If You Wanna Point Fingers, Let's Start Here

The coaching staff and players aren't the only ones to blame for the Mavs' consistently poor showings in home games this year. A portion of the blame extends to the lifeless crowds that have filled the seats at the AAC. What good is a streak of consecutive sellouts when the fans don't even engage in the game? When a team plays at home, they are supposed to be able to feel the love and respect and adoration of the home crowd. Under no circumstances, barring being the recipients of a 50 point blowout loss like the Knicks were two weeks ago, should the home team ever step on the court and be greeted with resounding boos. Last night, for the first time in a really long time, that is exactly what was heard throughout the arena as the Mavs fell behind by double digits late in the third quarter. It wasn't until the Mavs made their run and tied the game in the final few minutes that the listless fans finally stepped up and made their voices heard in a positive manner.

For many years now, I have been an avid Mavs fan, watching the games on TV, listening on the radio when I couldn't watch, and attending games in person whenever the opportunity has arisen. As someone who screams at the top of my lungs at the TV during the games (just ask my neighbors) and remains focused on the game throughout its entirety, I have never been able to understand the people who go to games just to see and be seen. For me, a basketball game has never been about networking or improving my social standing; it has always been about my love of the game and all things Dallas Mavericks. Why on earth would someone shell out money for sideline seats and then show up halfway through the game, or leave early, or virtually ignore the game being played right in front of him? What is the point of going to the game if you have no interest in the outcome?

As a cheerleader from the couch, I would gladly trade places with the men in stuffed shirts and the women in their high heels and tight jeans any day of the week. I just cannot comprehend the purpose of attending a game in person if not to cheer for your team. Even if the Mavericks are having an "off night" and things are going wrong, why kick the boys in blue when they're down? Rather than booing when they touch the ball, why not try cheering them on and encouraging them to do it better the next time? If the fans give up on the team, then what is to keep the team from giving up on itself? Isn't part of the reason these guys do what they do (aside from their large salaries and the inevitable fame that comes along with being a professional athlete) to entertain the fans?

So Mr. Corporate Suit and Ms. Halter Top in Heels, the next time you have a chance to attend a game, if you don't plan on actually watching the game and cheering for the team, why not think about giving your ticket to someone else, someone who might not otherwise be able to go, and who might truly appreciate it? Why not donate your ticket to a true blue fan, someone who screams just as loud from the sofa as they do from the cheap seats? I'm sure I could find someone who would be more than happy to take your place...