Mavericks Comeback Falls Short - 97-94

Carl Landry had 15 points off the bench as the Rockets held on late to defeat the Mavericks in Houston. Landry made the Rockets' final basket of the game to seal it. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

A slow start by the Dallas Mavericks (22-10) led to the Houston Rockets (20-13) leading by double-digits for the fourth time in their four meetings this season. Unlike the first two games, Dallas was unable to finish off the comeback in their fourth game in 51 days against Houston.

After a rare Shane Battier technical foul and subsequent free throw made it a 97-94 game, Jason Kidd's pump fake gave him an open look on what would have been the game-tying three with 2 seconds left in regulation. Unfortunately for the Mavs, the three-point attempt went around but not down as time expired.

"I got a great look," said Kidd, who was 7-10 from the floor for 14 points but 0-2 from behind the arc. "I might have rushed it a second. I would love to have that shot again. Give Houston credit. They won the game."

Early foul trouble for Dirk Nowitzki played a large role in the Mavericks' sluggish start. Nowitzki finished the game 3-12 from the field with 11 points and seven rebounds in 31 minutes.

Another strong performance from the Dallas bench, led by Jason Terry who had a team-high 20 points on 58 percent shooting, kept the Mavericks in the game. Six Mavs scored in double-figures including Drew Gooden (10 points, eight rebounds) and Josh Howard (16 points, five rebounds) off the bench as Rick Carlisle continued his use of a tight rotation - bringing only three off the bench.

Obviously losing brings about second-guessing but, with a squad as deep as this Dallas team is and with both Nowitzki and Damp in early foul trouble, isn't it a good idea to use some of that depth?

Nick Humphries, Tim Thomas, Quinton Ross, or even Rodrigue Beaubois would have been useful as some Mavericks' starters looked completely gassed at the end of this one. Jason Kidd played the entire second-half and his three at the end of regulation looked flat. Shawn Marion played 39 minutes and had his hands on his knees during crunch-time at the end of the fourth quarter.

The Zone Defense

Dallas used it almost exclusively in the second-half to get back into the game - and it worked. After allowing 56 in the first half, the Dallas defense tightened and Houston scored only 41 points in the second-half.

"The zone helped us in the second half to get back in the game," said Kidd. "We had an opportunity."

The Mavericks had nine blocks (four from Nowitzki) and nine steals in a strong defensive effort. The problem, however, is the same weakness Dallas has had the last couple of years: the water bug point-guard.

Which brings me to...

Aaron Brooks Plays His Best Games Against Dallas

Aaron Brooks has scored 20 points or more 14 times in 33 games this season. Against the Mavericks, Brooks has scored over 20 points in three of four games this season. One of Brooks two 30+ point games this year is also against Dallas: tonight's game in which he scored 30 points and went 6-12 from behind the arc. He didn't have a great shooting night (11-26), but he had the game-high in scoring and hit some clutch three's when the Rockets needed them the most.

"I'm going to go out there and play hard and shoot when I'm open," said Brooks. "Whatever happens after that, I'm going to roll with it."

For the season, Brooks averages 18 points-per-game. Against Dallas - 21.5.

The Mavericks have done a great job this season limiting the bigger guards and small forwards (thanks largely to the addition of Shawn Marion) but the smaller, lightning quick point guards still give Dallas fits.

Crazy Play Of The Night

With 10:33 left in the fourth quarter Aaron Brooks launched a three, missing off the side of the rim. Jason Terry, with two Rockets near him, tried to tip the pass to Drew Gooden. Gooden fought off a Rockets defender and, while falling out-of-bounds, saved the ball inbounds to Jason Kidd. The pass wasn't great, so Kidd is also falling out-of-bounds trying to reel it in but somehow regains possession of the ball and makes an outstanding behind-the-back pass from right next to the Mavs bench. The pass finds it's way to Shawn Marion at half-court who finds, guess who, the man who started it all - Terry in the corner for a wide open three. This trimmed the Houston lead to 80-77 and gave Mavs' fans hope that a comeback was in the works.

A very exciting play that probably should have been out on Kidd as it seemed as though he was right next to coach Carlisle as he made the play, but outstanding nonetheless.

Whats Next

Dallas is done with Houston, at least until the playoffs, after going 2-2 against the Rockets. The Mavericks seemed to get out to a sluggish start in all four meetings against the Rockets and that would have to change in the playoffs as Houston is too good to give them a cushion.

The Mavericks travel to the west-coast for the last two games of their four-game road trip. Dallas takes on the Sacramento Kings Saturday (Jan. 2) who, despite their 14-17 record, are a respectable 11-6 at home.

The Kings play the Lakers Friday night, and the Mavericks play L.A. on Sunday night so both teams will be in the midst of a back-to-back.

The Mavericks led 95-84 with 2:01 earlier in the season in Dallas but Sacramento closed strong as Dallas held on for a 104-102 victory.

Tip-off is at 9:00 p.m and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Mavericks Defeat Billups-less Nuggets 104-96

For the second consecutive game, seven Mavericks scored in double-figures as Dallas got a rare win in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Last year, the Mavericks played an infuriating playoff series against a Denver team that was bigger, stronger and more athletic. This is a vastly different team from last year's Mavs and they showed it in beating the league's best home team for the first time in their last five regular season meetings. Denver is now 13-2 at home this season.

"I think they're on a mission to have a great year," Nuggets Coach George Karl said. "They took one from us. We're going to have to figure out how to take one from them."

In his first game back, after being a late scratch due to back spasms against Memphis Saturday afternoon, Drew Gooden led the Dallas Mavericks (22-9) in scoring with 19 off the bench. Gooden was perfect from the field (8-8) and also contributed 10 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the year. The Denver Nuggets (20-11) allowed the Mavs to shoot 50 percent for the night.

Josh Howard was Dallas' second leading scorer with 17 and also came off the bench. J-Ho also chipped in nine rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes of game action. The Mavericks' bench outscored the Nuggets bench 49-20 on the night.

"It's a lot of weapons," Gooden said. "That's a big plus when you've got everybody on the court at the same time that can score."

The league's leading scorer, Carmelo Anthony, struggled from the field making only 5-19 shots for 16 points. The Nuggets struggled as a team from the field, shooting only 38.2 percent.

"When [Billups] is not there, it's a sigh of relief for the other team," Anthony said.

These two teams meet again, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 in Denver.

Nowitzki Rarity

Dirk Nowitzki was held under 20 points for only the fourth time this season (31 games). Nowitzki ended the game with 13 points, but did grab 11 rebounds - recording his 10th double-double of the season.

What's Next?

Dallas continues their four-game road trip, after a three-day break, New Year's Eve against the Houston Rockets. The Mavericks lost their last meeting with the Rockets 116-108 in overtime in a game that Dallas felt (and anyone else who saw it) was not officiated properly. Both Rick Carlise and Erick Dampier (after being kicked in the nuts) were ejected in that game.

Houston is 2-2 in it's last four games and are coming off a 108-83 thrashing in Cleveland on Sunday night.

Tip-off is at 7:30 and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Playoff-Bound Cowboys 17 Redskins 0

All smiles from Tony Romo and no December struggles here as the Cowboys defense dominated all game long in their first shutout of the season. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Somehow you knew they were going to blow it. Dallas always seems to break exactly when they need victory the most. One game for the playoffs, NFC East foe, easily winnable game - all these things could have led to a major letdown and late-season disaster for the Cowboys.

