The Association: Dallas Mavericks

**vtcha** · 04-25-2017, 04:39 AM

Conference Semifinals Recap

April 16, 2023 | by NBA News

(1) Dallas Mavericks vs. (4) Minnesota Timberwolves

The Mavericks looked like they were going to run away in this one, outscoring the Timberwolves 14-2 to start the game. However, Karl-Anthony Towns was having none of that as he scored 10 of his 14 points in the first quarter to keep Minnesota in contention.

With the score going back and forth, the Mavericks caught a huge break when Towns fouled out with 8 minutes left in the game, while Andrew Wiggins also left with an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter. From there, Minnesota simply couldn't create any shots as the Mavericks suffocated them with intense defense and eventually winning, 101-95.

DeMarcus Cousins led with 29 points and 9 rebounds while John Wall racked up 22 points and 13 assists.

Dallas will now head back into the Conference Finals for the first time since winning the title two years ago.

Box Score

Spoiler

(2) New Orleans Pelicans vs. (3) Portland Trail Blazers

The Pelicans were simply too good, defeating the Trail Blazers 131-120. Anthony Davis led with 30 points and 9 rebounds while Buddy Hield also got in the action with 27 points (5/6 from downtown).

Box Score

Spoiler

(1) Washington Wizards vs. (4) Charlotte Hornets

The Wizards crushed the Hornets as Gordan Hayward bounced back from his dismal first-round game to drop 27 points and 6 assists.

Box Score

Spoiler

(6) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (7) Cleveland Cavaliers

The two conference rivals once again went at it with the 76ers getting the best of the Cavaliers, winning 96-87. Joel Embiid continued his strong postseason play, scoring 22 points whilst grabbing 12 boards.

Box Score

Spoiler

Conference Final Preview

**jeremym480** · 04-25-2017, 08:38 AM

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Facing Brodie and AD in the Conference Finals is going to be tough, but I think your team is deeper, so I think you can pull out the W.

By the way, I love the frantic pace of your season and playoff format. I'm a bit of a traditionalist and to me, there's nothing better than a Game 7 after a hard-fought six games. However, the one and done playoff format definitely boost up the intensity levels. I think you have inspired me to use this in 2K18.

**vtcha** · 04-25-2017, 05:00 PM

Originally posted by jeremym480

By the way, I love the frantic pace of your season and playoff format. I'm a bit of a traditionalist and to me, there's nothing better than a Game 7 after a hard-fought six games. However, the one and done playoff format definitely boost up the intensity levels. I think you have inspired me to use this in 2K18.

Yeah the shorter schedule definitely allows me to breeze past multiple seasons without burning out. I don't think I would have continued doing this on a 7-game series as I wouldn't be able to endure the grind or, at the very least, would need to simulate a lot of games

**trekfan** · 04-28-2017, 02:26 PM

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Dallas vs. Philly in the Finals, calling it now. I feel good about seeing Wall and Cousins going against Westbrook and AD; there's simply too much talent in Dallas, especially with PG13 there for Dallas, I expect a big game from him to put you over the top.

**vtcha** · 04-28-2017, 08:48 PM

Conference Finals Recap

April 19, 2023 | by NBA News

(1) Dallas Mavericks vs. (2) New Orleans Pelicans

Despite being down 11-2 to start the game, Dallas somehow managed to claw their way back, finishing the quarter strong with a 27-19 lead. Anthony Davis getting into foul trouble early was part of the reason why.

But it was still a ball game as the Pelicans continued to hang in with Russell Westbrook proving why he was this year's MVP, scoring 26 points, 9 assists and 4 steals. By the fourth quarter, Davis came alive, scoring 10 of his 23 points and closing the deficit by as much as 2 points. With less than a minute in the game, Davis got a huge block on Wall, who had been attacking the paint all night, but nobody followed up as DeMarcus Cousins got the putback, giving the Mavericks a 4 point cushion with 10 seconds to go.

The Pelicans tried to answer with a three ball from Buddy Hield, but he simply couldn't get it going all night, shooting just 3/18 from the field for 8 points, as the Mavericks scraped by with a 109-105 victory and advance back to the NBA Finals for the first time in two years.

John Wall scored a game-high 36 points to go with 9 assists and 4 steals while DeMarcus Cousins was a monster on the glass with 18 rebounds as well as 22 points and 4 blocks.

