
Jason Terry will have surgery this morning to fix a broken orbital bone he suffered when he took a Corey Brewer elbow to his face in the third quarter of Wednesday’s win over the Timberwolves.
Terry’s first symptom was a bloody nose, but he started experiencing facial swelling near the end of the game.
Despite the injury, Terry, the only Maverick to play in all 62 games this season, returned to the game and played the entire fourth quarter, scoring seven points to end the nerve-racking 112-109 victory and extend the Mavericks' win streak to nine.
Based on the severity of the injury, which will be determined today, Terry could be sidelined anywhere from seven days to two months. Rodrique Beaubois, J.J. Barea and DeShawn Stevenson will cover for Terry while he is out. Last season, Terry returned to the lineup faster than expected after hand surgery.
A leading Sixth Man of the Year candidate, Terry averages 17 points and 3.8 assists in 33.9 minutes per game.
Terry’s first symptom was a bloody nose, but he started experiencing facial swelling near the end of the game.
Despite the injury, Terry, the only Maverick to play in all 62 games this season, returned to the game and played the entire fourth quarter, scoring seven points to end the nerve-racking 112-109 victory and extend the Mavericks' win streak to nine.
Based on the severity of the injury, which will be determined today, Terry could be sidelined anywhere from seven days to two months. Rodrique Beaubois, J.J. Barea and DeShawn Stevenson will cover for Terry while he is out. Last season, Terry returned to the lineup faster than expected after hand surgery.
A leading Sixth Man of the Year candidate, Terry averages 17 points and 3.8 assists in 33.9 minutes per game.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Rangers Deliver Royal Thrashing: Rangers 13 Royals 3
The Rangers showed no rust Thursday in their first of 31 official Cactus League games, and they didn’t cut the Royals any slack either, pounding them 13-3 at the spring training complex in Surprise, Ariz that both teams share.
The Rangers put together two four-run innings, one in the second and one in the ninth, both of which were punctuated by 3-run homers. The first long ball came courtesy of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who is vying for the job as starting catcher again in his return from thoracic outlet syndrome that cut his season to 83 games in 2009. After a hard single on the ground from right fielder Nelson Cruz and a walk by first baseman Chris Davis, Saltalamacchia connected on a 2-2 pitch from Royals’ starter Kyle Davies. An off-target throw from Saltalamacchia led to the Royals taking an early lead, but it was quickly erased by the homer.
Two batters later, Julio Borbon doubled and Michael Young singled him in for a 4-1 advantage. Along with the two-bagger, Borbon singled and stole a base to lead off the game. Just what the leadoff hitter is supposed to do.
The second four-run inning came in the ninth with a totally different lineup. The switcheroo is more than common in spring training games. The starters played about half the game and then gave way to the players truly fighting for roster spots. Up 10-3 in the ninth, shortstop Joaquin Arias reached on what was scored an error on Falu at second base for the Royals. Center fielder Craig Gentry singled. Third baseman Matt Brown provided the exclamation point for the rout when he hammered the ball over the Royals’ bullpen.
The Rangers also scored two runs in the eighth on hits from Brown. Chad Tracy, Mitch Moreland and Esteban German. Moreland, the #8 prospect in Baseball America, had three hits in three at-bats and two RBIs. One run crossed the plate in the second, third and sixth innings.
The Rangers looked at seven pitchers during the game. All of them saw one inning of action, except for starter Rich Harden and reliever Doug Mathis, who pitched two frames. Mathis surrendered an earned run. The other two Royals’ runs were unearned. The Royals sent five pitchers to the mound, four for two-inning stints, and they all left with already bloated ERA’s for the exhibition season.
Notably, Harden usually averages speeds in the 90’s but only got to a mid-80’s velocity today. Tanner Scheppers’ fastball, on the other hand, registered between 96 - 98 mph. Josh Hamilton did not play as he is being careful with the bruised shoulder he suffered in the first workout.
Happy Birthday to Tom Grieve, who has been with the Rangers in various capacities since their first season in Texas in 1972.
