Something's Gotta Give

I can't believe I just watched the Mavericks throw away a game to the Minnesota Timberwolves, of all teams. Seriously? Those guys hadn't won in Dallas since 2006, and have won only 11 other games this season. I signed on here all prepared to write a blog about how the fans at the AAC should be ashamed of themselves for actually booing the Mavericks during the third quarter, but after watching them fall apart yet again in the final few ticks of the fourth quarter of a close game, I'm really starting to run out of reasons not to be disgusted with my team.

Dirk not starting the game was the first mistake. Yes, he was late to shoot around and rules are rules, but anyone who has followed Dirk and his career over the past twelve seasons knows he is not the type of superstar who thinks he is untouchable and above the law. Dirk is no Allen Iverson, no primadonna superstar who has to have everyone cater to his every whim. He is one of the hardest working players on this team, one who leads quietly but with intensity and fire when he steps on the court. Who else on this team, aside from Jason Kidd, has accomplished the things that Dirk has? Who else is gearing up for their ninth All-Star game and is a shoo-in as a future Hall of Famer? Sitting Dirk in favor of J-Ho to start the game against the bottom dwelling Timberwolves sends the wrong message to your team.

I'm also starting to wonder if the everchanging faces of the Mavs "normal" rotation are starting to have an effect on their game play. At the start of the season, Jet was still filling the 6th man role to provide some instant offense off the bench when our starting scorers needed a break, but he has since worked his way back into the starting lineup. JJ Barea, who had served as Kidd's backup at the point for the majority of the season, has apparently now been benched in favor of rookie Roddy Beaubois, who has shown flashes of brilliance even while continuing to make some rookie mistakes. Damp has been in and out of the lineup due primarily to his ongoing trouble with his left knee, and Josh Howard has been all over the map when it comes to playing time. Bottom line, though, regardless of whether you play 40 minutes a night or ride the pine, when Coach calls your number, you have got to be ready to step out on the court and give it all you got. That fire, intensity, passion, and determination to will your team to victory has got to be your primary purpose, not only individually, but as a unit, and that unified focus is what the Mavericks seem to be missing of late.

Watching Roddy B run the point last night, I can't complain too much. The kid was everywhere on the court all at once, on offense and defense. He hit several timely three pointers, including one as the shot clock expired. I was a bit disappointed to see him called for not one but two offensive fouls down the stretch. I was initially inclined to believe that the calls had more to do with the fact that Roddy B is a little known rookie playing in a superstar officiating system, but then just a few plays later, Dirk was also whistled for an offensive foul, all calls which changed the momentum of the game once the Mavs had finally managed to work themselves back into position to have a chance to still pull out the win.

Things just aren't working right for these Mavericks. After going 22-10 in 2009, the good guys have only managed to play .500 basketball (9-9) since January 1. Which leaves us with the burning question: what changed within the Mavericks once the new year rolled around? How can a team which was previously (and rightfully so) viewed as a dark horse contender for the championship fall so far from grace in such a short time? And will the boys in blue be able to right the ship before it is too late? Already, the Mavericks have dropped from second in the West all the way to fourth, falling behind both the Nuggets and the Jazz. While it's true they still maintain a slight lead over the Spurs in the race for the Southwest division title, if they continue to play this lackluster style of basketball, even that is likely to slip away from them.

Although it seemed things were moving in the right direction after the Mavs win over the Warriors on Wednesday night, things are only getting worse. Is it coaching, is it laziness, or is it lack of heart? I'd prefer it be one of the first two options, as those are easily corrected. A lack of heart and desire, on the other hand, poses a much bigger problem for these Mavericks, one that may not be rectified before it is too late.

Once again, it seemed like the Mavericks were only playing as a team in spurts. Where is the unity, of mind, body, and spirit, and the resulting determination to inflict their will on the outcome of the game? Hopefully, the All-Star break will give these Mavs a much needed respite and a chance to regroup and rediscover that winning frame of mind as they head into the second half of the season and prepare for the playoff push.