What do the Mavs say?

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The Mavs say They Want a Championship!
"Yes," says Dirk Nowitzki, "That's what I said. I'm sick of everyone thinking our championship run was a joke and that the Heat should have won. The last couple of years, due to cap concerns, we have not always been ready to submit a title ready team. This year, I feel like we have a real shot!"

The rest of the team seems to have taken the message to heart. Shawn Marion, Dirk, and Ellis among others have spent countless hours practicing together to make sure they would have a level of impressive team chemistry for their opener at Sacramento.

On a slightly less positive note, Shane Larking suffered a setback on his right broken ankle, and he may miss an extra week before he will be ready to play. The Mavs start their season at home facing the rebuilding Sacramento Kings, who have a new owner as the Maloofs have sold the franchise.

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Mavs Blow Out Sacramento in Season Opener

The Mavs opened their season with an impressive win against the Kings. They scored 65% of their points in the paint. Monta Ellis was the clear MVP in his first game with the Mavs with a teamleading 21 points and 3 assists. He played with clearness and precision and avoided shooting 3 pointers. Dirk added 13 points and 7 rebounds in the 85-58 point win. Calderon also helped spread the ball around with 6 assists. Devin Harris got into an argument with the referees and received his first technical of the season. "We can't get too excited by the win, we need to start thinking about the next game, because that's how we will be successful," claimed Coach Carlisle when asked about his motto for the season. In the Mavs next game, they will go up against the Grizz.

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Mavs Vs. Grizz Game Stunning

In a game where in where the Dallas Mavericks were playing a team that had made it to conference finals, the Mavericks were the clear underdogs. And, after the way they played in the first half, it was evident why. Shawn Marion and Samuel Dalembert were in foul trouble, and nobody in the lineup not named Dirk could seem to get into an offensive rhythm. Gasol expertly defended the basket, and Conley and Tasyaun Prince were on fire.

The Mavs, however, never lost their composure. Dalambert shut the paint down, Ellis and Dirk exploded, and Calderon lit it up from the three. The Mavs powered themselves, caused turnovers, and played impressive defense. The Mavericks were down by 11 at the half, but came back to win it 85-83. About the loss, Tony Allen said, "In the first half, as long as we contested shots, we were ok, and when we played well offensively, we could destroy them. But in the second half, it didn't matter if we contested Monta or not, he was plain unstoppable. If he hadn't gone off like that I think we would have won."

M. Conley finished with 26 points and 7 assists on 6-10 shooting. Monta Ellis finished with 24 points and 6 assists. Dirk had his best game of the year with 29 points. The Mavs were clearly aided by their perfect FT percentage. Harris was ejected and a suspension is pending for hitting Tony Allen in the face in the third quarter. Rookie Ledo will take his role on the team. Larkin returned to practice this week, and may receive playing time in the upcoming weeks.

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Harris Cut From Team After Attempted Strangle
Maverick's guard cut after attempted stangle on his Coach.