Rangers Lineup
CF Julio Borbon (replaced by Craig Gentry)
3B Michael Young (replaced by Matt Brown)
LF David Murphy (replaced by Chad Tracy)
DH Vladimir Guerrero (replaced by Mitch Moreland)
2B Ian Kinsler (replaced by Esteban German)
RF Nelson Cruz (replaced by Brandon Boggs)
1B Chris Davis (replaced by Justin Smoak)
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (replaced by Max Ramirez)
SS Elvis Andrus (replaced by Joaquin Arias)
The Rangers put together two four-run innings, one in the second and one in the ninth, both of which were punctuated by 3-run homers. The first long ball came courtesy of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who is vying for the job as starting catcher again in his return from thoracic outlet syndrome that cut his season to 83 games in 2009. After a hard single on the ground from right fielder Nelson Cruz and a walk by first baseman Chris Davis, Saltalamacchia connected on a 2-2 pitch from Royals’ starter Kyle Davies. An off-target throw from Saltalamacchia led to the Royals taking an early lead, but it was quickly erased by the homer.
Two batters later, Julio Borbon doubled and Michael Young singled him in for a 4-1 advantage. Along with the two-bagger, Borbon singled and stole a base to lead off the game. Just what the leadoff hitter is supposed to do.
The second four-run inning came in the ninth with a totally different lineup. The switcheroo is more than common in spring training games. The starters played about half the game and then gave way to the players truly fighting for roster spots. Up 10-3 in the ninth, shortstop Joaquin Arias reached on what was scored an error on Falu at second base for the Royals. Center fielder Craig Gentry singled. Third baseman Matt Brown provided the exclamation point for the rout when he hammered the ball over the Royals’ bullpen.
The Rangers also scored two runs in the eighth on hits from Brown. Chad Tracy, Mitch Moreland and Esteban German. Moreland, the #8 prospect in Baseball America, had three hits in three at-bats and two RBIs. One run crossed the plate in the second, third and sixth innings.
The Rangers looked at seven pitchers during the game. All of them saw one inning of action, except for starter Rich Harden and reliever Doug Mathis, who pitched two frames. Mathis surrendered an earned run. The other two Royals’ runs were unearned. The Royals sent five pitchers to the mound, four for two-inning stints, and they all left with already bloated ERA’s for the exhibition season.
Notably, Harden usually averages speeds in the 90’s but only got to a mid-80’s velocity today. Tanner Scheppers’ fastball, on the other hand, registered between 96 - 98 mph. Josh Hamilton did not play as he is being careful with the bruised shoulder he suffered in the first workout.
Happy Birthday to Tom Grieve, who has been with the Rangers in various capacities since their first season in Texas in 1972.
Rangers Lineup
CF Julio Borbon (replaced by Craig Gentry)
3B Michael Young (replaced by Matt Brown)
LF David Murphy (replaced by Chad Tracy)
DH Vladimir Guerrero (replaced by Mitch Moreland)
2B Ian Kinsler (replaced by Esteban German)
RF Nelson Cruz (replaced by Brandon Boggs)
1B Chris Davis (replaced by Justin Smoak)
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (replaced by Max Ramirez)
SS Elvis Andrus (replaced by Joaquin Arias)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Wrap-Up
Streaks Ended
For the first time since 1948, the U.S. won gold in a bobsled event, Thanks to Steve Holcomb, Justin Olsen, Steve Mesler and Curt Tomasevicz, the U.S. captured the four-man even and set two track records along the way. As you know Whistler is already billed as quicker than all the rest, so the Night Train, the name of their sled, really had a lot of speed heading down the track. On three of the four runs, the Night Train achieved the top time and finished with a total time of 3:24.46.
The U.S. ended an 86-year medal drought with a bang, winning four medals in the Nordic combined events, which combine ski jumping and cross country skiing. In the team large hill event, the United States won silver with team members Brett Camerota, Todd Lodwick, Johnny Spillane and Bill Demong. Spillane placed second in the individual normal hill while Domong and Spillane went 1-2 on the individual large hill.