Not this time.

The Dallas Cowboys (10-5) harassed the Washington Redskins (4-11) offense all game long. Not only did they record their first shutout of the season, they allowed the fewest yards (218) in a game this season. Jason Campbell scrambled for his life all game long as Jay Ratliff and the Cowboys relentlessly attacked the Redskins quarterback. Ratliff accounted for two sacks and the Dallas D had three total sacks and eight QB pressures. Terence Newman came up with his third interception of the season on Washington's first possession which led to Dallas' first touchdown of the game.

The offense wasn't too shabby either as Tony Romo picked apart the Redskins defense for 285 yards on 66 percent passing (25-38). Jason Witten had six receptions for 117 yards including the longest reception of his career (69 yards). Witten and Miles Austin combined for 209 of Romo's 285 total yards. On the ground, Marion Barber and Felix Jones combined for 121 yards on 27 carries and Barber recorded his seventh rushing touchdown of the season.

Overall the Cowboys took care of business against a team that should have beat in an all-around solid game.

"I think we showed the December jinx is not here," said Roy Williams who caught a touchdown pass for the Cowboys' first points of the game. "Last year, we were in the same situation and didn't get it done. 2009's a different year."

Romo Interception-less Streak Over

After four games and 168 pass attempts, the third-longest interception-less streak in Cowboys history is at an end. On a pass over the middle, Roy Williams tipped another catch-able ball up into the air and two Redskins defenders fought each other for the easy pick. Reed Doughtry came down with it for the first interception of his career.

Romo also had some pretty spectacular plays on the night. One such play came on the Cowboys first touchdown. Romo ran left in the pocket, was greeted by a Redskins line-men, spun around and ran to his right; finding Roy Williams streaking to the corner of the end-zone. Romo reared back and let it go over the outreached hand of Fred Smoot and between both Smoot and Doughtry for six points. An unbelievable scramble and an even better throw that led to the Cowboys first points of the night.

This is some of the best QB play we have seen in Dallas since Troy Aikman. Cowboys' fans need to start admitting how good Tony Romo is. His numbers for December are nearly immaculate: seven touchdowns, one interception, 308.5 yards per game and a 68 percent completion percentage (107-157). This is with receivers who drop perfectly thrown balls (Williams had two this game and Austin and Hurd each had one by my count), including the leader in the NFL in drops per on-target throw (Williams with 10). What more can you ask for from this guy?

Cowboys Stuffed In Short-Yardage Situations

Marion Barber is the best runner in the league when it comes to third-and-one and fourth-and-one conversions. Going into tonight's game, Barber had converted 9 of 11 such attempts. Tonight's game, however, was a different story.

On the first possession of the third quarter, the Cowboys were faced with third-and-one from the Redskins' 35-yard line. Barber was stuffed not once, but twice on consecutive hand-offs up the middle. Big Albert Haynesworth was in on both stops and Dallas turned the ball over on downs.

The next occurrence came later in the third, with Dallas threatening in Washington territory once again. This time, from the Redskins 30, Barber was stuffed on fourth-and-one on the right side for no gain and Washington took over on downs yet again.

Three plays and zero yards for, statistically, the league's best short-yardage back.

No Confidence In New/Old Kicker

Speaking of these stops on fourth-and-short, why didn't the Cowboys take the three points? Yes, I know the first attempt would have been from 54-yards but the second was from the Redskins 30. That is a 49-yard field goal attempt - a playoff team should be able to rely on their kicker, especially in a hostile environment, to make a long field goal. Shaun Suisham was booed mercilessly by the Washington fans every time he stepped on the field, I know this, but isn't that the best spot to see what your new kicker is made of: against the team who cut him?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for going for it on fourth-down. But when you bring in a guy with an eye towards the playoffs you have got to see what he is made of. Just sayin'.

Creepy Broadcaster Moment Of The Night

"WOW," Chris Collinsworth exclaimed creepily over a four-year-old who's parents had applied an outrageous amount of make-up on. "What a beautiful little girl that was."

I like Collinsworth, and I have a feeling it wasn't meant to sound that way, but man it did and the uncomfortable silence after his statement seemed to last forever.

What's Next?

After two straight wins, Dallas is now riding high after a rough start to the month of December. With the playoffs now guaranteed the Cowboys set their sight on a division title Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

We all remember how embarrassingly the Cowboys' season ended last year in Philadelphia with the playoff's on the line but this year is different.

For one, Dallas already beat the Eagles in Philly earlier this season - so this one is at home with the division on the line.

Secondly, this game is for the division - not the playoffs. Even if Dallas loses they are still guaranteed a playoff spot so the pressure isn't as extreme as it was last year. This is a good thing for these Cowboys.

Always the salesman, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones can't help but stir the pot.

"I look at Philadelphia as a playoff game," Jones said. "It's so meaningful to us."

Regardless of the implications, Wade Phillips believes Dallas can and will handle the upcoming adversity.

"I think they've learned to play under pressure, and I think that's important," Phillips said. "It'll come in handy here when we get to the playoffs. But we've got another pressure game next week."

News and Notes:

• The shutout against Washington was Dallas' first against the Skins' since Dec. 14, 2003 (27-0).
• Dallas now holds a 59-39-2 overall record against Washington.
• With nine catches for 92 yards, Miles Austin now has more yards (1,138 to 1052), touchdowns (11 to 10) and only four less receptions (65 to 69) than Terrell Owens had all of last season. Also keep in mind - Austin became a starter in week five.
• With their win today, Dallas has now made the playoffs 30 times - most in NFL history.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Cowboys vs Redskins 7:30 p.m. Tonight

After a N.Y. Giants' blowout loss against the Carolina Panthers earlier today, the Cowboys have a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a win tonight in the 100th meeting with the Redskins. Dallas is 58-39-2 all time against Washington. (AP Photo/Jim Dietz)

It all comes down to this. While next week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles likely has division title implications, this week's game against the 4-10 Washington Redskins decides if Dallas is going to make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

The Cowboys are coming off a statement-game, a 24-17 victory in New Orleans over the then undefeated Saints. A dominant first half and a defense that wreaked havoc on Drew Brees sealed the victory. With the win, Dallas proved the belong among the NFC's elite teams - at least for one week.

For the Redskins, they are coming off of a complete ass-spanking delivered from the N.Y. Giants. Washington got down 24-0 at the end of the half, and lost 45-12. The Redskins are 0-5 against the NFC East. They have lost four of their past five games but, other than the Giants' loss, they lost the other three games by a combined seven points to the Cowboys, Eagles, and Saints. Let's not forget that this is the same Washington team held Dallas scoreless for nearly 58 minutes of their game at Cowboys' stadium - and now they likely have big defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth in the lineup.

The Stats (Per Game):

COWBOYS OFFENSE - OVERALL 394.5 (3), RUSH 129.7 (7), PASS 264.5 (7)

COWBOYS DEFENSE - OVERALL 329.9 (15), RUSH 97.7 (6), PASS 232.1 (21)

REDSKINS OFFENSE - OVERALL 317.9 (23), RUSH 100.1 (25), PASS 217.9 (16)

REDSKINS DEFENSE - OVERALL 311.3 (9), RUSH 117.2 (23), PASS 194.1 (5)

The Redskins defense appears solid on paper but, over the last four games, they have given up an average of 29.5 points a game. Also, it is uncertain whether or not Haynesworth will play because in his words "They're all against me, or whatever". Washington is 15th in the NFL in scoring defense (21.1) and their vulnerability against the run has been well documented.

