Bleacher Report - Articles by Wes Ward

The NBA: Where "Amazing" Really Does Happen

Wes Ward — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:53:46 -0400

Is it the best of times and the worst of times in the NBA?

The Western Conference has been a flurry of intense and meaningful games recently. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Kobe Bryant have never been better. Players all over the league are stepping up their games, and to whose surprise?

It is almost time for the playoffs, March Madness is in full effect, and Spring Break is here.

The past few years have been dominated by intense rivalries and aggressive basketball that morph into fierce playoff battles at season's end. This year seems a bit different.

I remember a time in my short life when the NBA Playoffs were simply "amazing." I mean seriously "amazing." When you think back, the 80s and 90s are full of great contests between legends of the game.

I'll let you delve into your own memory banks and remember the good times. They became legendary because of the playoffs and how we remember them.

Now I am not saying the playoffs are no longer "amazing," but somehow the regular season has become much more meaningful and "amazing" than years past. At least I have noticed it.

The current standings in the West are ridiculous, and each team is scrambling to get a seed other than the eighth. What's wrong with the eighth seed. It's not like a No. 8 has never won a series.

I seem to remember a mediocre Golden State Warriors team that beat a great Dallas Mavericks team not too long ago. West teams seem to have inconsistency down to a science this year.

Each team currently has a key injury, trade, rumor, or something plaguing the team into thinking it will "click" eventually and the playoffs will be different, but role players and bench players all alike have kicked it in gear raising the intensity levels even more-so.

Sure, I love watching Manu Ginobili, Carlos Boozer and Tracy McGrady, but honestly the Spurs have surged to the two spot, Houston the three spot, and Utah is on a tear. Perhaps the Blazers and Mavs are better off without Oden and Howard...perhaps not

The Lakers are the one exception, and although they do have a key injury to Andrew Bynum, the team is banging on all cylinders already, which has and is causing all the scrambling in the West to avoid the dreaded eighth seed.

Conversely, when you jump over to the East, six teams are all fighting for the eighth spot. I doubt I am alone as I check the standings more often than I ever have in the NBA.

I am not knocking the NBA Playoffs. I am simply stating the fact that the NBA regular season has honestly become much more "amazing" than it once was. I can watch almost any game now and be thoroughly entertained. Games have become more and more crucial since the playing field has leveled out in recent years.

I remember wondering a few years back when the Lakers started four future Hall of Famers, even before the season had started, who was going to get swept by the Lakers?

I also remember the simple joy of watching Michael Jordan, never really expecting to beat the "Unbeatabulls," and good luck trying to slow down John Stockton/Karl Malone on any given night.

It is too bad the economy is down, because each night is becoming more and more entertaining, perhaps almost even "amazing" as the NBA reminds us over and over.

Is it the best of times and the worst of times in the NBA?

NBA Playoffs: Dallas Mavericks Down, Not Out

Wes Ward — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:14:01 -0400

The Dallas Mavericks have been spiraling downward, headed for yet another major meltdown.

Two years ago they lost an NBA Finals that they should have swept. Last year they were bounced from the playoffs in the first round by an eight seed.

And this season, they have been unable to close games or defeat any team with a winning record.

To add to their problems, Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki went down last week with a high ankle sprain and a sprained knee. Jerry Stackhouse has also been benched due to injury; he is struggling to heal a strained groin, always a tricky injury.

All signs are steering the Mavs straight out of the playoffs this year, but do not count them out just yet. The Mavs will not decide their fate alone.

Currently the seventh seed in the West, the Mavericks are in control.

Closely chasing them are the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. These two teams are precisely the reasons Dallas should not panic.

Yes, the Mavericks recently lost to each team, and they have been embarrassed by the Warriors multiple times in the past few years, but they will not meet either of these two teams in the playoffs.

More important are the remaining schedules of each team. Dallas, at No. 7, has eight games remaining, and an even split of four home and four away, just like the No. 9 Denver Nuggets.

The Warriors have nine games left, and five of these come on the road.

But the Mavs have six games left against winning teams, compared to the Warriors' five and the Nuggets' four.