Box Score

Spoiler

(1) Washington Wizards vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers

It was the Dennis Smith Jr. show as the 76ers simply couldn't contain him all night. Smith went on his way to drop 29 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals as he carried the Wizards to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1979.

Ironically, they'll have a tall order ahead of them as they face former face of the franchise, John Wall, and the Dallas Mavericks. They'll also have to do it without Grayson Allen, and former Maverick, A.J. Hammons, whom are both still expected to be sidelined for a lengthy absence due to injuries.

Box Score

Spoiler

NBA Finals Preview

**lazershow** · 04-28-2017, 11:24 PM

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Don't be so self deprecating 😂 say advancing to the finals for the 2nd time in 4 years. Give yourself the credit you deserve. You built a great team and it feels like the way cuban would operate in real life. Huge gamble on Wall paid off big time.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Operation Sports mobile app

**vtcha** · 04-29-2017, 03:15 AM

NBA Finals: (1) Dallas Mavericks vs. (1) Washington Wizards

April 21, 2023 | by NBA News

With the three-point shot abandoning both teams (combined 10/43), it was a display of intense defense and simply a matter of which team wanted it more as Dallas clinged on late to defeat the Wizards 98-90, and winning their third title in franchise history.

With under 3 minutes to go, John Wall picked up his sixth foul as the Wizards tried to take advantage and attack his replacement, Jrue Holiday, at will. Wall finished with 26 points and 15 assists, but it was DeMarcus Cousins that steered the ship to help the Mavs get the win. Cousins had one of the finest displays in Finals history with 34 points and 19 rebounds, whilst shooting a pristine 14/19 from the field. Cousins would ultimately be named the Finals MVP, his second in his career, as he and Wall shared an emotional moment after the game, murmuring "this is what it's all about".

As the for Wizards, they did not go down without swinging with Dennis Smith Jr., scoring 26 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. He clearly has made his mark this season showing his array of versatility, and at the age of 25, the future is looking bright.

Veteran, LaMarcus Aldridge, also fare-welled his last game, scoring 6 points and 4 rebounds, as he finally captured that elusive ring he has so desperately wanted. "It feels good man. I'm thrilled I can go out on top", Aldridge told reporters during his press conference.

Box Score

Spoiler

**Cruzerr** · 04-29-2017, 07:19 AM

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Wall winning it against his old team, both him and Cousins coming up big! Congrats!

**trekfan** · 04-29-2017, 08:09 AM

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Champs again! Good to see PG13 and LMA get their rings.

Now, the question becomes can Dallas keep this team together? After all, with the amount of star power this team has, others in the league will be looking to poach that talent.

**vtcha** · 05-04-2017, 07:59 AM

End of an era: Superfriends go out together

May 12, 2023 | by NBA News

The NBA community has been left stunned after the recent retirement announcements from LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Both players, as well as Chris Paul who announced his retirement earlier on during the season, held a joint press conference announcing the news. James told reporters that although he was still fine physically, mentally he simply didn't have it in him anymore. "Me and Melo both said to each other that we would finish this the way we started. I'm content with what I've accomplished in my career and I'm glad I get to finish my career alongside my best friends whom I'm sure we'll have plenty more battles in the golf course."

James will arguably go down as one, if not, the greatest player of all time with career averages of 26.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG and 7.0 APG in 1085 games played. His accomplishments simply speak for themselves; 4x NBA Champion, 8x MVP, 4x Finals MVP, 19x All-Star, 17x 1st Team All-NBA, 2x DPOY, 10x 1st Team All-Defense.

Meanwhile, Carmelo Anthony also had an incredible career spanning for 20 years with averages of 24.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG in 993 games played. His accomplishments include 11x All-Star apperances, 2x 2nd Team All-NBA, and 3x 3rd Team All-NBA.

As for Chris Paul, although he was drafted two years after James and Anthony, back in 2005, he made his mark as one of the top point guards in the history of the game, finishing with career averages of 18.6 PPG, 9.8 APG and 2.4 SPG in 871 games played. He was voted to the All-Star 11 times and was a four-time 1st Team All-NBA and seven-time 1st Team All-Defense. Paul was also awarded Rookie of the Year.

Other notable retirees include Paul Millsap, whom was a 6x All-Star during his tenure with the Atlanta Hawks, and LaMarcus Aldridge, who recently won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks.

Below is the full list of player retirements as announced by the league officials yesterday morning.