The Prediction:

Unlike some others' picks, I don't believe this game is going to be a blowout in favor of the Cowboys. This game is going to be the Redskins SuperBowl in a lost season, the weather is going to be cold and Dallas is going to be on the road in a hostile environment. But Dallas is clearly the better team and should take care of business - but that hasn't been the Cowboys' M.O. is recent years.

I believe Marion Barber is going to have a good day (99 yards against the Skins earlier this season) along with a suffocating Dallas defense will lead to a Cowboys' win.

Cowboys 20 - Redskins 10

Mavericks Hold-On Late - 106-101

Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks took care of business against the surging Grizzlies Saturday afternoon in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Ask and you shall receive. Dirk Nowitzki wondered aloud whether or not his teammates could step up in the fourth quarter and his question was answered, as the Big German didn't have to score in the fourth for Dallas to win this one. Seven Mavericks (including Nowitzki) scored in double figures and Jason Terry led the team with 23 points.

"That's the way this team is built," said Terry. "That hasn't been there for us this season, but we know in the near future its going to be there and be consistent."

The Mavericks (21-10) used their offensive prowess in the first half to stay in the game as the Memphis Grizzlies (13-16) were treating the Dallas paint like a lay-up line. In fact, 34 of the Grizzlies first 44 points were scored in the paint and Memphis finished with 60 for the game. Zach Randolph had a double-double by halftime and the Mavericks were forced to regroup.

Dallas started the second-half aggressively swarming Randolph every time he touched the ball. Even before he made his first move, Randolph had to deal with two Mavericks' defenders and it paid off as he cooled down considerably in the second half. After scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the first half alone, Randolph was held to only six points and four rebounds in the second half.

"We stopped doing what we were doing and that got us the lead," said Randolph. "We needed to attack the basket more."

Both Erick Dampier (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Jason Kidd (10 points, 10 assists) recorded double-doubles and combined for five blocks and three steals, leading the Mavericks' defensive charge. Memphis, the sixth best field goal shooting team in the NBA at 47.9 percent, finished the game shooting 44.3 percent.

Two Robins Are Better Than One

Josh Howard and Jason Terry combined to score 20 of the Mavericks 27 fourth quarter points. It wasn't very efficient, Terry missed his first five shots in the fourth and he and J-Ho combined to go 5-14 from the floor in the quarter, but it got the job done.

"Josh was aggressive, making plays there in the fourth and Jet was on fire there late, so it was fun to watch," said Nowitzki.

The Amazing Nowitzki

In two games since returning from his brief one game absence, Dirk Nowitzki is 20-29 (69 percent) from the floor. In this, arguably his best offensive season, Nowitzki hasn't had two better back-to-back shooting games. Dirk finished the game with 20 points, four rebounds and three assists.

What's Next

Dallas did what they had to do against a Memphis team that is playing at a high-level and came into this game winners of three straight. The Mavericks finished their home-stand a predestrian 2-2 and now go on the road for four straight games.

The Mavericks take on the team that ended their season last year, the Denver Nuggets, tomorrow night in Denver. The Nuggets and Mavericks are neck-in-neck in the Western Conference standings, with Dallas a half-game ahead in second.

Denver has lost three of its last four games, and are coming off a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers 107-96. Unfortunately for Dallas, that was on the road. At home, the Nuggets are 13-1 which is the NBA's best home record. Denver is also second in the NBA in scoring (107.5) and boast the league's top scorer in Carmelo Anthony (30.4), so it will be a test defensively for Dallas.

Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

News and Notes:

• Drew Gooden was a late scratch just before game-time due to back spasms. He is considered day-to-day.
  
• With 10 points and 10 assists, Jason Kidd recorded his eighth double-double of the season and fourth in December.
• Erick Dampier had his seventh double-double this season and Dallas is 6-1 in those contests. Damp recorded only six all of last season (4-2).

(Portions of this article were taken from The Assoicated Press)

Happy Holidays

To all DPage Sports readers! You guys are the best!

Have a safe and happy holidays.

Kicked In The Nuts - Mavs Lose 85-81

Jason Kidd and the Mavericks' were ice cold from the floor, making only 38 percent of their shot attempts for the game. Kidd finished the game 1-6 with only three points and was hurt going for a loose ball late in the fourth quarter. Kidd returned to the game. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The Dallas Mavericks (20-9) got off to a slow start, starting the game 3-15 from the floor, while scoring their least points in a first quarter (14) and first half this season (33). Dallas outscored the Portland Trailblazers (18-12), 32-14 in the third quarter, but the Blazers recaptured the lead late and held on thanks to Brandon Roy and a big fourth quarter. Roy scored 10 points in that fourth quarter and the Blazers outscored the Mavericks 27-16.

"Other than the third quarter, we get beat by 20 points," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said.

Dallas was within two points (83-81) with 6 seconds left in regulation, but a struggling Jason Terry made a bone-headed play to seal it. Up to that point Terry had missed nine of the 11 shots he had attempted, but JET thought he was going to play hero. With Jason Kidd down on the other end of the floor and the Mavericks with two time-outs remaining, Terry decided he was going to take the ball all the way to the basket against two defenders and go for the lay-up. Of course he missed the lay-up, bitched and moaned about a non-foul call and then sulked his way to the bench. JET was 0-4 in the fourth quarter and ended the game 2-13 for eight points as he is having one of the least productive month's of his entire career.

Dirk's Return

Dirk Nowitzki did all he could to get a victory in his first game back after missing Sunday night's contest against the Cavaliers. Nowitzki was extremely efficient on the offensive end, missing only three of 13 shots for a game-high 27 points. He also pulled down nine rebounds, but seemed tentative early-on in the game. This is a big reason, I believe, that Dirk had a season-high six turnovers. He was 3-4 for 10 points in the fourth quarter, but also accounted for two turnovers. Dirk scored 21 of his 27 points in the second-half.

J.J. Barea Impresses Again

Barea was excellent again for the Mavericks as he continues to justify more playing time. JJ was especially huge in the third-quarter turnaround for Dallas scoring 11 and dishing out four assists. He finished with 22 points, five assists and some heady defensive plays that resulted in offensive fouls against the opposition. Barea was 9-16 shooting (56 percent) and 3-4 from behind the arc as he and Nowitzki led the way for Dallas.

No other Mavericks' player scored in double-digits and those not named Barea or Nowitzki (seven players) combined to go 12-61 from the field (19.6 percent), 2-13 from three and score only 32 of Dallas' 81 points. Dirk & Barea? 49 points, 19-29 (65.5 percent) and 5-6 from distance.

Mavs Free-Throw Shooting Woes
The number-one team in the NBA in free-throw shooting (80.9 percent) didn't look like it tonight against the Blazers. The Mavericks made only 12-22 freebie's (54 percent) for the game. Erick Dampier (who for the season shoots 61 percent from the line) was the main culprit, going 2-8. Although, Damp did have 15 rebounds and eight points on the night.