Looking at this list it would appear that Dallas is most likely to rack up losses, especially considering its struggles against winning teams. But the Nuggets and Warriors have also battled when facing these strong squads.

The Nuggets have played the best of late, but they have been playing struggling teams, such as the Mavs.

The Warriors have played better as well, but have a very tough remaining schedule at San Antonio, Dallas, New Orleans, and Phoenix.

The Mavs, while struggling, have their remaining tough games at home, which should help. And Dirk's return will likely happen in the next week.

Even then, though, the Mavericks are still fighting an uphill battle. They appear to be the worst of these three teams by far.

Josh Howard and Jason Kidd have stepped up in the past few games, but have only produced a pair of wins in Dirk's absence against a horrible Clipper team.

But before all the seeds have been finalized at the season's end, count on one thing happening for sure. The Houston Rockets will enter the chaotic race for a playoff berth, though they have struggled since their streak ended and have six of their nine remaining games on the road.

The Dallas Mavericks look to be the odd team out right now. But the returns of Dirk and Stackhouse could refuel them and send them into the playoffs a very dangerous team, leaving the Warriors, Nuggets, or even the Rockets waiting until next season.

Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan: Who Really Cares?

Wes Ward — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:23:04 -0400

Kobe vs. Jordan: Who honestly cares? It will never happen, and if it did Jordan would win.

Whether you ask this question based upon individual ability and skill, ability to win and compete, or anything concerning anything involving the team or teammates...Jordan wins.

It is true that America and the entire world has romanticized Jordan and his image throughout the years, but this is simply because he was brilliant.

Ask Phil Jackson who he would rather have on his team. I doubt he would pick Kobe.

These comparisons must stop. They are annoying to both men and to countless fans throughout the world. Both are unique individuals who excelled in the NBA, but they are different men who played at different times.

Jordan excelled against legends that changed the game forever. Kobe excels in a game that has changed and is still changing.

Apples and Oranges my friends.

If you must, I repeat if you must compare the two, consider throwing in some admirable competition and give LeBron James some credit. I dare not say LeBron is better than either, I am simply asking those who feel the need to find the next Jordan to give some attention that 23-year-old guy in Cleveland who has taken over the NBA.

Here are some numbers to crunch:

Michael Jordan: 1984-2003 (missed four seasons due to retirement)

Career Stats: 30.1 PPG, 5.3 APG, 6.2 RPG, 2.4 SPG, .497% FG, .835% FT, .327% 3PT
6 Championships and 6 Finals MVPs
5 Time NBA MVP
10 Time Scoring Champion
14 Time All-Star
3 Time All-Star MVP
9 Time ALL NBA Defensive First Team
11 Time All NBA Team
1984 Rookie of the Year
1988 Defensive Player of the Year

Kobe Bryant: 1996-?

Career Stats: 24.6 PPG, 4.5 APG, 5.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG, .453% FG, .838% FT, .337% 3PT
3 Championship Rings
2 Time Scoring Champion
9 Time NBA All-Star
2 Time NBA All-Star MVP
9 Time All NBA Selection
7 Time All NBA Defensive Team

LeBron James: 2003-?

Career Stats: 27.4 PPG, 6.6 APG, 6.9 RPG, 1.8 SPG, .467% FG, .729% FT, .324% 3PT
4 Time NBA All-Star
2 Time NBA All-Star MVP
3 Time All NBA Selection
2003 Rookie of the Year

Those are their individual numbers. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but...

The Bulls won a bunch and were called the "unbeat-a-Bulls" for a reason. The Lakers won with Shaq and haven't since. The Cavs made the Finals for the first time last year but have yet to win it all.

Leave it alone and let them play their games. Just sit back and be entertained. We are lucky to have such great players to watch.

Bench the Bench: The NBA's Top 10 Starting Fives

Wes Ward — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:49:33 -0400

What would happen if each team in the NBA could only play their starting five?

See where your team ranks on the list of the Best Starting Fives in the NBA.

Each unit is ranked according to how well they perform as a unit (based on highly effective analysis...and my opinions).

