Not Bad

The Dallas Mavericks entered the series against San Antonio as the underdogs, but clearly they were happy to get the Spurs in the first round instead of Denver, or L.A. This series has vindicated that desire, as the Mavericks eliminated the Spurs last night in San Antonio, winning the series in only five games. Of course us fans "knew" that the Mavericks could win the series, but the way in which they dismantled San Antonio handily, losing only game 2 and never trailing in game 5, is impressive. Clearly they're playing their best basketball of the season, and just at the right time. What's impressed me the most though is the resurgence of Josh Howard, who put on a most impressive display in the latter half of the season, and on a gimpy ankle at that. I don't know if it's Carlisle's coaching or if Howard has just gotten his head together, but he's played at the level that he's capable of but that we haven't seen on display in years. The Spurs suffered with the loss of Ginobli, but the Mavs got such quality play from their bench that they handily beat San Antonio despite the fact that Nowitzki only really had one great game. They keep that up, and they can make life difficult for Denver (or at least, more difficult than the Hornets...jeez guys, 58 points?)