Medal Records
With their 3-2 overtime victory against the U.S. in men’s hockey, the Canadians not only won gold on some soil but set a record doing it 14 times over. Overall, Canada finished third in the medal court with 14 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze medals for a total of 26.
The U.S. also set a record for total medals won at a Winter Olympics. The 37 medals include 9 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze medals.
For the first time since 1948, the U.S. won gold in a bobsled event, Thanks to Steve Holcomb, Justin Olsen, Steve Mesler and Curt Tomasevicz, the U.S. captured the four-man even and set two track records along the way. As you know Whistler is already billed as quicker than all the rest, so the Night Train, the name of their sled, really had a lot of speed heading down the track. On three of the four runs, the Night Train achieved the top time and finished with a total time of 3:24.46.
The U.S. ended an 86-year medal drought with a bang, winning four medals in the Nordic combined events, which combine ski jumping and cross country skiing. In the team large hill event, the United States won silver with team members Brett Camerota, Todd Lodwick, Johnny Spillane and Bill Demong. Spillane placed second in the individual normal hill while Domong and Spillane went 1-2 on the individual large hill.
Medal Records
With their 3-2 overtime victory against the U.S. in men’s hockey, the Canadians not only won gold on some soil but set a record doing it 14 times over. Overall, Canada finished third in the medal court with 14 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze medals for a total of 26.
The U.S. also set a record for total medals won at a Winter Olympics. The 37 medals include 9 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze medals.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Strong Second Half Denies Bobcats: Mavericks 89 Bobcats 84
Known as a strong second half team, the Mavericks needed just that to overcome the Bobcats on Monday night in Charlotte. And that’s just what they got in an 89-84 win.
With the win, the eighth in the row for the guys in blue, the Mavs once again denied the Bobcats the thrill and relief of a victory against them. Since the inception of the Bobcats franchise six years ago, the Mavs have won all 12 meetings.
Neither the presence of soon-to-be majority owner Michael Jordan nor a middle-of-the-night arrival from Dallas could save the Bobcats from the wrath of Dirk Nowitzki, Caron Butler and Jason Terry
Butler and Nowitzki teamed up in the third quarter to dig the Mavericks out of a 53-43 deficit at halftime. The tandem accounted for all but five of the team’s 23 points in the third. Nowitzki shot at a 5 for 8 clip with 10 points and four rebounds, while Butler finished 4 for 6 shooting with eight points and two boards in the quarter. Terry did much the same in the fourth quarter with 13 points. Strong finish!
Nowitzki followed up being named Western Conference Player of the Week for last week with 27 points and 13 rebounds Monday. The double-double performance was his first in 22 games. Butler’s 22 points represents his highest total so far in a Mavericks uniform.
Erick Dampier’s recovery from a dislocated right middle finger seems to be progressing on or ahead of schedule. With the splint no longer needed, only tape supported the finger during light basketball activities Monday. His stitches will be removed later in the week.
Second Half Statistics
Points:
Mavericks: 46
Bobcats: 31
Field Goal Percentage
Mavericks: 53%
Bobcats: 26%
Turnovers:
Mavericks: 4
Bobcats: 11
Points Off Turnovers:
Mavericks: 8
Bobcats: 2
With the win, the eighth in the row for the guys in blue, the Mavs once again denied the Bobcats the thrill and relief of a victory against them. Since the inception of the Bobcats franchise six years ago, the Mavs have won all 12 meetings.
Neither the presence of soon-to-be majority owner Michael Jordan nor a middle-of-the-night arrival from Dallas could save the Bobcats from the wrath of Dirk Nowitzki, Caron Butler and Jason Terry
Butler and Nowitzki teamed up in the third quarter to dig the Mavericks out of a 53-43 deficit at halftime. The tandem accounted for all but five of the team’s 23 points in the third. Nowitzki shot at a 5 for 8 clip with 10 points and four rebounds, while Butler finished 4 for 6 shooting with eight points and two boards in the quarter. Terry did much the same in the fourth quarter with 13 points. Strong finish!