This is not an analysis of the team as a whole or of the talent of the individual players, but of the ability and chemistry the players have with one another.

10. Golden State (40-23)

The Warriors have somehow managed to play through adversity.

Last year they upset Dallas in the playoffs and looked great doing it. Baron Davis has MVP-level talent, and his physicality is matched by the toughness in Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington.

The perimeter is always stretched with this team, not to mention the intensity with which they play. This bunch thrives off the emotion and energy of their teammates and are capable of more "upsets" this year.

9. Utah (43-23)

The Jazz have matured very quickly over the past two seasons to become a top-tier NBA team.

Carlos Boozer has turned into a capable big man that can post up, but only because of the arrival of Deron Williams.

Williams' heightened play has enabled everyone on this squad to achieve at a higher level.

They have defense, they have offense, they can even play up-tempo or slow the game down. Mehmet Okur's shooting touch stretches opposing defenses enough to allow Ronnie Brewer and Andrei Kirilenko to operate where they are comfortable.

This team is making strides, but still has some room to grow.

8. Phoenix (42-22)

If the Shaq trade had not happened, it would have been easy to place the Suns higher. But the whole Shaq thing has seemed to drag them the past few weeks.

Steve Nash is an amazing talent and will somehow manage to lead his team no matter the problems. More important is the competitiveness of Shaq.

The Big Diesel will not accept anything less than the championship, and won't stop working until he "fits in" with the Suns.

Right now is not that time, but the other pieces work to perfection with Nash.

Amare Stoudamire was dominating when played out of position, and every starter can run a textbook pick and roll with Nash.

Grant Hill has somehow been rejuvenated in the Arizona sun, and even Raja Bell seems to be having fun out in the desert.

7. Dallas (42-23)

Perhaps Dallas has the same problem as the Suns, just not to the same degree.

Jason Kidd has sped up the offense in Dallas, but somehow compromised Avery Johnson's heavy focus on defense.

The Mavs have struggled to beat the best in the NBA since the trade, but every starter has seen their production go up since the deal.

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry have seen increased scoring, whereas Erick Dampier has come off the bench and back to life. He has managed to achieve some double-doubles thanks to Kidd.

The Mavs played extremely well this last week, blowing out opponents. But until they can beat a top team, with Kidd playing and not on the bench, they will remain below the top five.

6. New Orleans (43-20)

What a surprise, right?

Chris Paul is scary good and he is still so young. The same can be said about David West, who has been able to dominate some great players down low and has made his first All-Star appearance.

Tyson Chandler is making a case for Defensive Player of the Year, and grabbing an insane amount of boards.

The outside shooting has increased dramatically for the Hornets this year, with Peja Stojakavic's great shooting and Mo Peterson's ability to hit the open jumper.

They are still a young team, and have little experience in terms of the playoffs or finals. Still, this starting five has developed into a great team led by an MVP.

5. Houston (44-20)

20 wins in a row is very impressive, and that is an understatement. But the Rockets do not seem capable of sustaining this energy through the rest of the season.

Talent is a concern at this point, especially so when in contention with the NBA's best. And Yao's injury sure doesn't help.

T-Mac has led Houston with tremendous effort and leadership, but who knows when his back will act up again.

Dikembe Mutombo is still among the best defenders and especially shot blockers, but he has contemplated retirement several times for a reason.

Rafer Alston, Shane Battier, and Luis Scola are role players that have filled their roles extremely well. Their performances have brought to the team even more than Rick Adelman and the fans had hoped.

The Rockets are simply playing great basketball and winning, which is what matters. When put to the test against the best, however, they will not be able to maintain.

4. LA Lakers (45-19)

Kobe for MVP? I'm a believer.

At the beginning of the season, nobody thought the Lakers would be tops in the West—now, or at any point in the season.

The Pau Gasol trade was ridiculous and LA should thank Memphis for the immediate benefit everyone on this team has received.

The Lakers have the capability to take teams on, one-on-one with Gasol, Kobe, and Lamar Odom. But they've been able to play so well because of their ability to share the ball and run their game.