"The free-throw line was one of the negative things," Carlisle said. "We were never quite right all night and Portland took advantage of it."

What's Next

Both team's played sub-par games tonight. Bad passes, ugly shots and missed defensive rotations characterizes both of these teams' play tonight as it seemed the Mavs and Blazers were ready for Christmas break early.

The Mavericks have three days off before their next game, Saturday (Dec.26) at home against the Memphis Grizzlies (13-15). The Grizzlies have won three straight games and are 12-7 since their 1-8 start. Dallas was defeated by the Grizzlies 98-82, in Memphis, earlier this month so it isn't likely that the Mavericks will take this team lightly.

Tip-off is at 2:00 p.m. and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Bench Magic - Mavs Over Cavs 102-95

With Tim Thomas starting in place of Dirk Nowitzki and leading the team in scoring, the Mavericks showcased their outstanding depth in win over Lebron James and one of the NBA's best teams. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

(I have been sick the past couple of days, and I know it's been awhile since Sunday, so I will just recap this game pretty quick. The usual in-depth report on tonight's game against the Blazers on tap for later tonight and more on the Cowboys amazing win against the Saints later in the week - now back to your regularly scheduled blogging.)

The Dallas Mavericks (20-8) were able to survive (for one night at least) without one of the best players in the league against the Cleveland Cavaliers(20-8), thanks largely to some outstanding bench play. Tim Thomas, who started his first game of the season, excelled in place of Dirk Nowitzki. Thomas had a team-high 22 points, along with seven rebounds, while shooting 50 percent from the floor.

"I just wanted to be aggressive with the minutes I was given tonight," said Thomas.

Jason Terry, who has struggled in recent weeks finding his shot, also bounced back with a big performance off the bench. Terry made 7-12 shots, scored 19 points and also dished out four assists for the game. It was Terry's highest scoring output since Nov. 28, against these same Cavaliers (25).

The other Jason, Mr. Kidd, also played an integral role in the victory. The Mavericks' point guard had no problem finding suitable scoring options with Nowitzki in street clothes. Kidd finished with 11 assists to go along with 10 points, his seventh double-double of the season and second in consecutive games.

"That's why they're one of the best team's in the league," said Lebron James, who had a game-high 25 points but was only 9-23 from the field. "Even without Dirk they've got All-Stars like Josh Howard and Jason Kidd and Jason Terry. Tim Thomas played great tonight. Guys stepped up."

Dallas took a two-point lead going into halftime and led for the entire second half. Surprisingly, in a relatively close fourth quarter (Dallas never led by more than nine), Lebron James took just three shots, making one of them. The Mavericks have won six of their past seven games and are alone at second in the Western Conference.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Unbelievable - 24-17 Cowboys Over Saints

Anthony Spencer and the Cowboys defense terrorized Drew Brees all game long, thwarting an undefeated season while keeping their NFC East title hopes alive. (AP Photo/Hattiesburg American,George Clark)

The Dallas Cowboys(9-5) jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and held the New Orleans Saints(13-1) to their lowest scoring total (3) for a half this season. Dallas handled a Drew Brees led barrage in the fourth quarter to put an end to New Orleans perfect season.

"I said all along this team has a lot of heart, a lot of character and a lot of leaders," said Cowboys' coach Wade Phillips.

Season On The Brink

The Cowboys must win their game against the Saints tonight, in New Orleans, in order to keep their division title and playoff hopes alive. (AP Photo/Amy Gutierrez)

Cowboys wide-receiver Roy Williams believes that Dallas can beat the New Orleans Saints and that this is round one of a two round fight, as they will meet later in the playoffs.

Roy Williams is delusional.

Either that or he has not been seeing the same Cowboys' team play the last couple of week that us fans have been forced to watch. This is a team that has broken at the most crucial moments on both sides of the ball in their previous two games. The reason why this is so infuriating is that this is a team that is talented enough to not only beat the NY Giants and the Chargers of the world, but also a team as great as the Saints.

This is what is so great about the NFL: any given Sunday, anything can happen. What is likely to happen, though, is that this New Orleans Saints team is going to completely annihilate the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, the lone Cowboys' player to play up to his potential the last couple of weeks, knows this is a make-or-break game.

"We need this game," Romo said. "This is an important game for us and our season, where we are in the standings, so we're going to come out and hopefully play our best football game of the year."

Dallas is going to have to in order to beat the undefeated Saints in their own stadium.

The Stats

The Saints are 2-0 this December, while the Cowboys are 0-2, but New Orleans have won their two games by squeakers. Late game field goals over both the Washington Redskins (in OT) and the Atlanta Falcons in a couple of not-so-dominant performances by the Saints. On the other hand, Dallas has lost their two December games by a combined 10 points.

New Orleans has the number one offense in the NFL (35.8 points a game and 426.1 yards per) along with arguably the league's best quarterback. Drew Brees comes into today's game ranked number one in QB rating (112.3), yards per pass (8.87) and completion percentage (69.9 percent). Brees is also second in both passing yards (3,832) and touchdown passes (32).

The Saints have four receivers with over 500 yards receiving this season, led by Marques Colston's 908 and nine TD's.

The Cowboys' pass defense has been shaky at best the last few weeks, giving up 337 passing yards to Eli Manning and the Giants and 341 to Philip Rivers and the Chargers. Those two quarterbacks threw a combined three touchdowns and two interceptions in these games. Dallas might receive a boost in the secondary if Ken Hamlin (listed as questionable) can play after missing the last few games with an ankle injury.

Dallas has lost two of it's last three games on the road, and are 3-3 on the season. The Saints are 7-0 at home this season, and have won by an average of over 13 points a game in the Superdome.

Prediction

The Cowboys are faced with the extremely difficult task of beating an undefeated team late in the season. Although, as Romo brought up earlier in the week, Dallas ended the Indianapolis Colts perfect-season hopes in the 2006 season after a 9-0 start. But, of course, that was in November and this is in December. The Cowboys can win this game against the Saints, but I just do not think they will. I see this as a lower scoring game than most "experts" believe.

Dallas will give their all, and get close late, but will inevitably collapse - as they always seem to do in the most important of games.

Saints 27 - Cowboys 23

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Mavericks Lose Nowitzki, Composure, Then Game 116-108 In OT

Jason Kidd got into a physical confrontation with David Anderson that earned him a technical foul and Erick Dampier received two T's on the night and was ejected as the Mavericks and the refs butted heads throughout an "official review" laden game.(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

When you play three games in the span of a little over a month against a Southwest Division rival, things are bound to get heated. That it did in the fourth quarter and overtime of tonight's (Dec. 18) game between the Houston Rockets (15-11) and the Dallas Mavericks(19-8). In the final 17 minutes of game action, seven technical fouls were called (six on Dallas), one flagrant foul on Aaron Brooks (more on that later in the article) and both Erick Dampier and Rick Carlisle were ejected. Five times during the contest the refs halted action in order to review their own decisions via the TV monitor, including Damp's second technical and subsequent ejection.

"We went down fighting," said Shawn Marion, who had 17 points and nine rebounds along with some key defensive stops down the stretch. "There was a lot going on. It was a heated game that we could have won."

