Last night was fun.
As a fan, I was content with losing. The game was filled with excitement, hustle, and energy as both the San Antonio Spurs (11-3) and the Dallas Mavericks (2-11) played short-handed.
Spurs 96, Mavs 91.
Kawhi Leonard is a monster among men. His physicality at times makes a spectator feel as if they are watching an NBA player vs a sophomore in high school. Leading all scorers, Leonard delivered 24 points and 9 rebounds. Pau Gasol and Patty Mills pestered all night long and ended with a combined 33 points and 11 rebounds.
Top Performers
Harrison Barnes: 20 points, 9 rebounds
Wes Matthews: 20 points, 4 assists
Seth Curry: 23 points, 4 assists
DNP/Out:
Dirk Nowitzki (Achilles)
Deron Williams (calf)
Devin Harris (toe)
J.J. Barea (calf)
Andrew Bogut (calf)
Reasons why I’m content with these losses…
1) This Mavericks squad is fighting harder than it has in recent years
2) Energy and Hustle is starting to look contagious
3) Due to injuries, we’re seeing the youngsters be competitive against healthy opponents
4) Harrison Barnes is looking well worth the contract and like a franchise player, so far
5) Nothing is worse than being mediocre in the NBA
Mark Cuban has been vocal about the dangers of mediocracy. Yes, Dallas hasn’t finished a season with a losing record in the last 15 years. That is a great feat, but has the last 5 years been fun? Watching veterans play solid basketball to acquire the 8th seed in the West only to experience a 1st round exit isn’t fun.
Due to injuries and the lack of catching big fish, the Mavericks organization has an opportunity to organically tank while developing Finney-Smith, Barnes, Curry, Anderson, and Brussino for the future. This draft class is expected to be ridiculously exceptional.
Losing with young potential and a lottery pick is much more positive than breaking even with veterans and a second round pick.
My excitement level for the season hasn’t dimmed. Yours shouldn’t either. We could see a trade coming to dump Bogut to a contender and in return receive a young developing player for Carlisle to mold. Have fun watching the future in Harrison Barnes and potentially Seth Curry.
Stay strong MFFL!
Up Next:
Wednesday, November 23 vs Los Angeles Clippers at 7:30 pm CST at the American Airlines Center
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