Luke Walton and Derek Fisher know their skills and roles and stick to them. They don't try to do too much. Instead, they help their team win.

Most importantly, this team understands when it's Kobe's time, and at what point they have to let him take control.

3. Boston (51-12)

The only reason the Cs made it this high is because of the big three they have in Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen.

These guys are too good individually, and even better together, to ignore the talent level in Boston.

Garnett can beat any big man offensively with his quickness and toughness, but also has the ability to defend well.

Pierce has had the pressure taken off his back and is playing much more comfortable this year.

Allen can still shoot from almost anywhere on the court.

Rajon Rondo has filled in nicely at the point, and Kendrick Perkins will chip in when need be.

This team has succeeded in a drastic turnaround because of their off season moves which landed them an extremely talented starting five that could dominate any other on any given night.

However, injuries and lack of balance between them keep this five out of the top two.

2. San Antonio (44-20)

The Big Fundamental has managed to anchor this team for quite awhile, and has seen great success with added help from his supporting cast.

The Spurs have become the franchise others wish they were because of their ability to attract free agents and talented veterans who want a ring.

Not to mention their ability to secure their starters' contracts for multiple years.

Manu Ginobli, Tony Parker, and Bruce Bowen have all been together since '02 with Duncan, and they continue to get better each year. They can play any style anywhere while still maintaining control of the game.

They are always prepared and manage to play consistently, night in and out.

They also have a few rings.

1. Detroit (46-18)

This is the only team that consistently has a different leader each night, where anyone in the starting rotation can lead them on to a victory.

One night the team might be lifted by Rip Hamilton or Chauncy Billups. The next, Rasheed Wallace or Tayshaun Prince will be the difference in a W or an L.

These guys have been together for so long, and have become so balanced in their attack, it's tough to remember how they played before they came to Detroit.

They have experience, talent and chemistry...but the most important reason they top the list is because the distractions (trades, lineup alterations) these guys face are far fewer than those listed above. Plus, they play with a chip on their shoulder from lack of respect.

These guys have been in every situation, from the finals to the brawl in Indy. They have grown and matured together to epitomize the chemistry every coach dreams about.

Bench the Bench: Finding the NBA's Best Starting Five

Wes Ward — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:04:36 -0400

What would happen if each team in the NBA could only play their starting five?

See where your team ranks on the list of the Best Starting Fives in the NBA.

Each unit is ranked according to how well they perform as a unit (based on highly effective analyses...and my opinions). This is not an analysis of the team as a whole or of the talent of the individual players, but of the ability and chemistry the players have with one another.

30. Miami Heat (11-51)

Heat fans had to deal with Dwyane Wade's departure soon after Shaq's, and Shawn Marion's numbers have dipped a bit since the trade.

29. Seattle Sonics (16-48)

Sonics depend on rookie Kevin Durant for offense and lack consistency in pretty much everything they do on the court.

28. Memphis Grizzlies (15-48)

Mike Miller is the vet holding this team together, but he has been the focus of several trade talks for quite some time.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-49)

Al Jefferson is becoming a proven threat down low, and he has some developing young talent supporting him.

26. New York Knicks (18-46)

Could easily be lower or higher. The chemistry is just awful here. It seems as though Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson and Zach Randolph could do more.

25. Indiana Pacers (25-39)

Defensively, this unit is lacking quite a bit. And the offense needs someone the run it.

24. L.A. Clippers (21-41)

Chris Kaman and Corey Maggette have been unsuccessful in stepping up their game in the absence of Elton Brand. However, multiple perimeter threats make them dangerous.

23. Milwuakee Bucks (23-41)

Michael Redd struggles every night to carry his team. Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva have made little progress from their rookie seasons to enhance this team.

22. Charlotte Bobcats (24-39)

Jason Richardson should have stayed in Oakland, but he continues to play well alongside Gerald Wallace. Emeka Okafor is turning out to be a monster on the boards.

21. Chicago Bulls (26-38)

The Bulls have disappointed this year, and throwing Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden into the rotation this late has not helped their chemistry issues.