The Mavericks got off to a hot start in this one, contrary to their poor starts in the previous two games against the Rockets this season. Dallas led by as many as eight points in the first and ended the quarter up 24-19. But, clinging to a 27-26 lead with 9:27 left in the second quarter, the Mavericks would suffer their worst blow of the night as Dirk Nowitzki injured his elbow on a drive to the basket (much more on that later in the article). Houston then went on a 23-14 run to end the half up 49-41.

"When a big star like Dirk is out, we've got to step up and we didn't do a good job of that," said J.J. Barea who led the Mavericks with 23 points.

The Rockets led throughout the second-half and 94-83 with 5:26 left in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks, led by Jason Kidd who was all over the court in the second-half and overtime, went on a 17-6 run (capped off by a Tim Thomas clutch three) to tie the game at 100 and send it to overtime. Kidd was two points away from a triple double with 11 rebounds, 10 assists and eight points while also snatching four steals and blocking two shots. After starting out 0-5 from the field, Thomas made his final three shots; including the big one that sent it into overtime.

Overtime was dominated by ejections and Aaron Brooks. Damp and coach Carlisle were ejected, while Brooks single-handedly outscored Dallas in overtime (9-8). Brooks finished the game with 26 points, six assists and four rebounds.

"It was a perfect win on the road for us, with everything that went on" said Rockets coach Rick Adelman. "Out guy's struggled at the end of regulation, but they had a nice overtime, so it was a really good win."

The Nowitzki Injury

First (and most important) things first: Nowitzki was sidelined for the remainder of the game against the Rockets after his elbow collided with Carl Landry's teeth on a drive early in the third quarter. Dirk needed three stitches to patch up the wound, while Landry was sent to the hospital with five cracked teeth. The KTXA 21 telecast crew reported that it took the medical staff 30 minutes to remove pieces of Landry's teeth from Nowitzki's elbow. It appears Nowitzki will be fine (likely day-to-day) after the injury but, jeez, you have to have some compassion for Landry - he is one tough dude for trying to come back out on the court after that.

(UPDATE: ESPN reports Nowitzki is questionable for Sunday and more info tomorrow (Saturday) from the Mavericks)

The Unbelievable Dampier Ejection

For some reason Followill, Ortegal, and the rest of the crew on 21 didn't notice what I'm sure many of you at home noticed on the flagrant foul assessed to Aaron Brooks. While Bob Ortegal clamored on about Brooks not going for the ball and grabbing Dampier's shoulders, the replay on the monitor validated Ortegal's call except for one very important part. Brooks did grab Dampier's shoulders and did not go for the ball but, in grabbing his shoulders, he also propelled himself and his knee between Dampier's legs. Now as any man (or woman for that matter) knows, if someone knees you in the groin area, your going to respond with some hostility. That is what Damp did, throwing a shoulder into Brooks and yelling some expletives in the officials' direction. Then, for some reason, he was ejected from the game for reacting harshly to getting kneed in the balls. Nowitzki has to remove teeth from his elbow and Dampier gets ejected for getting kicked in the nuts, a strange night indeed.

(UPDATE: Mavs pissed about review of non-flagrant 2 foul call. Along with much more.

Shawn Marion: The Late Game Defensive Stopper

There were numerous occurrences in the fourth quarter and overtime that accentuated Marions' defensive prowess, but there is one series in particular that really caught my eye. With 1:12 left in the fourth quarter, Dallas trailing 99-95, Marion's presence was felt on both ends of the court. A Kidd miss sent the Rocket's down the court on a three-on-one break to the basket. Luckily for Dallas, that one was Shawn Marion and he held his ground with solid fundamental defensive technique, stripping Trevor Ariza as he rose for a layup (it was counted as a block). The Mavericks raced down to the other end and, who was wide-open cutting to the basket? Marion again, with a layup that brought Dallas to within 99-97 with 1:04 left.

Rocket's Point Guards Go Buck Wild

Along with the aforementioned Aaron Brooks late game heroics, back-up point guard Kyle Lowry had possibly his best game as a pro. Lowry finished with a career and game-high 26 points along with 10 assists, six rebounds, and five steals while hitting 61.5 percent of his shots and three of five from down-town.

Kidd vs The Aussie

Something really had Jason Kidd's blood boiling going into the second-half of the game against the Rockets. So much so, that he literally threw himself at David Anderson as the 6'11 245 pound Australia native tried to set a pick on him with 6:52 left in the fourth quarter. Anderson, obviously, wasn't pleased with this and got into Kidd's face and the two had to be separated by teammates. While being restrained, each continued to shout at the other "come-on!". Cooler-heads prevailed and Anderson was subsequently relegated to bench duty for the rest of the game.

Whats Next?

This was a great effort from a team missing one of the top-five players in basketball. Put Dirk in the lineup in the second-half and this is a blow-out victory, Houston simply isn't equipped to handle Dallas' explosiveness on offense. Dallas plays Houston another time before the end of 2009, on New Year's Eve, in Houston. It should be interesting.

Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Dallas this Sunday to take on the Mavericks. The Cavs won their earlier meeting with the Mavs 111-95 in Cleveland. James and the Cavs are 20-8 on the season and have won five straight games. Lebron James is second in the NBA in scoring (28.9) and the Cavs give up the fourth fewest points in the league at 94.4 per game.

Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. and can be seen on both NBA TV and KXTA 21.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Great Stat

(AP Photo/Ralph Lauer)


Here's an interesting stat that ESPN put up on the screen during last night's broadcast of the Mavericks game: by the time the game ended, Dirk Nowitzki had made 55 in a row from the free-throw line in the 4th quarter and overtime this season. Not only is Nowitzki taking (and making) the big shots thus far this season, he is also making those clutch shots from the line.

For the few people out there who still doubt whether or not he is a great player or leader, Nowitzki is making a good case for himself this season.

Fourth Quarter Shutdown 100-86

Dallas put on the defensive clamps late against the Oklahoma City. The amazing right arm rejecting Kevin Durant is that of Erick Dampier. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

A veteran team like the Dallas Mavericks (19-7) should know how to put a young team like the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-12) away late in a game, and that's just what they did. The Mavericks allowed only 18 points in the fourth quarter on 6-17 shooting (35 percent), while their hustling defense had three steals and three blocks to seal the game.

After James Harden drove to the basket and made a layup that brought the Thunder within three points with 4:58 left in regulation the Mavericks left them in the dust, going on a 19-8 run to close the game. Dallas has now won five consecutive games for the first time this season.

Dirk Being Dirk

In the last eight minutes of regulation, Dirk Nowitzki scored eight points and accounted for a block and a steal. Nowitzki finished with 35 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Dallas Mavericks to their fifth straight victory. Nowitzki shot an impressive 72 percent from the field including 2-2 from behind the arc.

Durant's Struggles Continue Against the Mavericks

Going into tonight's game Kevin Durant's lowest scoring average of his career (14 points per game) against any NBA team was versus the Dallas Mavericks. This trend didn't end tonight as Durant had (arguably) his worst game of the season against Dallas. He tied his lowest point total for a game this season (12), shot 22 percent from the field, and accounted for four turnovers. Oh and Durant busted out his new shoes (which are a combo of bright orange + ugliness that = hell on feet) and made his entire team wear them. Those magical glowing orange shoes didn't help for this one.