Nowitzki followed up being named Western Conference Player of the Week for last week with 27 points and 13 rebounds Monday. The double-double performance was his first in 22 games. Butler’s 22 points represents his highest total so far in a Mavericks uniform.
Erick Dampier’s recovery from a dislocated right middle finger seems to be progressing on or ahead of schedule. With the splint no longer needed, only tape supported the finger during light basketball activities Monday. His stitches will be removed later in the week.
Second Half Statistics
Points:
Mavericks: 46
Bobcats: 31
Field Goal Percentage
Mavericks: 53%
Bobcats: 26%
Turnovers:
Mavericks: 4
Bobcats: 11
Points Off Turnovers:
Mavericks: 8
Bobcats: 2
Mavs Hold Off Hornets: Mavericks 108 Hornets 100
Hornets can be pesky. The New Orleans Hornets certainly bugged the Mavericks on Sunday night, knocking a 25-point lead in the third quarter down to four in the fourth. But behind Dirk Nowitzki’s 36 points, the Mavericks swatted back and beat the Hornets 108-100 at American Airlines Center.
Nowitzki’s third consecutive 30-point performance helped the Mavs’ extend their wining streak to seven games -- their longest since the 2007-2008 campaign. Nowitzki remains seventh in the NBA, averaging 25 points per game.
Following the Nuggets’ loss to the Lakers earlier Sunday, the win also puts the Mavs within half a game of the Nuggets for second place in the Western Conference.
The real reason the Mavericks won this game lies in the first two quarters – a half that saw the Mavs shoot an amazing 67 percent from the floor. Nowitzki had 16 of his 36 in the first half, Caron Butler bucketed 12 of his 19 points before going to the locker room and Jason Kidd put 10 of his 13 through the hoop in the first quarter. The Mavs also out boarded the Hornets 21-15 for the half. It all added up to a commanding 69-50 advantage after 24 minutes.
But the Hornets came to the court re-energized in the third quarter, and the Mavs’ shooting percentage plummeted down to 29 percent. For 4:45 minutes near the end of the third quarter, the offense consisted of two free throws – one from Nowitzki and one from Brendan Haywood That combination allowed the Hornets to cut a 19-point lead down to 11 at 86-75.
The lead shrank to single digits in the fourth. With 2:45 remaining, a Darren Collison 3-point shot closed the gap to 4 points at 101-97. But a Nowitzki jump shot and three late free throws would ensure the Mavericks victory.
Collison led the Hornets with 35 points, a career high for the rookie guard.
The Mavs face the Bobcats in Charlotte at 6 p.m. Monday.
Nowitzki’s third consecutive 30-point performance helped the Mavs’ extend their wining streak to seven games -- their longest since the 2007-2008 campaign. Nowitzki remains seventh in the NBA, averaging 25 points per game.
Following the Nuggets’ loss to the Lakers earlier Sunday, the win also puts the Mavs within half a game of the Nuggets for second place in the Western Conference.
The real reason the Mavericks won this game lies in the first two quarters – a half that saw the Mavs shoot an amazing 67 percent from the floor. Nowitzki had 16 of his 36 in the first half, Caron Butler bucketed 12 of his 19 points before going to the locker room and Jason Kidd put 10 of his 13 through the hoop in the first quarter. The Mavs also out boarded the Hornets 21-15 for the half. It all added up to a commanding 69-50 advantage after 24 minutes.
But the Hornets came to the court re-energized in the third quarter, and the Mavs’ shooting percentage plummeted down to 29 percent. For 4:45 minutes near the end of the third quarter, the offense consisted of two free throws – one from Nowitzki and one from Brendan Haywood That combination allowed the Hornets to cut a 19-point lead down to 11 at 86-75.
The lead shrank to single digits in the fourth. With 2:45 remaining, a Darren Collison 3-point shot closed the gap to 4 points at 101-97. But a Nowitzki jump shot and three late free throws would ensure the Mavericks victory.
Collison led the Hornets with 35 points, a career high for the rookie guard.
The Mavs face the Bobcats in Charlotte at 6 p.m. Monday.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)