20. New Jersey Nets (26-38)

Rookie Sean Williams and Devin Harris are struggling to make adjustments after Jason Kidd's departure. Guard Vince Carter looks ready to move on. The Nets need to start thinking about rebuilding.

19. Sacramento Kings (28-35)

Kevin Martin has turned into a premier scorer in the league, and Ron Artest and Brad Miller make a decent core. Also, Beno Udrih has continued to improve throughout the season, boosting the Kings.

18. Atlanta Hawks (26-37)

Mike Bibby's addition has been greatly appreciated in Atlanta. The young talents, Josh Smith and Al Horford, not to mention Joe Johnson, are all feeling relief with a veteran at point guard.

17. Philadelphia 76ers (30-34)

Andre Miller has been Philadelphia's backbone all season. And even before Miller, Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert had played well together for multiple years. Willie Green has also been very consistent this year, starting in every game.

16. Portland Trail Blazers (34-31)

Brandon Roy had this bunch fired up earlier in the season, but it seems like old habits never die. Youth and inexperience are starting to get the best of them, especially in such a tight Western Conference.

15 Washington Wizards (31-32)

The Wiz have somehow managed to stay in the playoff hunt without Caron Butler or Gilbert Arenas thanks to the elevated play Antawn Jamison and Antonio Daniels. Brendan Haywood has also been able to step up this year, posting the best numbers of his career.

14. Toronto Raptors (34-29)

Bosh, Bosh, and more Bosh. The Raptors have plenty of young capable talent in Jamario Moon, Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani, but they would be nowhere without their All-Star.

13. Orlando Magic (41-24)

Dwight Howard is an absolute beast. If he had more consistent play around him, the Magic would be a larger threat. That is not to say that they are not a threat now; Hedo Turkoglu is having his best season yet and Rashard Lewis is always a deep threat. But if the rest could step it up, Orlando would soar.

12. Denver Nuggets (37-26)

Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony can beat any team by themselves. With the help of the three other guys, Marcus Camby, Kenyon Martin and Anthony Carter, they should be unstoppable. The only problem? They haven't been.

11. Cleveland Cavaliers (37-27)

LeBron James is the MVP (along with 2 others) but his team must step up to match his level of play. He can beat five Knicks single-handedly, but can he beat five Spurs? Ben Wallace and Zydrunas Ilgauskas add defensive and offensive help, respectively, but Delonte West is probably is not the man LeBron hoped would be at the point after the trade deadline.

Look for the Top 10 tomorrow.

Dirk Nowitzki: Living the Dream with the Dallas Mavericks

Wes Ward — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:30:00 -0400

On Saturday March 8, 2008, Dirk Nowitzki became the all-time scoring leader for the Dallas Mavericks and reached yet another benchmark in his already storied career.

Coming into the NBA, the German born Nowitzki was overlooked by many, thought to be just another soft European like those few who had come before him.

He got his shot when he was drafted ninth overall in 1998 by the Milwaukee Bucks, who then traded him for Robert Traylor to the Mavericks. The Bucks are still trying to recover...

The Big German focused his childhood on handball, which his father played professionally in Germany. It was not until he was 15 years old that Dirk began to focus on basketball and people began taking notice.

In just 14 short years, Nowitzki has single handedly changed the NBA game and the way scouts approach international talent. The recent influx of star International players came just after the discovery of Dirk in Germany.

The NBA now has more than 85 international players. Yao Ming, Manu Ginobli, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, Mehmet Okur, and Andrei Kirilenko are just a few who have burst into the NBA since Dirk's emergence.

The franchise once capable of just 12 wins in the early 90s has resurged as one of the NBA's top teams since Dirk's arrival in Dallas. Sure, Stave Nash, Michael Finley, and Mark Cuban have all contributed to the historic turnaround, but Dirk Nowitzki has been the glue since day one.

And he continues to carry the Mavericks through both triumphant and turbulent times.

The San Antonio Spurs are the only team to win more games than the Dallas Mavericks since the 1998-1999 season.