The Twilight Zone

Oklahoma City came into tonight's game against Dallas as the number one free-throw shooting team in the NBA (81.3 percent). This stat got turned upside down as the Thunder shot 60.9 percent (14-23), their lowest percentage for a game this season. A few more of those go in, and this is a completely different game going into the fourth quarter.

Jason Kidd's Amazing Butt Pass

This play had no bearing whatsoever on the game, but it was interesting in itself. With 9:10 remaining in the 3rd quarter and Jason Kidd in-bounding the ball, the veteran (old) point guard decided to play one of the oldest NBA tricks in the book. As Kidd looked to spot an open teammate, he realized A: he was running out of time and B: that the guy guarding him on the in-bounds play (Thebo Sefolosha - Nice. Name.) wasn't paying him any attention. Using his high basketball intellect, Kidd quickly bounced the ball off of Sefolosha's ass and caught the ball off the carum. Kidd then drove to the basket and missed the layup, but it was an entertaining play nontheless.

Whats Next?

Well the old Dallas Mavericks (the second oldest team in the NBA) rallied late to spank the young OKC Thunder (youngest team in the NBA) thanks to Dirk Nowitzki's strong play and Kevin Durant's poor outing (side note: is it just me or is Durant's body type an identical match to Snoop Dogg? Weird).

Dallas now goes home for four straight, starting with the Houston Rockets (14-11). The Rockets have lost two straght road-games but are a respectable 8-7 in roadies this season.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen locally on KTXA 21.

News and Notes:

• With his 35 points and 11 rebounds, Dirk Nowitzki now has nine double-doubles on the season and eight 30+ point games.
• The Mavericks have allowed 90 points or fewer in eight games this season and are 7-1 in those games. Last season Dallas accomplished this feat 14 times.
• Dallas is now 1-2 all time in Oklahoma City. It's not hard to see why, the Thunder fans brought a playoff atmosphere to this one, which is something Mavericks' fans at the AAC should take notes on.
  

Tom Hicks Finally Makes A Good Decision

It looks like former Rangers' ace Nolan Ryan is going to stick around.

This is the best thing that has happened for the Texas Rangers since, well, since ever. Ryan has already accomplished a great-deal in his brief tenure with Texas including changing the mindset of a pitching staff that had struggled for about 10 years and the hiring of coaches, from the minor leagues to the big-league team, that fit with his hard-nosed philosophy.

Ryan brings a sense of accountability to the ownership, front office, and the players Rangers team that has been lacking in recent years. It is expected that Texas will also begin to spend some money and sign players that fit the team; not just over-priced, over-the-hill players as Hicks was keen on doing. In fact, recently Hicks has been keen about doing just about nothing; refusing to spend any money to bring in the players Texas needs. Nolan Ryan (along with Chuck Greenberg and the rest of the group that is buying the Rangers) is going to change all that.

I can't remember the last time I was this excited to be a Texas Rangers' fan.

When Dirk Does Diddly

It hasn't happened often (just five times in the past six seasons) but when Dirk Nowitzki doesn't play well, Dallas still wins more than they lose. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

You can count on one hand the number of games Dirk Nowitzki has scored 10-points or less in the past five seasons (04-05). Since Nowitzki became The Man for Dallas, he has scored 10 or less only five times (including last night's win against the Hornets). The Mavericks are now 3-2 in these freak occurrences.

Here are the four other games along with my epic commentary.

(This list does not include games in which Nowitzki scored 10-points or less because of injury)

12/14/2007 - Dallas Mavericks 89 New Orleans Hornets 80

Nowitzki's Line: 32 minutes, 2-8 shooting, seven points, nine rebounds, six assists.

Dallas used Jason Terry's hot hand (11-15 shooting, 25 points) and strong team defense (Hornets shot 35.7 percent) to overcome Nowitzki's rough night. While Dirk didn't score much, he did dish out a then season-high six assists.

11/3/2008 - Dallas Mavericks 81 Cleveland Cavaliers 100

Nowitzki: 32 minutes, 3-11 shooting, eight points, two assists, six rebounds.

Lebron James had 29 points and the Cavaliers held Dallas to only 40 percent shooting. Josh Howard led the Mavericks in scoring with 18. Nowitzki missed the only shot he took in the fourth quarter, as Cleveland outscored Dallas 28-15 in the quarter and Nowitzki took a seat with 4:33 remaining.

1/8/2009 - Dallas Mavericks 99 New York Knicks 94

Nowitzki: 38 minutes, 3-13 shooting, 10 points, seven assists, seven rebounds.

Nowitzki was 0-6 from the field in the fourth and scored only two points in the quarter. Dallas was able to hang on despite scoring only 19 points in the quarter. The Mavericks survived some non-clutch behavior from Dirk, as he played facilitator for most of the night.

2/20/2009 - Dallas Mavericks 86 Houston Rockets 93

Nowitzki: 43 minutes, 4-18 shooting, nine points, 11 rebounds, two assists.

Dallas was outscored 30-13 in the third quarter and 49-35 in the second half. J.J. Barea led the Mavericks in scoring for the first time in his career with 26 points, but Dallas shot only 39.5 percent for the game. Nowitzki attempted only two shots in the fourth quarter and missed both of them.

On the rare occasion that Dirk Nowitzki has had an off-night, his teammates have been more than happy to bare the burden for their superstar.

Change For The Best

Since Jose Juan Barea's insertion into the starting lineup, the Mavericks have won four straight games. (AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan)

I guess it's time (for now) to eat my words about J.J. Barea's role on this Mavs team. After a team-high and season high 23-points against the New Orleans Hornets last night, Barea is proving his worth.

But it didn't start just in last night's game, Barea has been consistently good since he joined the starters. When you consider that he has averaged almost 15 points a game and five and a half assists, including the first double-double of his career; Barea has proven to be a legitimate starter on this team. Also, JJB is shooting over 63 percent from the floor and 53 percent from three. So not only is he getting to the basket at will and making high-percentage shots, he is keeping the defense honest with his outside stroke.

J.J. Barea has also provided a spark in the first quarter that Dallas has desperately needed. In the first quarter of these past four games, Barea has averaged nearly 10 points (9.75). This was Josh Howard's forte in the past to get Dallas on the board and going early but it seems that, as he recovers from off-season ankle surgery, Barea is going to be that guy for the Mavericks.

With his strong play as of late, maybe it's time to reexamine his role on the Mavericks.

Is Barea The Future Of This Team At The Point-Guard Position?

I don't think so, not while Rodrigue Beaubois is around, but he is a reliable scorer that also works hard on the defensive end; despite his 5'11 height disadvantage.

Is J.J. A Starter For The Dallas Mavericks For The Foreseeable Future?

For now, yes, but only while J-Ho works his way back into the starting line-up. As soon as he is ready to go full-time, Barea is going back to the bench and will see far-less time on the court as Jason Kidd's back-up. Even though JJB had a team high 23-points by the third-quarter of Monday's game against the Hornets, he was still on the bench for the majority of the second-half in favor of Josh Howard. J.J. Barea is a legitimate back-up point-guard/part-time starter and maybe even a starter for another team, but not likely here for the Mavericks. But hey the little guy deserves a pat on the head and a snack for the job he has done in recent weeks.

