Sound the Sirens, It's a Full Fledged Panic Attack

I hate to press the panic button and call anything a "must win" game this early in the season, but that seems to be exactly how tonight's game at the Utah Jazz is shaping up. After suffering back to back losses at Phoenix and at home against Portland in two games that were winnable right up to the final seconds, the Mavs must come out on top tonight in Salt Lake City to avoid a three-game losing skid and the fallout that goes along with it.

Just one short week ago, as the Mavs ended their longest road trip of the season (five games) with an unbelievable 50 point blowout of the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, it seemed as if things were headed back in the winning direction. A close call and unfortunate (for the Bucks) back rim bounce secured the Mavs' win over Milwaukee, marking their 10th consecutive victory in one-point games, and although it was too close for comfort, the good guys still grabbed the W. On Thursday night in Phoenix, the Mavs held the lead for nearly the entire game -- right up until crunch time, when things started falling apart, and the Suns clinched the victory, their first win in a TNT televised game in 19 tries.

I was sincerely hoping to see the Mavs rebound from the tough loss in Phoenix with a great game on Saturday against Portland, and for the majority of the game, I was enthralled and entertained and unsure of who would be able to pull out the win. But every time I thought the Mavs might have the upper hand, Andre Miller would find some way to torch them again, be it inside, outside, or I think I even saw him make an upside down shot as he dangled from the rafters. (Okay, maybe not, but it seemed like nothing short of God himself could stop Miller from scoring as he ended the night with a career-high 52 points.) As the final second of regulation ticked away and the game headed into overtime, I still felt confident the Mavs would win, because they have earned a deserved reputation as a clutch team this season, a group of men who don't lose their heads when the game is on the line. And as the five minute overtime period played out, I was coaching from the couch and screaming at the TV, all to no avail, as Portland pulled out the win, taking a 2-0 lead in the season series with Dallas.

One bright spot during the Portland loss, however, was Josh Howard. He really seemed to have his head in the game and be playing like his former self, driving the lane, making better basketball decisions, and trying to impose his will on the game. It was great to see him really focused, and he finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and a steal. If only he could play at that level every night.

I was also elated to see Eduardo Najera hit the court in a Dallas uniform again, and judging by the rousing round of applause emanating from the AAC as he arrived at the scorer's table, so were the fans in attendance. It seems the fans around here have a long memory and a real respect for the little guys, the scrappers and hustlers like Eddie and DeSegana Diop and even JJ Barea. We love the little guys here in Dallas, and their work ethic and willingness to do thr dirty work is appreciated by Mavs fans near and far. The highlight of the game was watching Eddie nail a three pointer and seeing Dirk jump up off the bench, cheering Eddie on. Although he only played two minutes, fans felt the energy that Najera brought to the court in his brief appearance and he was even able to bring the rather listless crowd to life for a few moments.

Going into tonight's game at Utah, the Mavs will have their hands full as they hit the court in an arena that has traditionally been less than friendly for them. The Jazz, always a physical team under Coach Jerry Sloan, tend to get away with a few more pushes and shoves, forearms and elbows when playing at home, so the Mavs have to be prepared to get inside and bang with the Jazz rather than worrying about talking to the officials every time a call doesn't go their way. Utah's rough and tumble style of basketball can really get inside their opponents' minds and help force a Utah victory. The Mavs need to be focused tonight, ready to rumble, and remember the last time these two teams met, when the Jazz stomped the Mavs at home. Maybe that, along with the fear of a possible three game losing streak, will give the boys in blue something worth playing for.