In 2006, the Mavericks finally reached the NBA Finals with Dirk as the go-to-guy, and last year the Mavericks achieved a franchise-high 67-win season. There have been some disappointments along the way, but there is no denying that Dirk has brought life back to Dallas and excitement to the NBA.

Throughout the controversies surrounding the Jason Kidd trade and his MVP campaign last year, Dirk has remained relatively silent and reserved. Still, he has continued to focus on the one thing at which he’s always excelled: basketball.

Nowitzki reached 16, 644 points in his career on Saturday night, a feat accomplished by very few. And, he managed to do it with just one team—another rarity.

Dirk has improved in every facet of his game since coming to the NBA. His defense has been refined, improving upon what once was lacking.

He has developed an interior game to counter most big men in the NBA, still retaining the ability to stretch the defense and create off of the dribble. He has also managed to elevate his passing game, dishing to his teammates when double-teamed.

Nowitzki is often the first guy in the gym, and the last guy out. Every summer he travels back to Germany to refine his game with mentor Holger Geschwindner, and continues to lead the German Nations Team.

His work ethic goes above and beyond those around him, making Nowitzki a coach’s dream. Mark Cuban doesn't seem to complain about Dirk either, so he must be good.

Dirk has also been able to help those less fortunate through his numerous community efforts. In 2001 he established the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, dedicated to providing and maintaining health care, education, and the well being of children around the world.

He also somehow manages to lighten spirits in any locker room with his indomitable positive outlook.

Dirk has been blessed with the ability to light up the stat columns as well as peoples' faces. He’s in the top 10 of every career statistic the Mavericks keep, except for field-goal percentage.

Granted, the Mavericks have not had an abundance of great players (like the Lakers or Celtics), but Dirk has still managed to excel in most every aspect of the game

This season Nowitzki has continued to improve. In his past 11 games he has averaged 30.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and he is shooting just over 50 percent.

Dirk himself, though, is never satisfied and knows that a higher level must be reached, especially this year with such a tight race in the West.

Only Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson have scored more points than Dirk Nowitzki in the past 10 seasons. Dirk has been named to the All-NBA Team for the past three seasons, played in eight All-Star games, and won the MVP award in 2007.

And in case you forgot, Dirk is still only 29 years old with plenty of basketball left in him.

Dirk has evolved from a skinny, seven foot German kid into one of the NBA's elite players, unrelenting in his desire and passion for the game.

Nowitzki will continue to strive for greatness and for the one thing he lacks, an NBA Championship.

Big 12 Bedlam in Oklahoma: Sooners Face Cowboys

Wes Ward — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:56:08 -0500

At Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma tonight, the Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys square off for the second time this season in the bitter in-state rivalry now known as the Bedlam Series.

Neither team is ranked in the top 25 this year, but don't tell them—don't tell the state of Oklahoma for that matter. Sports fans won't get a better show than the emotion and passions displayed when these two squads play each other.

There are no professional teams in Oklahoma, so the focus is squarely on Norman and Stillwater. No matter the contest, each school and each city will pride itself on their team while tearing apart the other. Each game in this storied rivalry begins a new chapter in a book that has seen everything.

But tonight's game is more than a simple contest between the two schools. An invitation to the Big Dance is looming...

Oklahoma State comes into tonight's matchup as the hottest team in the Big 12 right now, after winning five straight conference games, one of which confronted juggernaut Kansas.

Meanwhile the Cowboys, at 7-7, have positioned themselves in a three-way tie for the fifth spot in the Big 12 standings.

Currently Kansas and Texas lead the Big 12 at 12-3, followed by Kansas State (9-6) and Baylor (8-6). Now you begin to see why the whole Big 12 will experience Bedlam, and not just the teams from Oklahoma.

Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M are all sitting at 7-7, with Texas Tech close behind at 7-8.

The Big 12 has already had several instant-classic games this season, such as the Baylor and A&M five-OT game. But the season is coming to a close and teams are desperately vying for their spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The Big 12 could see as many as six teams in the NCAA tournament this year. As of now, however, Texas and Kansas are the only locks.