Mavericks Start Fast, Hold On Late For Fourth Straight Win 94-90

Jose Juan Barea led Dallas in scoring for the second time in four seasons with the Mavericks. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

With Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry struggling to find a rhythm for the majority of the game, the Dallas Mavericks (18-7) needed someone to pick-up the scoring burden. J.J. Barea was up to the task as he was three points away from his career high in scoring (26) with a season-high 23 points to lead the Mavericks. Barea was missed only three of 13 shots from the floor (77 percent shooting) and added four rebounds as he nearly scored a point for every minute he played (26). Barea scored the majority of his points around the basket and the New Orleans Hornets (10-13) didn't seem to have an answer for his quickness to the rim.

"I don't think we gave Barea enough respect in terms of his ability to impact the game," said Hornets' power-forward David West. "He was getting layup after layup and we didn't have an answer"

At one point in the second quarter, the Mavericks led 39-19 and it appeared Dallas was on its way to an easy victory. New Orleans countered, thanks largely to their bench that outplayed and out-hustled the Mavericks, and went on a 41-21 run to tie it at 60-60 with 4:12 left in the third quarter. After the Hornets tied the game 60-60, the Mavericks closed the third quarter with an 11-6 run that put them up five going into the final period.

New Orleans got as close as 88-90 in the fourth, but a clever cut to the basket by Nowitzki for an easy lay-in on an in-bounds pass, and a couple of clutch Jason Terry free throws put the game away for Dallas. The Hornets only lead of the game was 2-0 early-on but New Orleans did provide some anxiety for the Mavs, led by Chris Paul's team-leading 20 points, 16 assists, and five steals.

How Did The Hornets Get Back Into The Game?

After scoring 35 points in the first quarter, the Mavericks totaled just 36 points in the second and third quarter combined as New Orleans turned what appeared to be an easy win for Dallas into a close game all the way down to the wire. The New Orleans bench played an integral role in the comeback as they forced turnovers and ill-advised shots that put pressure on the Dallas defense, leading to easy baskets for the Hornets. The Mavericks out-shot the Hornets from the field 55.1 percent to 43.8 for the game, but a season-high 23 Dallas turnovers led to 28 points for New Orleans.

"We gave it away a lot tonight," said Jason Kidd, although he had only three turnovers on the night. "That kept them in the ballgame."

The Mavs also had 20 points in the paint in the first quarter compared to zero for the Hornets. By the end of the contest, Dallas' advantage scoring around the basket had disintegrated to only two (42-40).

What Happened To Dirk?

When the fourth quarter started, Dirk Nowitzki had contributed a measly two points on 1 of 5 shooting. Nowitzki did get hot in the fourth, making 3 of 6 shots for 8 points including a couple of clutch baskets late in regulation, but still finished with a season-low 10 points on 4-11 shooting. Even the Nowitzki's of the world have an off-game some nights, the strangest thing is his previous season-low was 12 - set against this same Hornet's team.

"They're just running at me aggressive," said Nowitzki. "Every time I faced [the basket], I was looking at two, three guys on my side. So I just passed the ball and let other guys make plays."

Nowitzki had three assists for the game.

Josh Howard's Return

Howard played well after his one-game break. J-Ho shot 50 percent from the floor, scored 14 points and grabbed (a season high) eight rebounds. The five turnovers on the stat sheet aren't pretty, but this was a sloppy game for most Mavericks and this should be expected from a guy that keeps coming in and out of the line-up.

Whats Next?

The Dallas Mavericks were able to squeak by, yet again, in another game they should have won by double-digits on their own home floor. Dallas is now 8-1 in games decided by five points or fewer this season and have won their last three games at home by a combined six points.

The Mavs now travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder, Wednesday (Dec.16). Kevin Durant is third in the NBA in scoring at 28.3 points. The Thunder are a decent 12-11 this season and 6-6 on their home floor. Dallas is 2-1 against the Thunder in the team's brief history.

Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen nationally on ESPN.

News and Notes:

• Jason Kidd had his sixth double-double of the season (fourth point/assist dub-dub) with 13 points and 13 assists.
• The Mavericks have won five-straight games at the AAC.
  

Sacked! 20-17

Tony Romo was pressured all game and the Dallas Cowboys offense scored only twice in four red-zone possessions. Are the Cowboys' playoff hopes sacked as well? (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)

Another week, another game where the Cowboys' offense failed to come up with points on the board after getting deep into opposing territory.

One possession in particular came late in the second quarter, after San Diego kicked a field goal to go up 10-3. The Cowboys' offense continuously pounded the ball down the field with 11 runs (for 68 yards) compared to only one pass attempt (an incompletion to Roy Williams that should have been a pass interference penalty on the defense). The Cowboys then decided to run the ball three more times from the San Diego 1-yard line. Dallas was stuffed each time, concluding with a fourth down run in which the above-pictured Brandon Siler (who wreaked havoc behind the Cowboys' line-of-scrimmage all game long) slammed through the offensive line and caught Marion Barber behind the line of scrimmage for a turnover on downs. On the play, Barber was moved to fullback in an attempt to "trick" the San Diego Chargers (10-3).

"He's not getting paid to block," said Chargers linebacker Tim Dobbins. "We knew it was going to be a flip or a dive. I don't even know what they were thinking. I don't know if they watch film or what."

It seems as though Jason Garret has trouble with the meaning of the word balance. Dallas either runs the ball 15 times in a row or passes it the same amount instead of using each play's success to set up the other. Dallas was 1-9 on third-down conversions for the game.

The Cowboys also continued their habit of committing stupid penalties that either kill their own drives (illegal hands to the face on Kyle Kosier on the Cowboys first drive of the game - Dallas settled with a field goal) or give the other team's offense the big-play they've been needing (pass interference on Gerald Sensabaugh in the first quarter that gave the Chargers first-and-goal at the Dallas 2 and led to San Diego's first touchdown of the game).

Down 20-10 with 1:56 left in the game (after the defense had completely rolled over for the Chargers' offense) the Cowboys rallied to score a touchdown, a 9-yard touchdown pass from Romo to Patrick Crayton. Unfortunately for Dallas, there was only 2 seconds left on the game-clock after the touchdown. Then, on the onside-kick, it looked like there was a miscommunication between the two onside-kickers as Folk kicked the ball right into the other team's hands' directly in front of him

In my opinion, it was a good move to go for the touchdown first. Folk had been extremely erratic and there is no guarantee that A: he is going to make a 30+ yard field goal and B: that your going to get an onside recovery anyways. So I say get the points and then see what happens. If Dallas would have recovered the onside-kick, they would have still had one second on the clock to lob something towards the end-zone, or to try a long field goal. Romo also wasted a couple of valuable seconds when he lofted the ball to the corner of the end zone with 7 seconds left instead of just throwing the football into the ground to stop the clock.

Romo remained optimistic after the game.

"Even though it might not look like we're playing the best football, you can turn it around in a hurry," Romo said. "I suspect this football team will do that."

Ware Injured:

Cowboys outside-linebacker and defensive MVP Demarcus Ware had to be carted off the field, with 11:28 left in the fourth quarter, with what initially appeared to be a severe spinal injury. Ware was rushed to the hospital and for now it is being reported as a sprained neck. The Cowboys' defense rallied around their injured superstar by giving up a touchdown two plays later. Then, later in the quarter with the game on the line, they allowed the Chargers to rush for 32-yards and run 7:17 off the game clock after they had rushed for only 41-yards up to that point.

