Game 2 Notes...

Mavs win by 7. It felt like 1.

The Mavericks gave the Suns repeated open looks at 3 point shots and came out of it relatively unscathed. They got a little lucky.

-The overall defensive scheme was FAR superior to game 1. Less fast break points, clogged up the lane, and at the same time didn't give too much away on the wings for the open 3's. It's a delicate damned near impossible balance and we'll see if they can do it 3 more times...

-Josh Howard. WOW. 29 points, carried the team in the first half. WOW.

-Dirk. He was Dirk. He was the Dirkiest Dirky Dirk Dirk Dirk. Driving the lane, putting the ball on the floor and his head down. Awesome.

-Steve Nash dominated in the 1st half. Took only 1 shot in the second half. Was he tired? Is he stupid? Were the Mavs lucky?

-Diop. Huge minutes in the 1st half, played good defense, had a good bucket and some blocks. Surrendered back to back 3's to Tim Thomas, that was pretty horrible. But overall Diop was a pleasant suprise, broken nose and all.

-Did Dampiere even play?

-JERRY STACKHOUSE. 3 AWEFUL turnovers in the 1st half. Missed free throws down the stretch. He looked panicked. He looked confused. He was aweful.

That's it. Mavs played a good game, nearly gave it away a couple of times but hung in there. Game 2 Sunday night.

Pray for Josh Howards ankle.