Leading 2 games to 0, the Mavericks led in Game 3 with
only minutes to go, only to blow the game and the rest of the series in a
monumental collapse. Dallas had a summer to think about that two game lead
squandered in the NBA Finals against Miami.
GM Donnie Nelson responded by upgrading the bench, adding Austin
Croshere and Anthony Johnson via trades and former Laker Devean George and Greg
Buckner via free agency
The starting five returns intact for the Mavs, including Jason
Terry and Dirk Nowitzki, both of whom signed extensions in the off-season (Terry
was eligible for free agency). Head coach Avery Johnson has looked like a winner
in his one-plus seasons on the bench, and he must gather Dallas together
emotionally to make another run at a championship.
There is no question that with Dirk Nowitski and the nucleus he
has around him, the Dallas Mavericks will again be a force in the Western
Conference. Last years Coach of the Year, Avery Johnson, is a proven leader with
a passion for winning. The big question is can they recover emotionally in a
tough tough Western conference.
Season/Home Opener:Get
Mavs Tickets
Nov. 2 vs. SAS (8 p.m. ET, YES)