Did Dallas Really Need A New Holder?

Tony Romo held on field goals for kicker Nick Folk, and appeared to do a great job - just as his predecessor Mat Mcbriar had done. It didn't seem to matter, though, as Fold missed yet another field goal - a 42-yard attempt that would have made it a 10-6 game going into halftime. It is a bad idea to have your starting quarterback double as the holder for field-goals and obviously Folk is having his own issues. Folk has missed a field goal in five straight games and had missed more field goals this season (16-24) than his first two years combined (46-53).

The Lone Cowboys' Bright Spot:

With a 5:28 left in the third quarter, Tony Romo hadn't thrown a complete pass since half-way through the first quarter. That all changed during a 11-play, 99-yard drive that culminated in Dallas tying the game at 10-10. Romo was 5-5 on the drive for 67 yards and a touchdown. It was the Cowboys first 99-yard drive since the last week of the 2006 season against the Detroit Lions. Romo's numbers on the night were again spectacular, despite another Dallas loss, as he completed 19 of 30 (63.3 percent) passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns.

Easily Movable Object Vs Unstoppable Force

The Dallas Cowboys are now 5-10 since 2006 in games played in the month of December. The Chargers at 16-0 with their win over Dallas, and their undefeated play coincides with Philip Rivers first year in the NFL.

What's Next?

The Dallas Cowboys (8-5) have now lost two games in a row for the first time all season, and it couldn't have come at a least opportune time. Philadelphia won their game against the New York Giants and, at 9-4, now hold sole possession of 1st place in the NFC East. Dallas has to win at least two of their final three games now just to make the playoffs, as the New York Giants' are 7-6 and hold the tiebreaker. If the season ended today, the Cowboys would have the 6th and final playoff spot.

The schedule only gets tougher and they have got to find some way to improve before next Saturday's game (Dec.19) against the undefeated New Orleans Saints (13-0).

If the Cowboys can't find some sort of consistent rhythm on offense, they are going to be in trouble against the best team they will play this year.

News and Notes:

• Tony Romo has not thrown an interception in three consecutive games. It is only the second time in his career he has had that long of a streak. The first occurance was earlier this season (Weeks 5 through 8). Romo has 950 yards passing and seven touchdowns during the current streak.
  
• With six receptions for 71-yards against the Chargers, Miles Austin is now one-yard away from his first 1,000 yard season.
  
• Dallas' final three opponents have a combined record of 26-13 and two of the three games are on the road (New Orleans next week and at Washington Week 16)

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Nowitzki Carries The Mavericks To 98-97 Overtime Victory

Dirk Nowitzki hit big shot after big shot, keeping Dallas in the game, and nailed the game-winner for the Mavericks with 1.7 seconds left.

The Dallas Mavericks (17-7) should have lost this game. They shot 39.8 percent from the field, 16.7 percent from behind the arc and provided a lackluster performance for most of the game. Luckily for Dallas they were playing the Charlotte Bobcats, oh, and they have some guy named Dirk Nowitzki.

After making only one of his first 11 attempts and making only three of 13 going into halftime, Nowitzki took over in the fourth quarter and overtime, scoring 18 of his game-high 36 points. Nowitzki made two free throws and his last two shots of regulation; the overtime forcing shot a fall-away jumper that touched every part of the rim before going down.

"I had a couple of good bounces down the stretch," Nowitzki said.

Nowitzki continued his late-game heroics in the overtime period, where he scored six points on three of five shooting. Dirk hit two shots in the final 24 seconds of regulation including the game winner on which he drove left, caught Boris Diaw off-balance, pulled up and the faded back; swishing the ball in the basket for the victory. Diaw was the victim on both the game tying shot in the fourth and the game winner in overtime, and was no match defensively for Nowitzki down the stretch.

"He's a 7-footer who can shoot fadeaways pretty high," the 6'8 Diaw said. "It's tough to get up there."

Damp Does It Again

Erick Dampier is playing the best basketball he has played in a Mavericks' uniform (one-year contract after this year anyone?). Damp had his second consecutive double-double with 14 points (on a perfect 7 of 7 from the field), 18 rebounds, while also controlling the paint to the tune of three blocked shots. Registering 40 minutes for the first time all season, it was hard to get Damp off the court for long as the defense was notably improved with the big man in the game.

The Matrix

Shawn Marion had arguably his best game in a Mavericks' uniform. The Matrix contributed his highest rebound total of the season with 15 as he collected the many Dallas clangs off the rim while also chipping in 15 points. It was his second double-double of the season and Marion also made some noise defensively with two blocks and two steals along with some clutch defense on Gerald Wallace.

JET Stuck On The Runway

Jason Terry missed 15 of his 19 attempts from the floor, including all six of his three-point attempts. Dallas missed 11 straight three-point attempts after halftime, before wising up and not taking another one in overtime. Terry also had 0 assists, only one rebound, and two turnovers on the night. Easily his least-effective game this season off the bench.

Two-PG Starting Backcourt

Jason Kidd didn't shoot very well (1-6) but did create many game-changing steals that allowed Dallas to keep this one close at the end. Kidd finished with nine assists and a season-high six steals as he spent much of his time chasing Stephen Jackson around for the majority of the fourth quarter and overtime. Barea did well in his third consecutive start, scoring 10 points in the first quarter to give the Mavericks' a spark to start the game. However, JJ didn't score the rest of the game and finished with 10 points and five assists as he didn't play much to end the game with Terry out there clanging three's.

Thank-You Terrible Bobcats Team

Charlotte committed 18 turnovers on the night, mostly in the most crucial situations, as they basically gave Dallas the game. The Bobcats led 85-79 with 1:26 left in the fourth quarter and then allowed the Mavericks' best player to score six straight points. An offensive foul and two consecutive missed shots (one by Jackson and one by Raymond Felton) led to overtime. Jackson led Charlotte with 28 points and seven rebounds, but missed his last two shots of the fourth quarter and three of his four overtime attempts. Overall, a good defensive team but careless with the ball despite a starting lineup that averages 27.4 years old.

"We deserved to win this game," Jackson said, "We competed and did everything we're supposed to do to win this game. For some reason, it didn't happen that way."

Jackson thinks he and his teammates did everything to win this game except for, well, actually winning the game. All kidding aside, he is right in a sense. But the Dallas defense held when it needed to and that was the difference.

What's Next?

Dallas was lucky to come out of this game with a win, and a back-to-back sweep. Dallas' next game is against a New Orleans Hornets team that lost it's last game, to the New York Knickerbockers by 17 points. The Hornets are 3-1 in their past four games, but their wins were against Sacramento (10-12) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-21) twice. New Orleans 10-12 on the year but only 2-9 on the road. Josh Howard should return to action for this one after missing this game due to precautionary reasons.

Tip-off is at the AAC at 7:30 p.m. Monday (Dec.14).

News and Notes:

• Dallas has now won every game it has played against the Charlotte Bobcats since their inaugural season in 2004-2005 (11-0).
• Charlotte is now 1-10 on the road this season.
• With 36 points, Dirk Nowitzki had his eighth such 30+ point game this season. Nowitzki is averaging 27.3 points per game this season, fifth in the NBA.
• Dallas is now 4-3 on the second night of a b-2-b this season.
• Dallas is 4-0 in games decided by two-points or less this season.
  

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)