Both OU and OSU are coming off key victories, but will be tested this evening.

Tonight's Bedlam game will test the Sooners. They will be without top scorer and rebounder Blake Griffin, who is averaging 15.2 points a game and 9.3 rebounds.

The Sooners will also have to play with a struggling Longar, who has been plagued by decreased mobility since breaking a bone in his right leg early last month.

The Cowboys' top scorer, James Anderson, is a averaging 14 points but only scored four points in the earlier contest against Oklahoma this year. Since Anderson is a true freshman, perhaps he will perform better tonight now that he has more experience under his belt.

However, I expect Marcus Dove, the big senior, to step up big for the Cowboys tonight.

It will be a thrill to see these two teams go at it, especially with Big 12 Tournament berths at stake, along with a possible NCAA bid. The Cowboys will be riding their momentum into this game along with their home court advantage. But don't count those Sooners out. They have had, after all, two miraculous buzzer-beating three-pointers to win close contests earlier this year.

NBA Playoffs: Dallas Mavericks Will Rise in the West

Wes Ward — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:36:41 -0500

The Dallas Mavericks have lost four games in a row to playoff bound teams in the Western Conference. Many people have been quick to judge the Mavs on their recent acquisition of Jason Kidd and have eluded that the Mavs still lack what it takes to get through the West.

The fact is, every team in the West right now is crazy-good and is facing their own adversity.

The Suns are still adjusting to playing with Shaq. San Antonio has acquired Damon Stoudamire and Kurt Thomas, while also trying to keep sharpshooter Brent Barry from leaving town. Houston has had to see Yao undergo surgery, again. The Hornets have been trying to keep up with the Quest in the West for big men and have finally gotten Chris Anderson reinstated (remember the Birdman). Golden State has seen Webber go down with a hurt knee and the Jazz recently added Korver. Finally, everyone knows Kobe has a hurt pinkie, except for maybe Kobe. He has been dominating of late and playing like he doesn't know about his injured finger.

The Mavericks four losses, let me remind you, came against the Hornets on Kidd's first game back in the Big D, without substantial practice with his new team. That game was decided by 11 points, 104-93, with Kidd adding 15 assists. The next loss came eight days later to San Antonio, 94-97. On March 2 the Mavs lost to the Lakers 108-104 in OT. The fourth loss came last night to Utah by 6 points, 116-110.

For anyone keeping track, the Mavs are 4-4 with Kidd.

So what's so impressive about these losses? There are several reasons...

If you look at the current playoff seeding in the West, each of the teams that have handed Dallas a loss with Kidd currently fill out the top four spots.

Each loss was also an away game for the Mavericks. As far as allowing 50+ points to an amazing Kobe Bryant, it could happen to anyone in the league, he is that good, and the Dallas defense is nothing to worry about as long as Avery is still at the reigns.

San Antonio struggled to beat Minnesota and Memphis on the road since the All-Star Break, the Hornet have won only one of three on the road since the Break, Utah has lost three of four on the road, and the Lakers have won two of three.

Take any of these top four teams and give them a new point guard and let’s see how well they fare against the league's top tier teams.

Granted, Jason Kidd is not your ordinary point guard, but to lose these games so closely and away from home in a playoff type environment is not all bad.

Anyone who has seen Kidd play with the Mavs knows he still has what it takes. He has brought mental toughness, skill, leadership, and a competitive attitude that the Mavs seemed to have lost earlier this season. He is averaging 12 points, 10.5 assists, and 6.5 rebounds since heading back to his original team.

These are the reasons GM's from around the league contested the Kidd trade so vigorously. They know Kidd's capabilities and how he can thrive when surrounded in talent. No offense to the Nets, but Dallas has a much better supporting cast to compliment Kidd with and the results get better each day.

If I am Avery Johnson, I am not worried about all the comments about my mismanagement in San Antonio, or the fact that the Lakers outplayed us down the stretch.

Instead, I am eagerly anticipating the playoffs, the moment at which the Dallas Mavericks Training Camp ends, and the real season begins.