Friday, January 26, 2001
The Mavs broke out of their funk this past week, winning three of four at home. Their only loss came to Philadelphia and Allen Iverson; but with a twelve-game on-the-road winning streak, the Sixers are tough to beat in anyone’s own house. The wins the Mavs collected were over two decent teams, Orlando and Denver, and the feeble Grizzlies, whom they beat appropriately by 37 points.
Nowitzki has once again been the hero. He led the team in rebounding in all four games and was the high scorer in two, including a 38-point outburst in the win over Orlando. The team is playing better than it ever has and looks like a lock to make the playoffs. The question on the horizon is, Who will make the All-Star team? If Nowitzki is somehow overlooked, expect an uproar in Dallas. He’s the most deserving player on the team. But Finley, who was selected last year, has also had a good enough season to go. I say both should be All-Stars and Nowitzki should be named a starter.
By the way, this is my last Mavericks report. I’m headed temporarily to Sonic-country, Seattle, where I’ll have to put up with the strident and perpetual whining of Gary Payton and the bumbling incompetence of Vin Baker. One highlight, however, is that I’ll get to watch the continuing development of forward Rashard Lewis, who played for Houston’s Alief Elsik High School. Anyway, keep following the Mavs; they’ll be an interesting element come playoff time. Hope for a Mavs—Spurs conference final.
All the best,
Jordan
