Name: Joseph Riesland
Location: Dallas, Texas
How long have you been a fan? I’ve been a Mavs fan for many years. Since before we got Dirk Nowitzki in the NBA Draft.
What made you a fan? What made me a fan was Mark Cuban’ interaction with fans and the players. I lived in NC, but still was a Mavs fan. Traveling to and from Dallas on numerous occasions to watch them live.
Favorite Maverick player of all time and why? My favorite Maverick of all time is Dirk Nowitzki. He personifies toughness and the proven ability to overcome critics to play his very best. He did just that. In 2006-2007 his legacy essentially began. Dirk led our Mavs to the NBA Finals where we faced the Miami Heat. A tough fought series played itself out to a Heat 4-2 win. Great season and year, but came up short. Then after that disappointment, he went on to become the NBA MVP the following season whilst hushing many more critics and analysts. Losing in first rd to Warriors wasn’t pretty but Dirk despite being upset and mad at times, looked to the bright side of the entire experience. Fast forward 3 seasons. In 2010-2011, Mark Cuban set out to finally get all the analysts and critics (some fans too) off his back and to bring a NBA title to Dallas. Acquiring some much needed support to help Dirk and JET in Dallas, @mcuban was able to land Tyson Chandler, and get support from JJ Barea and Peja Stoyacavich off the bench. Caron Butler was to be a perennial SF but suffered a bad injury that season. Leaving Dirk and JET along w/ Marion and Kidd to lead the way. In those playoffs, the Dallas Mavs defeated the Blazers (4-2), Lakers (4-0), and Thunder (4-1) to win the Western Conference Championship and move on to the NBA Finals where the soon to be Eastern Conference winning Miami Heat would be waiting. Dirk suffered through a Thumb injury (game 2), flu-like symptoms (game 4), and constant pressure from non other than himself. But he hit basket after basket and stay hungry and aggressive. Not backing down, he took over in games 2, 4 and 5. He finally won the illusive NBA CHAMPIONSHIP and Finals MVP trophy too.
Favorite Mavs moment and why? The Mavs Winning the championship and being able to celebrate with the team at the arena, on the parade, and at airport Tarmac. I work for an airline. In 2010, I had to transfer locations to a different airport in order to keep job. I was offered a position at an airport in Dallas. I took the offer very quickly. Having access to meeting the players and team as they left from Dallas or arrived from a road trip was surreal. Never thought I’d have chances like that ever.
What are you looking forward to the most this season? I’m looking forward to seeing Monta Ellis and others play around Dirk and enjoy watching the last few years of Dirk Nowitzki and his career in Dallas. Seeing how the 3-ball can spread the offense and open the floor from Wayne Ellington and Jose Calderon for Dirk and Monta to drive and score.
What is your definition of a MFFL? (MFFL) is not just an acronym or a logo. It’s a way of life. Through good times and bad. Wins and losses. Injuries or acquisitions. I and every other Mavs fan stand behind our team and cheer them on. For me personally, that means home games and away games too. I’m lucky enough to be able to experience that aspect and also to help out the Mavs organization during promotions and contests too.
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Joseph is widely known as @Falcon99 on Twitter and has been an avid fan of the Dallas Mavericks for years. He exemplifies everything that “MFFL” stands for. We could think of nobody else to choose for our latest edition of Mavs Fanatic Friday. Think you deserve a spot on our next edition? Tweet us at @TheMavsFanatic and let us know why! GO MAVS!
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