**vtcha** · 05-05-2017, 10:53 PM

Spurs wins lottery, gets #1 pick

July 4, 2023 | by NBA News

The Spurs will get the first chance to select in the upcoming draft class, and many experts are already predicting a future superstar given San Antonio's past history in striking gold. It will be the Spurs' first pick since 1997 when they drafted Tim Duncan, and before that, it was David Robinson in 1987.

With a 25.0% chance, the Spurs were able to secure the top spot while the Kings made the biggest movement, jumping from 11th to 3rd place.

This years' draft class includes a very intriguing amount of players, with Duke's Romeo Langford, Kentucky's Marvin Bagley III, and Duke bigman Zion Williamson projected to land in the top 3.

Below is the full breakdown of the draft order and the lottery odds prior.

**vtcha** · 05-05-2017, 11:04 PM

Coaching Changes: Nets name Steve Clifford as new head coach

July 12, 2023 | by NBA News

Steve Clifford will have a mountain to climb after being announced as the new coach for the Brooklyn Nets. With the Nets tied for the worst record last year with a 2-12 record, Clifford already has his hands full trying to bring the Nets back to the playoffs. Clifford was the coach the Charlotte Hornets from 2013-2021. His latest tenure was with the Denver Nuggets where he filled in as an interim after the team fired Mike Malone early this year.

In other coaching news, it has also been a busy day with a series of coaching transactions.

Here is the full breakdown:

76ers re-sign Mike Budenholzer
Heat re-sign Dwyane Wade
Wizards re-sign Sidney Lowe
Nuggets hire Benjamin Walker
Thunder hire Ime Udoka
Knicks re-sign Billy Donovan
Nets hire Steve Clifford

**vtcha** · 05-06-2017, 08:04 AM

2023 NBA Draft Recap: Spurs select Marvin Bagley III with #1 overall pick

July 16, 2023 | by NBA News

It would appear that history would repeat itself as San Antonio have, once again, selected a big man with their number one overall pick. The 19 year old, Bagley, will have big shoes to fill in as Spurs fan will be hoping a bright future from him ala Tim Duncan and David Robinson.

In other news, there were a flurry of trades made by teams hoping to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Jabari Parker was the big name moved on draft day as he was shipped to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for their 12th pick, which in turn, the Bucks used to select E.J. Montgomery.

Meanwhile, the defending champions, Dallas Mavericks made a splash, dealing away their draft picks for this year and the next in exchange for Ricky Rubio. Ironically, Rubio was part of the monster trade that sent John Wall to Dallas. The acquisition of Rubio may possibly hint the end of Jrue Holiday's tenure with the Mavs, whom is currently a free agent where he backed up Wall last season.

Below is the full breakdown of deals that went down during the draft along with the draft selections from each team.

Grizzlies trade: 5th overall pick, Tyler Johnson
Magic trade: Gary Harris, Marcus Smart

Thunder trade: 7th overall pick, 47th overall pick
Hornets trade: Luka Doncic, Joffrey Lauvergne

Celtics trade: 8th overall pick
Raptors trade: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, 2025 first-round pick (Top 10 Protected)

Suns trade: 12th overall pick, Norman Powell
Bucks trade: Jabari Parker, 2025 first-round pick (Top 5 Protected)

Hornets trade: 21st overall pick
Timberwolves trade: 2024 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick

Hornets trade: 38th overall pick, Rodney Gaines
Timberwolves trade: 25th overall pick, 55th overall pick

Pistons trade: Ricky Rubio
Mavericks trade: Diamond Stone, 30th overall pick, 59th overall pick, 2024 first-round pick

Full draft selections:

Spoiler

**trekfan** · 05-06-2017, 08:38 AM

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Spurs selected a big wasn't a surprise; but Dallas trading for Rubio? I'm not a fan at all, especially with the amount of draft capital you gave up (and Diamond Stone! I love Stone).

Let's hope Rubio still has magic for a Dallas squad absolutely primed to win now and in the future, draft picks be damned.

**vtcha** · 05-06-2017, 06:42 PM

Originally posted by trekfan

Dallas trading for Rubio? I'm not a fan at all, especially with the amount of draft capital you gave up (and Diamond Stone! I love Stone).

Yep I totally agree that it was overboard to include the future first-round pick. But I had to put on the 'Cuban mentality' and treat draft picks like nothing haha. I'm just hoping we have another great run and that pick turns out to be a late selection. Plus I think Rubio will do a better job defensively than Holiday - I was getting burnt last season hence why his minutes were lower than expected.

The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Recommended Videos

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment