That Sports Girl

Connecting You With All Things Yu

2012-01-19T18:09:00.000-06:00

Now that Yu Darvish is officially a member of the Rangers, you can get acquainted with all things Yu. The team will introduce him to DFW Friday at 7pm. TV PLUG: I'll be live from the Ballpark with all sorts of Yu-related coverage. But how can you really learn more about the 6-5 two-time Pacific League MVP? Many ways.

Yu's Twitter Avatar

Yu is on Twitter and is pretty prolific, posting more than 3800 tweets as of 5:30pm CST Thursday. He's posted a fair amount of pictures, as well. The Google translate tool doesn't quite convey the message of his tweets but on January 15, he apparently tweeted something about the weather and then tweeted something about an Iphone to a follower on the 17th. Riveting, isn't it?

Black Heart Charm

Yu has an official website that is simple but visually quite appealing. If you're surfing via Google, you can use the Google translate tool to convert the Japanese characters to English. He has links to a product page where you could purchase "a Black Heart" charm that features "the same uniform number "11" strap featuring an upscale luxurious Swarovski grains" (translate mixup, I think). "The center is equipped with a metal plate logo was designed Darvish." The charm is sold out.

You can purchase Darvish-endorsed cologne but his keychains, tote bags and "strap" are also sold out.

Yu also has a page promoting the various charitable causes he supports through the "Darvish-Yu Fund". It appears he donated $1,000 to both the Japan Water Forum and the Children's Welfare Fund for each regular season win. The Water Forum's mission is to solve "water problems in the world".

The website links to Yu's blog, which the site calls "Thoughts of Yu". His recent entries include confirmation of his agreement with the Rangers as well the announcement that his divorce is final with Japanese actress, Saeko. I find it interesting that his blog profile shares his blood type. "A", in case you were wondering.

Rangers 2012 Ticket Prices Released

2012-01-10T15:11:00.001-06:00

The detes have been released, this from the cut and paste department:

TEXAS RANGERS ANNOUNCE INDIVIDUAL TICKET PRICING

AND ON-SALE DETAILS FOR 2012

Club Also Releases 2012 Game times; Individual Tickets Except for Opening Day Go On Sale Saturday, March 3;

Rangers announce details of Online Ticket Opportunity for Opening Day

Arlington, Texas—The Texas Rangers today announced the club’s individual ticket offers and pricing for 2012. The official 2012 regular season schedule with game times was also released.

Individual tickets for all 2012 games at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, except Opening Day will go on sale at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 3 at the West Box Office, on the internet at texasrangers.com, or by phone at 972.RANGERS.

The club also announced specifics of an Online Ticket Opportunity that will allow fans the chance to purchase tickets to Opening Day, Friday, April 6 against the Chicago White Sox.

Beginning Wednesday, February 1 at 12 noon and continuing through Monday, February 20 at 12 noon, fans can go to texasrangers.com/presale and register for the opportunity to purchase up to two tickets to Opening Day. Following registration, a pool of randomly selected registrants will be chosen and provided access to an online pre-sale opportunity, based on available inventory. Those selected will be notified by email no later than Wednesday, February 22.

A limited number of reserved seats, obstructed view seating, and standing room only tickets will be included in the ticket opportunity. There is no charge to register for this opportunity. This will be the only chance for fans to purchase single game tickets for Opening Day at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

There will still be other options available for fans to guarantee their places at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for Opening Day, including through the purchase of a 10-Game Plan, which includes a free ticket to Opening Day.

With six different 10-Packs to choose from, packages start at just $160 per plan. The 10-Game Plan offer several benefits, including a savings on Premier pricing (fans pay regular price for Premier games) and having the exact same seat location for the ten games of each plan (exact seating is not guaranteed for Opening Day). In addition, 10-Game Plan buyers will receive the option to purchase one game in the Division Series and one game in the American League Championship Series should the Rangers make the Postseason.

The 10-Game Plans go on sale next Monday, January 17. Fans can call 972-RANGERS x3 or visit texasrangers.com for more information. Tickets can also be purchased at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Normal business hours are Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For 2012, the advance individual sale price for both non-Premier and Premier games will either remain the same or increase by $2.00 or less on 49.5% of the seats at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Of the ballpark’s total capacity, 42% of the seats are priced at $30.00 or less for all games, non-Premier and Premier. There are 26 Premier Games in 2012, three fewer than a year ago. Premier Game pricing was first introduced in 2007. Cash parking for 2012 will be $12.00 for most games. Cash parking for all Friday home games (except April 6) will be $10.00.

2012 TEXAS RANGERS INDIVIDUAL TICKET PRICES

Gate Premier Gate Premier

Price Price Price Price

Lexus Club Infield $76 $85 Lower Reserved $34 $38

Lower Infield $71 $79 Lexus Club Terrace $27 $30

Lower Box $66 $74 Upper Box $20 $23

Lexus Club Box $66 $74 Outfield Plaza** $27 $30

Corner Box $53 $59 Upper Reserved $16/$6* $18/$6*

All You Can Eat Porch $47 $53 Grandstand Reserved $7/$3* $8/$3*

*Children 13 & under.

**Outfield Plaza is a new seating category for 2012 replacing the bleacher seating areas

Listed prices increase $1-$5 for adult tickets on day of game.

Premier Games for 2012: April 6-7; 23-25; May 11-12; June 15-17; 22-23; 29-30; July 6-7; 23-25; 27-28; August 10-11; September 28-30.

NOTE: Home Plate Seats, Cuervo Club, VIP Infield, and Premium Infield locations are available only on a season ticket basis.

The Rangers will once again have a number of season-long individual game ticket discounts to provide added value in 2012, including the following:

COCA-COLA TOTAL FAMILY PACKS: Coca-Cola Total Family Packs include four tickets, four jumbo hot dogs, four Coke soft drinks, two kids zone wristbands, and one souvenir program. Save up to 50% and choose from two seating areas: Upper Reserved – $60 and Lower Reserved – $100

Additional persons may be added (one program per four tickets, one kids zone wristband per two tickets). Offer is available at texasrangers.com/family, via phone, or at box office with the coupon available on Coca-Cola 2-Liter packaging at retail. Offer may be redeemed for all Sunday through Thursday regular-season games except April 23-25 and July 23-25.

OZARKA WEBSITE WEDNESDAYS: Tickets for most Wednesday home games are half price in Upper Reserved, Upper Box, Lexus Club Terrace, and Lower Reserved when purchased online at texasrangers.com/specials. Offer is not valid for April 25 or July 25.

VERIZON WIRELESS FIREWORKS FRIDAYS: The Texas Rangers will offer $10 upper level tickets and $10 cash parking for Friday night home games this season. Fans may enter VERIZON as the coupon code on texasrangers.com to purchase $10 tickets in Upper Box and Upper Reserved seating areas, and each game will feature a post-game fireworks show.

Regular home game times in 2012 will once again be 7:05 p.m. CT for night games; 1:05 p.m. CT for weekday day games; and 2:05 p.m. CT for Sunday day games (May 27; June 17; August 12 and 26; September 16 and 30). The exceptions are Saturday, May 12 versus the Los Angeles Angels (12:05 p.m. CT for FOX telecast), Saturday, May 26 versus the Toronto Blue Jays (2:05 p.m. CT); Saturday, June 16 versus the Houston Astros (6:15 p.m. for FOX telecast); Saturday June 23 versus the Colorado Rockies (2:05 p.m. CT); Saturday, June 30 versus the Oakland A’s (6:15 p.m. CT for FOX telecast); Saturday, July 7 versus the Minnesota Twins (6:15 p.m. CT for FOX telecast); and Saturday, August 25 versus the Minnesota Twins (3:05 p.m. CT for FOX telecast).

Texas will also be featured on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball on each of the club’s first three Sunday home games in 2012: April 8 versus the Chicago White Sox; April 29 versus the Tampa Bay Rays; and May 13 versus the Los Angeles Angels. All three games are at 7:05 p.m. CT.

In addition to the five FOX telecasts at home, the Rangers are currently scheduled for three FOX Saturday games on the road: April 14 at Minnesota (12:05 p.m. CT); May 19 at Houston (6:15 p.m. CT); and July 21 at the Los Angeles Angels (3:05 p.m. CT).

All game times are subject to change pending changes in the schedule of national television games.

The complete 2012 schedule is attached.

A 15-Year Old's Mission to End Cancer, One Autograph at a Time

2012-01-04T12:41:00.001-06:00

Ten-year old Rudy Ramirez was a vibrant, friendly boy. Brain cancer couldn't stop that.

Ramirez made fast friends with Houston native Jake Faust at a retreat for young cancer patients from Houston's Texas Children's Hospital at his grandparents' ranch, Squirrel Creek.

"He was really talkative, just like me," 15-year old Jake recalls. "I made a connection with him and stayed in touch. He ended up dying this summer. It just made me realize how fragile life is."

The Faust family has hosted week-long retreats for cancer patients for about 20 years. Jake has seen firsthand what a devastating disease cancer is and in 2010 he decided to do what he could to end it.


Jake & Anahi Delacruz at Squirrel Creek Ranch Retreat

Jake started Autographs for Cancer, a non-profit organization that collects and sells autographed memorabilia online. All of the profits help fund cancer research at Texas Children's Hospital.

"I was collecting autographs and I thought that just one autograph from an athlete or celebrity could turn into 300, 400 dollars to help (end) childhood cancer," Jake said.

Jake is a one-man autograph army, using a combination of boyhood charm and dogged persistence to get signatures.


Jake and Colt McCoy

"I've been trying to step up my drive at Astros games and at Texans practices," says Jake.

He was lucky enough to attend a Yankees game against the Rays this past August in the Bronx and made an impression on Tampa Bay outfielder Sam Fuld. The leftfielder recruited his teammates to sign a bat for Jake. Fuld then helped spread the teenager's message, tweeting @SamFuld5
"AutographsforCancer.com Jake Faust is raising $ for cancer by auctioning off memorabilia. Had the pleasure of meeting him at Yankee Stadium."

This young Texans and UT fan doesn't discriminate when it comes to getting autographs to sell on his site. His current inventory of autographed gear includes a jersey from Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware, an autographed bat from Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler, a signed ball from Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz and an autographed football from Alabama coach Nick Saban.

"I just want to help these kids," Jake says. "Over a thousand kids in Texas each year are diagnosed with cancer. I'd like to know that just from my charity alone, even if just 10 kids are saved, that would mean the world to me."

Nelson Cruz Baseball

"These kids are just trying to live their lives and they get diagnosed with this horrible disease. Everything, from their family life to their school, everything changes because they just got diagnosed with cancer, which they can't help," he adds.

But Jake is trying to help so that he doesn't lose another friend, like Rudy Ramirez.

You can learn more about Autographs for Cancer and purchase memorabilia by going to Jake's website or Facebook. You can also follow him on Twitter @JakeFaust.

The List: Top 5 Football Movies

2011-08-29T16:18:00.000-05:00

Tony D’Amato: “Willy watch that spiral.”
Willie Beamen: “Coach my spiral’s tighter than a frog’s asscheeks.”
--Any Given Sunday

Jerry Maguire in: "Show me the money!"
--"Jerry Maguire"

Phillip Elliott: "Hell coach, I love needles."
--"North Dallas Forty"

I could fill this entire blog with great football movie quotes. There are a ton and any compilation will leave off one of your favorites. Kind of like a list of great football movies.
Years ago, the great Chris Arnold theorized that movie watching is a sport and I think he's spot on. While it's hard to pick a clear cut "winner" when it comes to watching movies, you can debate the merits of one movie versus another or a character's greatness against another's lameness with as much passion as you can argue the merits of the BCS vs a college playoff system.

For an appearance on TXA21's The Fan, I had Chris come up with his list of top five football movies while I offered mine. This generated a huge response: good, bad and ugly.

Chris' List:
HONORABLE MENTION:
"The Longest Yard" (Original starring Burt Reynolds) - A sadistic warden asks a former pro quarterback, now serving time in his prison, to put together a team of inmates to take on (and get pummeled by) the guards.*
"The Longest Yard" (Remake staring Adam Sandler) - Prison inmates form a football team to challenge the prison guards.*

5. "Any Given Sunday " - A behind the scenes look at the life and death struggles of modern day gladiators and those who lead them.

4. "Jerry Maguire" - When a sports agent has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it, he decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent with the only athlete who stays with him.*

3. Remember the Titans - The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit. *

2. "Rudy" - Rudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame.*

1. North Dallas Forty - A semi-fictional account of life as a professional Football (American-style) player. Loosely based on the Dallas Cowboys team of the early 1970s.*

Gina's List:
5. "Rudy" - This movie makes me sports cry.

4. "Jerry Maguire" - It's just a fun, uplifting movie that gave us some great mid-90's moments.

3.  "Any Given Sunday " - Although it had its fair share of bon mots and drama, I didn't necessarily think this was a stellar movie. I picked this movie for its backstory.  A portion of it was shot in the DFW area and at Texas Stadium. The room in which Miami Sharks head coach Tony D'Amato gave his famous halftime speech was a locker room at Texas Stadium. The film crew painted it the fictional Dallas Knights colors. When Texas Stadium still standing, the room was used for the visiting head coaches' postgame press conference. The paint remained for a few years and surprised the heck out of visiting media whenever they covered a Cowboys game. We constantly heard whispers of "This was where Al Pacino gave that speech!" Yes, it was.

2.  Original "Longest Yard" - I prefer the grittiness of the 1970's original to the 2005 version.

1.  "Friday Night Lights: The Story of the 1988 Permian Panthers" - NOT the movie, the documentary. Nothing captures the drama, heartbreak and reality of high school football like this does. The book was still better but this doc is excellent.

No doubt, there are some omissions. I am disappointed I didn't think of "North Dallas Forty". It was a great movie for its time. We got a ton feedback but none more colorful than this emailer who wouldn't even send me her feedback but passed it along to my colleague, Babe Laufenberg:

Love your show and enjoy all the sports. Do me a favor, Gina Miller and Chris Arnold gave
their top 5 sports movies of all time tonight. What a joke! Anyone who doesn't list
"Brian's Song " as the top football movie of all time has no clue about football movies. I
have seen every sports movie ever made and this is the number 1 sports movie ever!!! What
is up with that? They never even mentioned it!!!

Thanks,
XXXXX   XXXXXX

What do you think? Agree? Disagree? What did we forget? What doesn't belong?   Let me know in the comments section.

Next up: Top Five Baseball Movies.

*IMDB.com description

FINALLY: Cowboys Training Camp Details

2011-07-25T15:45:00.002-05:00

After way to much speculation and way too many talking heads guess what will happen regarding Cowboys camp, here's what we know the Cowboys will be doing in the coming days.

This from the Cut and Paste department, courtesy of Cowboys PR:

Dallas Cowboys tentative training camp details (subject to change).

The Dallas Cowboys are tentatively scheduled to report to training camp in San Antonio on Wednesday, July 27th.

A camp opening press conference is scheduled to take place at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the Alamodome.

The team is tentatively scheduled to start practice on Thursday, July 28th. The daily practice schedule in San Antonio is as follows: Walkthrough (10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) and practice (2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.). There are no morning walk through sessions scheduled for Sunday (July 31st) and Sunday (August 7th).

The team will break camp on Wednesday, August 10th and return to Dallas for the preseason opener vs. the Denver Broncos at Cowboys Stadium on Thursday, August 11th (7:30 p.m.).

Practices will resume on Saturday, August 13th at Cowboys Stadium with details to follow.

NBA Set to Lockout Its Players Tonight, Player Reaction Via Twitter

2011-06-30T16:13:00.002-05:00

Here we go again. All that feel-good Mavs mojo from the championship will come to a crashing thud later today when the NBA heads into its first work stoppage since the 1998-99 season. On the bright side the Mavs could be the champs a little longer and those vet guys (I see you, J Kidd) will get some rest.

The NBA will lock out its players Thursday night when the current collective bargaining agreement expires at 11pm Dallas time. Both sides have failed to reach any common ground on a new CBA.

NBA team owners, coaches, team executives and staff members are basically following a gag order and not commenting. The Dallas Mavericks have made it clear they will not speak about the lockout. Nothing from owner Mark Cuban, GM Donnie Nelson or head coach Rick Carlisle on the subject.

Cuban and Shawn Marion did seem to be focused on more positive issues like lunch and championship hardware. Here are their tweets with the accompanying pictures from Thursday:

@matrix31 Fresh in my kitchen

YUM!

@mcuban Who is under there Yoda, ET or Larry O ? My kitchen never looked so good

Cuban's counter & Yoda? I like the Tiffany blue

Here are a few more NBA player tweets for your lockout pleasure, with a triple latte bonus from Shane Battier (best NBA tweeter out there, imo):

@ShaneBattier Dear @NBA, lockout hasn't even started and I already miss your loving touch. Come back, baby. Cocktails and talk this out?

@ShaneBattier I think I have just decided to balance the national budget while I wait for the CBA to be signed. Wish me luck. Goodnight good people.

@ShaneBattier Barring a last minute miracle, looks like the lockout is on like kong. Anyone hiring/needing tall dark and handsome? Negotiable. Make offer

@andrewMbogut NBA Friends: Its July 1 in Australia, Lockout has started for me!! #unemployed #needwork #workingonresume #HOLYSHIT

@agentzeroshow So too all my NBA mates don't go overboard that's what they want us too do..so stay out of trouble and good luck

@dwilkins3000 Guess it's official...we are LOCKED-OUT!! Sad day for the NBA and it's fans. Hopefully we will resolve this sooner than later about 1 hour ago

@JJ Redick47 Last day of camp for me. Probably won't be able to go tomorrow #lockout. For everyone who has asked me to plank- WON'T HAPPEN! #stupidity about 7 hours ago

The Details on the Sports Illustrated Commemorative Issue Celebrating Mavs Championship

2011-06-15T18:18:00.000-05:00

FINALLY! The "Big One for Big D" is here.

The Mavericks are getting that Sports Illustrated championship issue that's a rite of passage for all title-winning teams. These are great opportunities for fans to relive some of the memorable and magical moments of a championship season.

Some of the magazine's highlights include:

A profile on Mark Cuban titled a "A Maverick Kind of Town".
A pictorial of the championship season.
A feature on the unique makeup of this team: from superstars in Dirk Nowitzki to role players and unsung heroes.
It also has a great story that looks back at the 12 players who had a lasting impact on the franchise. Of course, this is where my bias emerges as Derek Harper is unquestionably one of those men. It includes other Mavs greats I grew up loving like Rolando Blackman, Brad Davis and James Donaldson (I had the "grow tall with James Donaldson poster as a kid).

The issue is already on newsstands and tons of area retailers (think 7-11, Kroger, Costco, etc.). It will cost you $7.99.

D Harp!

Designer Jonathan Adler is a Mavs Fan, Falls Asleep Eating Cookies and Really Wants a Namesake Drink

2011-06-15T08:38:00.001-05:00

New York Magazine does a fabulous little ditty called, appropriately, the "New York Diet." It simply has New Yorkers sharing their food diaries for a few days. New York and NYC food are a couple of my minor obsessions, so I love reading it. It's one of those little time wastes that makes me happy.

The most recent "New York Diet" offering really has nothing to do with sports EXCEPT that it features one of my favorite designers in America, Jonathan Adler. Get this: he's a Mavs fan! Love it! Love him even more!

After describing a dinner of mozzarella and tomato, a pork chop, and a cherry crostata on June 7th, he adds he following:

"I was so full and somehow managed to waddle home. I didn't even have a cup of tea, I was so full. But it all ended well, because I watched the Mavericks beat the Heat, which was great."

Now, if I could only get that damn pillow I ordered from his company back in May delivered to me!!! It's back -rdered to Lord knows when!

Your NBA WORLD CHAMPION Dallas Mavericks to Present Letterman Top 10!

2011-06-14T19:13:00.004-05:00

How fun is this!!!!!! (and look who is on the show with Carlisle)

The celebrations continue for the Mavs. This from the cut and paste department:

THE 2011 NBA CHAMPION DALLAS MAVERICKS TO PRESENT THE TOP TEN LIST ON CBS’S “LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN,” WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15

NEW YORK, June 14 – Members of the Dallas Mavericks, the 2011 NBA Champions, will present the Top Ten List on the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Wednesday, June 15 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Eight players from the team, including MVP Dirk Nowitzki, plus head coach Rick Carlisle and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, will present the Top Ten List via satellite from the American Airlines Center in Dallas. This will be the team’s first talk show appearance since their victory. The Mavericks clinched their first NBA Championship Sunday, June 12, beating the Miami Heat 105-95 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Also visiting the LATE SHOW Wednesday, June 15 are actor Jim Carrey, who stars in the new film “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”; Rosie Huntington-Whiteley from “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”; and musician Todd Rundgren, who will sit in with Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra.

The LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN is a production of Worldwide Pants Incorporated. Barbara Gaines, Matt Roberts, Jude Brennan, Maria Pope, Eric Stangel, Justin Stangel and Rob Burnett are the executive producers.

Mark Cuban, Dirk and Mavs sing "We are the Champions"

2011-06-14T17:10:00.001-05:00

The best thing about winning an NBA championship is all the ridiculous, crazy, fabulous crap you get to do that you never thought you would EVER experience. From riding in parades, to popping an $80,000 bottle of champagne, to sharing moments with teammates, family and friends that are truly priceless; it's the best feeling in the world. Honestly. The absolute best.

Singing off key in one of Dallas' best watering holes is another one of them. Some Mavs players including Dirk Nowitzki, along with staff members, friends and owner Mark Cuban indulged at the Loon earlier this week. Moments like this are truly once-in-a-lifetime and the Mavs are taking every opportunity to take advantage of them.

*Tip of the hat for the heads up on the video to Brian Dameris.

O/T: If I shared with you some of the things I did after the Rockets won the title in 1995, you might never look at me the same. I was a 21 year old PR intern who rode in the Rockets victory parade. I took a celebratory offseason trip to La Jolla with the team, all paid for by owner Les Alexander. And I had many all-nighters at the Volcano and Los Andes (our watering holes that season) with Rudy T and the gang. It was the best experience of my life. I like to joke that it was all downhill from there. ;)

Any Different Pre-Game Rituals for the Mavs Prior to Game 6?

2011-06-12T11:37:00.002-05:00

In a word: no!

Mavericks players are doing the same thing they've done all postseason which for most includes a good pregame meal and an hour long nap.

"Today you just relax, do your normal routine," Mavs guard Jason Terry said Sunday morning at shootaround.

Having said that, he admittedly is the one superstitious exception. His pregame routine is quite different from his teammates.

"I'm very superstitious so all those superstitions will be intact and ready to roll," he added.

His biggest one: how he ties his shoes. For him, getting the perfect tie is paramount.

"How I lace up the shoes tonight," he said Sunday morning during Mavericks shootaround. "It's gotta be in sync. All strings gotta be even."

Terry's teammates just laugh and offer a bit of an eye roll.

"I remember the high socks in college," Tyson Chandler said, alluding to Terry's penchant for knee highs. "He's always been a little different character."

Whatever works. At least Terry washes his unmentionables.

Yes, I've asked that question.

What is the Mavericks Mindset Going Into Game 6?

2011-06-12T11:21:00.001-05:00

Rick Carlisle's Sunday morning shootaround media session lasted an almost record-short one minute and 53 seconds. Individual players' interviews weren't that much longer. That's because eight hours prior to tip off of Game 6 of the NBA Finals, there's not much more these players and the Mavericks head coach can say about their Sunday night matchup with the Heat.

"This is Game 7," Jason Terry proclaimed on the American Airlines Arena floor. "This is our approach tonight. We're trying to get this thing done tonight."

If what the Mavericks have done previously this postseason is any indication, the odds are in their favor. Dallas is 3-0 in closeout games this year. Plainly put, they've ended playoff series when they've had the chance. Whether it was the Blazers, Lakers or Thunder, Dallas got it done.

"It's been a killer instinct," center Tyson Chandler said when I asked him about the team's approach going into series-clinching games. "Understand that you don't want it (the series) to go on, that you don't want to give the other team any hope, any chance. You finish them while you can."

So what is the Mavericks mindset as they are just one win away from reaching that goal, winning the franchise's first-ever NBA title? From what I've been able to glean, they're focused and relaxed while trying to maintain a bit of an edge.

"Same thing we been doing throughout the playoffs: we keep a certain amount of focus," Chandler said. "You don't change anything. You don't try to get overhyped or animated, anything like that. You just focus on the game, focus on execution, what you can do to succeed.

"This has been a very intense two week period," Rick Carlisle said during his 100-yard dash-like interview. "It's an extended period yet it seems to go by quickly. You just kinda roll with it. I embrace the intensity of it and I know our guys do."

Some Leftover Mavs/Heat Game 2 Post-Game Fun & a Joey Crawford Run-In

2011-06-03T09:27:00.000-05:00

The ~~heart attack~~ comeback kids did it again.

The Mavericks posted another double digit come-from-behind win this postseason. This time, Dallas overcame a 15-point deficit, closing the game on a 22-5 run to beat Miami 95-93 and tie the NBA Finals at 1-1.

From the Stat Geek department (actually Elias sports bureau): The last time a team overcame a 15+ point 4th-quarter deficit in the NBA Finals was June 14, 1992, when the Bulls came back to beat the Trail Blazers.

*Something I didn't hit in my late-night/early-morning ramble: On the Dirk Nowitzki go-ahead basket, he said he drove earlier than he would have. He was hoping to draw the foul, which of course didn't come.

*Btw, I ran into referee Joey Crawford at breakfast Friday morning. He couldn't have been lovelier.

Headline Fun

This was the headline on the front page of the Miami Herald Friday morning. The sports page also featured a headline that read "MELTDOWN" with a wonderful accompanying photo of Dirk Nowitzki hitting the go-ahead shot to put Dallas up 95-93.

My question to you is, couldn't the game be characterized as a great COMEBACK by Dallas? Every Mavericks fan will say yes. But remember when Dallas lost to Portland in Game 4 during the first round? Brandon Roy had a brilliant fourth quarter, scoring 18 points, and helping the Blazers overcome a 23 point deficit to beat Dallas 84-82. Was it a Blazers comeback? Or a Mavericks collapse? Mavs fans said collapse. Guess what Blazers fans said?

I think it's a matter of perspective depending on which team you root for but ultimately it's probably somewhere in between.

The Evolution of Your Quiet Mavericks Leader, Dirk Nowitzki

2011-05-30T16:41:00.001-05:00

Mavs break huddle at AAA in Miami

Dirk Nowitzki will never be mistaken for that in-your-face, rally the troops guy. Yet, he has grown and embraced the role as the Dallas Mavericks leader this past season.

Case in point:
When the Mavericks took a 2-nothing lead over the Lakers, he warned his teammates not to get too excited.

"Dirk got on us when we won two games in LA," Deshawn Stevenson brought up after the Mavericks beat Oklahoma City to advance to the Finals. "We got our leader and franchise player saying that and he doesn't have a smile on his face; it just makes you sit back and realize there's more work to do."

JJ Barea added to the story during Monday's practice at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.

"He said, 'It's only 2-nothing we gotta go home and still take this' I never seen him talk like that. He didn't look right."

Barea added the last part jokingly but his point is well-taken. Nowitzi hasn't been a player who is a "win one for the Gipper" guy. But he has developed into a player who will speak to his teammates when he feels it is necessary

"He's been doing it this year a little bit more. He's even talking this year," Barea said. "His work ethic, the look in his eyes, his body language, everybody just wants to follow him."

I still think the Mavericks are still more of leader-by-committee team with Jason Kidd and even Tyson Chandler stepping up to the plate. But when your best player, in this case Dirk Nowitzki, is sending a message, it's important that his teammates listen. And in the Mavericks case, they are.

Why You Still Won't Be Hearing From Mavs Owner Mark Cuban Anytime Soon

2011-05-24T12:14:00.001-05:00

You've heard all postseason long about Mark Cuban's silence. You haven't heard him talk any trash about this postseason. He hasn't made any postgame show appearances, given any lengthy interviews or made reference to dirty Riverwalk water. Sure, he may have vented about a call or said a thing or two about the Dodgers but that's about it.

While he's been incredibly cordial and polite to all of us, even delivering a live postgame fist-pump to me on TXA21 outside the Mavs locker room in Portland after a Game 6 six win, he's politely declined ust about every substantial on the record interview request.

Don't expect that to change.

After the Mavs amazing comeback win in Game 4 Monday night in Oklahoma City he came out of the locker room following the game while the media throng was gathered in the hallway. He had a relieved, half-smile on his face. A number of media peeps asked him if he wanted to talk. He broke into a bigger smile and shook his head no.

We joked with him, asking him if he's ever going to talk again, considering how well his team is playing with his lips somewhat sealed. It was another broad smile with a head shake as he walked away. He said something to the effect of "I'm not messing with what's working."

Much has been made about the genesis and inspiration of this silence. I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't a more coordinated effort. Perhaps head coach Rick Carlisle has seen what a potential distraction Cuban's chatter has been in the past and maybe suggested that the owner stay quiet.

Just a thought.

Mavs Come From Behind to Beat Thunder in Game 4 of the Western Conf...

2011-05-24T11:51:00.000-05:00

halkjlkjgina

Yes, that happened.

In my Michael Johnson-like pace to churn out a video blog before we hit the road to Dallas, I forgot to mention something. Brendan Haywood told me that Rick Carlisle told his guys this was a character win.

Watching the Mavericks come from 15 points down with less than five minutes to go to beat OKC can understand why. But what was so interesting was what Tyson Chandler and Jason Kidd said after the game.

Both said that the Mavericks could have easily given up. Think about it. Down 15. They had already gotten a win in Game 3. A split in Oklahoma City (a tough place to play) would have been just fine by anyone's standards. You would have taken that, wouldn't you? But Dallas wasn't willing to settle for "just a split". Both players admitted as much. Obviously, if the Mavs don't win, we're having a different discussion.

That being said, I think "character win" is an appropriate description because Dallas showed a hell of a lot of it in Game 4. It definitely wasn't anywhere close to a perfect game. FAR from it. I know most of you Mavs fans were cussing at the tv (and at me on twitter and facebook!). But it's one they'll learn from, take and hope to build upon in Wednesday's Game 5.

Are the Mavericks the Most Battle-Scarred Playoff Team in the NBA?

2011-05-22T20:01:00.000-05:00

You could almost make the case for that. And it might just be a reason why the Mavericks could be primed for one of their most successful seasons in franchise history.

We've focused all offseason on just how playoff-tested the Mavericks are. Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki and Peja Stojakovich each have at least 10 years of postseason experience. The rest of the squad, save for Corey Brewer, Dominique Jones, Brian Cardinal, Rodrigue Beaubois and Ian Mahinmi, all have at least five years of playoff experience. All this postseason experience and, let's be honest, disappointment each individual player and Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle have been through with other teams have shaped this 2011 Mavericks squad.

It's made the Mavericks a hungry, smart team that understands not to take a ride on that emotional roller coaster than can be an NBA postseason.

But no one put it better than Jason Terry on Sunday before the Mavs watched film of Game 3.

"You look at each individual, almost to a man, Peja Stojakovich: Sacramento vs LA, he didn't get it done. Myself and Dirk: in the Finals up 2-0, didn't get it done. Coach Carlisle: two Eastern Conference Finals, never made it to the championship. Jason Kidd: two Finals appearances, didn't hoist up trophy. Someone told me the other day Shawn Marion's been to Western Conference Finals twice, hadn't got the Finals. Those unique stories in itself (is) what drives us and motivates us to get it done this year."

We know getting it, a championship, is the goal this season. Can this be the team that finally does it? I think it's in better shape, both mentally and physically, than the team that made the Finals run in 2006.

It's One Silly Little Loss, But Are the Mavs Taking the Thunder Too Lightly? Yes, Says 1 Mavs Player

2011-05-20T08:36:00.002-05:00

I'm not a girl who likes to say I told you so, but......

The Western Conference Finals are tied at one after Dallas lost to the Thunder 106-100 on Thursday. It's only one loss to but I definitely feel the Mavericks Game 1 win masked a few areas of concern that enabled the Thunder to win Game 2, particularly on defense. Remember the Thunder were within six with under three minutes to play in Game 1. We pointed this out on Mavericks Game Night prior to Game 2 Thursday night.

This series is still right on pace for what I predicted to be a win for the Mavericks in six (I had OKC winning Game 1). But have the Mavericks lost their edge defensively? OKC is averaging 109 points a game through the first two. Dallas didn't given up more than 100 in the entire postseason prior to the Conference Finals. At least one Mavericks player admitted that they're concentration is off, perhaps they're taking OKC too lightly and that, yes, they have lost some edge.

Dallas allowed OKC to shoot 58% percent in Game 2 and, for the first time in a while, was outplayed by an opposing team's reserve players. The Thunder bench outscored the Mavs second unit 50-29, led by James Harden's 23 points.

Much more in the video blog.

Some Mavs/Thunder Pre-Game 2 Fun...NERD ALERT!

2011-05-19T16:39:00.001-05:00

Life has gotten in the way and blog posts from me have been tougher to come by than a botox-free celebrity (no judgement). Excuses be damned! While doing some homework for Thursday's Game 2 between the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder, I thought I would share some stat geeky fun.

Look at how different these trends are from the past four Mavs postseasons:

-Dallas has won the first game of each of last three playoff series.

-The Mavericks have won seven (7!) straight playoff games. Their longest previous win streak in the postseason was four which they have done on two separate occasions. They're also 6-0 at home. They've also won three straight playoff games on the road, the first time in franchise history.

-The Mavs are looking to go up 2-0 against the Thunder tonight. Dallas is 4-1 all-time in a best of 7 series when it has a 2-0 lead. The only loss after leading 2-0 (do I really need to remind you): the 2006 NBA Finals

-Dirk Nowitzki went 24/24 from the free throw line. Dallas is unstoppable when he gets to the charity stripe. The Mavs are 5-0 this postseason when Nowitkzi attempts at least 10 free throws, 12-0 during regular season with at least 10 attempts.

-The Mavericks bench (my key to this series for Dallas) is averaging 41.6 points a game this postseason. Dallas is 8-1 when its bench outscores the opposing team's reserves. That loss was in Game 3 vs the Blazers when the Mavs bench outscored Portland's 48-23.

Is the Mavs 6-Game Win Streak Fools Gold and Are the Rangers in Trouble?

2011-05-12T12:06:00.000-05:00

Now that the Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from playing the Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals, are they the best matchup for the Mavs?

Any chance the Mavs 6-game postseason win streak is fool's gold? I don't think so but Producer Cody makes the case.

And just how much trouble are the Rangers in 37 games (and a half) into the 2011 season

Victoria's Secret & Rangers Intro PINK Line: Even the Grumpy MLB Reporters Might Like This One

2011-05-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

The Rangers and Victoria's Secret are doing a little to-do to introduce their Rangers PINK line at Dallas' Northpark Mall on Thursday. I blogged about the offerings here. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that even the grumpiest of the grumpy baseball reporters might crack a tiny smile covering this event. Let's at least hope!

Here are the detes from the cut and paste department:

TEXAS RANGERS TAKE OVER VICTORIA’S SECRET PINK

WHO: CJ Wilson – Pitcher, Texas Rangers

Chanel Iman- VS PINK Supermodel

WHAT: Victoria’s Secret PINK is coming to Dallas! VS PINK Supermodel Chanel Iman will be joined by CJ Wilson of the Texas Rangers at the Victoria’s Secret store in Northpark Mall to meet and greet fans and celebrate the new line of PINK Rangers gear. The first 100 people in line will be able to pose for photos with CJ and Chanel and all fans can shop the new collection.

Launched in 2004, Victoria’s Secret PINK is a fully articulated lifestyle collection for young women. The VS PINK Major League Baseball Collection, launched in March 2010, is an exclusive assortment of co-branded merchandise with select teams. This unique program features VS PINK’s highly recognizable brand iconography and the names and logos of some of the biggest teams in baseball including the Texas Rangers, who were added in March 2011. Items in the collection include tees, shorts, hats, hoodies, and sweats. To learn more information about the exclusive VS PINK MLB or Collegiate Collection, visit www.vspink.com.

CJ Wilson is a stellar force on the mound and finished among the American League’s Top ten wins. He is passionate about traveling, photography, his new company "CJ Wilson Racing," going to South Africa for his charity, music, tatoos, surfing and his “STRAIGHT EDGE” way of life. C.J. is constantly engaging his fans and letting them know what’s behind the #36 Texas Rangers jersey and his signature blue glove.

WHERE: Victoria’s Secret
Northpark Mall
1010 Northpark Center

WHEN: Thursday, May 12th
1:00PM
Press Check in at 12:30PM

What We Learned in the Mavs Win Over the Lakers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

2011-05-05T17:46:00.000-05:00

You can look at the box scores and stats anywhere on-line. These are my impressions of how the Mavs are handling this success.

I think it's fair to say the Dallas Mavericks have shown us something we haven't seen in a while. They are a more mature, veteran team that seems poised to deal with the roller coaster the NBA postseason throws at them. I was impressed with the Mavs victory but even more impressed with the player's reaction afterwards.

It's also worthwhile to note that Mavs owner Mark Cuban is keeping a lower profile in these 2011 playoffs. He seems to be letting his players and coaches do the playing and talking. He came out of the locker room Wednesday night, with an expression of relief, elation and restrained calm that was refreshing.

"We got two games. We got two games. Gotta get two more," he said emphatically but with a calm, almost library-appropriate voice.

I think everyone involved with this entire team is showing us something and, eight postseason games in, it looks good.

Mavs/Blazers Pre-Game 4 Musings...From the Obvious Dept

2011-04-23T14:51:00.000-05:00

The Mavs plan today is simple: protect the ball, hit some free throws and play better defense than in Game 3 vs Blazers today if they want to go back to Dallas with a 3-1 lead.

The Mavericks said Friday at practice they would like to get more of their guys involved offensively. Tyson Chandler admitted he wants to make more of an impact. When I asked Shawn Marion about producing more on the offensive end after Game 3, he gave me the "I take what comes to me" answer. But I wouldn't be surprised if the Mavs do try to get him going. He was so good down the stretch for Dallas, scoring 16 a game over the final month or so of the season. In three games against Portland he's only putting up 7 & 5.

Some interesting numbers:
-Portland is shooting a playoff-best 47.5% from the field; while Dallas is third hitting shots at a 47.1% clip.
-The Mavs are dominating the Blazers from the 3-point line, shooting a second-best 45% in comparison to Portland's 38.6%.
-The Blazers are outscoring Dallas in paint, 118-86, and on the break, 37-21, through three games.

How Do the Mavs Do Following a Playoff Win? Here's the Ugly Info.

2011-04-18T15:33:00.004-05:00

The Mavericks are focused on not having a let down in Game 2 vs Portland on Tuesday night. It's good that is a point of emphasis because in the recent past, they have struggled in the immediate game following a playoff victory.

Check this out from the Negative Nellie Department:
Since Game 2 of the NBA Finals in 2006, the Mavs are 2-8 in the postseason in the game following a win. The ONLY games immediately following a playoff win in which the Mavericks did NOT lose were Games 3 & 4 of their first round series against San Antonio in 2009. They beat the Spurs in Game 3 and followed that with a win in Games 4 & 5 before ultimately winning the series.

Here's the history:
2005-06 Postseason
June 11, 2006   Mavs beat the Heat 99-85 in Game 2 of the Finals
June 13, 2006 Mavs lose to the Heat 98-96 in Game 3
♦ Mavs lose the series 4-2

2006-07 Postseason
April 25, 2007   Mavs beat the Warriors 112-99 in Game 2 of the 1st round of the playoffs
April 27, 2007   Mavs lose to the Warriors 109-91 in Game 3
May 1, 2007    Mavs beat the Warriors 118-112 in Game 5
May 3, 2007      Mavs lose to the Warriors 111-86 in Game 6
♦ Mavs lose series 4-2

2007-08 Postseason
April 25, 2008   Mavs beat the Hornets 97-87 in Game 3 of the 1st round of the playoffs
April 27, 2008   Mavs lose to the Hornets 97-84 in Game 4
♦ Mavs lose series 4-1

2008-09 Postseason
April 18, 2009   Mavs beat the Spurs 105-97 in Game 1 of the 1st round of the playoffs
April 20, 2009 Mavs lose to the Spurs 105-84 in Game 2
April 23, 2009 Mavs beat the Spurs 88-67 in Game 3
April 25, 2009   Mavs beat the Spurs 90-80 in Game 4
April 28, 2009 Mavs beat Spurs 106-93 in Game 5
♦ Mavs win series 4-1

May 11, 2009 Mavs beat the Nuggets 119-117 in Game 4 of the 2nd round of the playoffs
May 13, 2009   Mavs lose to the Nuggest 124-110 in Game 5
♦ Mavs lose series 4-1

2009-10 Postseason
April 18, 2010   Mavs beat the Spurs 100-94 in Game 1 of the 1st round of the playoffs
April 21, 2010   Mavs lose to the Spurs 102-88 in Game 2
April 27, 2010   Mavs beat the Spurs 103-81 in Game 5
April 29, 2010   Mavs lose to the Spurs 97-87 in Game 6
♦ Mavs lose series 4-2

2010-11 Postseason
April 16, 2011   Mavs beat the Blazers 89-81 in Game 1 of the 1st round of the playoffs
April 19, 2011   ???????????

Nuggets/Mavs Preview: We're Getting Physical....Again

2011-04-06T09:46:00.003-05:00

Could Wednesday's game against the Nuggets result in a win the Mavericks need to end their three-game losing streak? Just at first glance, you could make the case for Dallas.

The Nuggets are playing on the second night of a back to back, after losing to Oklahoma City in Denver on Tuesday. It was actually Denver's first loss at home since February 7th. They were 10-0 at the Pepsi Center since the Carmelo Anthony trade. They had won six straight prior to the Thunder loss and are 15-5 since the trade.

What's impressive is the way they've been playing.

"Since trade they're best defensive team in the league, allowing 10 less points per game, which is staggering," Rick Carlisle claimed Tuesday at practice. "They're doing it with great balance and are doing it with 10-11 man rotation."

In fact, prior to the Thunder game, Denver was allowing only 94.8 points per game in their previous 19 games, down from the 105.2 they were giving up before the trade.

Then Carlisle mentioned the "P" word which describes the Nuggets perfectly. I'm channeling Olivia Newton-John.

"They're physical and it's going to be a big test for us."

Oh Lord. Another physical team (I still remember how the Mavs were pushed around in their 2009 playoff series against the Nuggets). Another test. How did Dallas do in its last test? Need I remind you of last Thursday's game against the Lakers which has lit up the DFW airwaves and interwebs with "soft" talk?

What's the focus for the trying-to-toughen-up Mavs tonight?

"Transition defense is going to be big," Carlisle said. "We have to compete for shots on offense because they stay into you."

Denver has had a lot of success against the Mavericks lately, winning eight of the last 11 regular season meetings with Dallas and four of the last six at the AAC.

I am personally stoked about this game, the first post-trade meeting between the two teams. The Mavs said they worked on a number of things on Tuesday at practice: communication, defense and focusing on their flow game. I'm anxious to see how they respond after playing poorly in those three straight losses and see how they react to Denver's aggressive, physical style of play which puts up a league best 107.2 points per game.