Mavericks Trample Clippers- 99-83

Tough defense, a balanced offensive effort and a second-half surge lead Dirk Nowitzki (41) and the Mavs over the Clipps Sunday afternoon. (AP Photo/ Bret Hartman)

For the seventh straight game, 13 of 14 overall, the Dallas Mavericks (2-1) have defeated the Los Angeles Clippers (0-3).

This time, Dallas used a suffocating defense and some unselfishness on the offensive end to take care of a lesser team.

"We wanted it. We needed to stay active," reserve forward Shawn Marion said. "I think everybody was making extra passes and looking for each other. That's the mark of a great team. And I think the more we keep helping each other, the better we are. For us to spread the wealth like this is amazing. It's a great feeling and a great win because we were coming off a rough loss last night and we needed this one."

Six Mavericks scored in double figures and the Dallas D held the Clippers to 34 percent shooting while allowing 90 points or under for the third straight game to start the season.

It Get's Worse - Cowboys Demolished By Jags 35-17

The Cowboys continued their trend of making opposing offenses look like all-time greats. This time it was the Jaguars and their 22nd ranked scoring offense. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)

Even with any hope of playoff contention, the Dallas Cowboys (1-6) still have something to fight for: the title for the worst team in football!

"I'm dumbfounded," owner Jerry Jones said.

I know the Buffalo Bills are 0-7, so technically they are the worst team in football, but I have an overwhelming amount of evidence to prove Dallas deserves to be the worst - starting with today's loss at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4).

Let's delve in, shall we?

Back On Track - Rangers Win 4-2

Rangers finally show up for World Series thanks to a three-run homer from Mitch Moreland (18) and a dominant start from Colby Lewis. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

With one swing of the bat, the Texas Rangers have made this a series again.

Mitch Moreland's nine pitch at-bat with two-on, two-outs and a 2-2 count in the second inning culminated with a three-run shot that gives this Texas team hope going forward. Moreland fouled off four straight pitches before blasting a 397 foot shot into the stands in left field and putting the Rangers' up 3-0.

"I knew I had a runner in scoring position, so he was going to try to pitch me tough and I fouled off some off speed stuff and just tried to battle back, and I got the fastball," Moreland said.

And to think this guy wasn't even on the Major League roster to begin the season.

Mavs Cough Up Lead, Basketball - Lose 91-90

Sloppy play in 20 turnover effort leads to 1-1 start. Tyson Chandler's (above) foul on Marc Gasol and the resulting made free throw was the difference in the ballgame. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)

For the first time since Nov. 26, 2005, the Memphis Grizzlies (1-1) have beaten the Dallas Mavericks (1-1) at American Airlines Center.

The Mavericks certainly did their part in helping to end the Grizzlies nine-game losing streak in Dallas, coughing up the ball 18 times and losing despite holding an opponent to under 40 percent shooting for the second straight game.

"[The Grizzlies] were scrappy defensively tonight," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "I think they had something to do with it. But we've got to do better."

With Memphis up 91-90 and 7 seconds remaining in the ballgame, the Mavericks twice failed to correctly get the ball in bounds - culminating with a Jason Kidd turnover (one of his five on the night) that ended the game.

Statement Made - Giants Thrash Rangers 9-0

San Francisco dominates again behind a dominant start from Matt Cain to take a 2-0 World Series lead. Edgar Renterria (above, far right) had a solo home run and three RBI to lead the Giants. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

One of these two teams looks like they don't belong here through two games of the World Series.

The San Francisco Giants have left no question as to who the better team is so far as the Texas Rangers look like they are shaken by the bright lights of the World Series. The Giants have won the first two games by a combined 20-7 as the series moves to Arlington Saturday night, but Rangers' manager Ron Washington insists his team isn't fazed after being blown out to start the series.

"We certainly don't feel like we're defeated. We're heading home. They took care of us in their ballpark; now we're headed to ours," Washington said.

Flying High - Mavs Cruise to 101-86 Win In Season Opener

Jason Terry (above) got the start and chipped in 22 points as Dallas got out to an early lead, lost that, and then finished strong to preserve the double-digit win. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

In front of a half-full arena, thanks to game one of the World Series featuring the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Mavericks (1-0) came out like a team possessed. Dallas scored 18 unanswered points to start the game against the Charlotte Bobcats (0-1), building a 23-6 lead in the first quarter and holding Charlotte scoreless until the 6:47 mark.

“The [first quarter] start was terrific,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. “Our third quarter start was terrific. We ended the half really well. We went through a tough stretch late first, early second. But those things happen.”

Defensive intensity played a large role for the Mavs as they suffocated the Bobcats on the defensive end for the majority of the night.

Hell Freezes Over - Giants Rough Up Lee, Win 11-7

San Francisco belted out 11 runs on 14 hits in routing the Rangers in the first game of the World Series. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Game one of the World Series between the Texas Rangers and San Fransisco Giants was supposed to be a pitcher's duel between two former Cy Young winners. It turned out to be a high scoring affair in which Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum combined to allow 10 runs on 16 hits in 10 1-3 innings pitched.

"It wasn't quite the game we thought it would be," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Great pitchers, sometimes they're a little bit off."

Unfortunately for the Rangers, the previously impenetrable Lee was a little bit more off than Lincecum, and Texas was unable mount a comeback in time.

A Star In The Making

Rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant (right) was a lone bright spot in disappointing loss. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Just about the only thing to go right for the Dallas Cowboys Monday night was the outstanding play of first-year wideout Dez Bryant. Along with his electrifying 93-yard punt return, the second longest in Cowboys history, Bryant caught two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to give Dallas a minuscule shot at the end of regulation against the New York Giants Giants.

Bryant finished the game with four receptions for 54 yards, two touchdown receptions and a punt return for a touchdown.

"Dez is a spectacular player," soon to be ex-Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said.

Thanks for the insight, Wade.

KO'd

Cowboys blow 20-7 lead, Tony Romo (9) breaks clavicle in ugly 41-35 loss to the Giants. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

Say goodnight, the party's over... for real this time.

For only the fourth time in franchise history, the Dallas Cowboys (1-5) have five or more losses six games into the season. The Cowboys were thoroughly dismantled on Monday Night Football by Eli Manning and the NFC East division leading New York Giants (5-2).

"I'm staying optimistic," Cowboys' quarterback Tony Romo said. "This football team has a lot of high-character guys, a lot of competitive individuals who aren't going to give in to a tough situation."

"Staying optimistic?" That makes one of us.

The Cowboys just lost the biggest game of the season to a division rival now four games ahead of them in the NFC East, effectively ending any playoff aspirations for this season. Oh, and Dallas lost it's franchise and Pro Bowl quarterback in the process.

Season On The Brink (Part Two) Tonight At 7:30 p.m.

Tony Romo (left) and the Cowboys will have to drastically reduce their mistakes if they have any hope of turning this season around, and it all starts tonight against the N.Y. Giants. (AP Photo/Andy King)

For the second consecutive week the Dallas Cowboys (1-4) come into a must-win contest. This time, it's the NFC East division leading New York Giants (4-2) visiting Cowboys Stadium on Monday Night Football.

"I'm not worried about division [teams] or anything else," Cowboys' safety Gerald Sensabaugh. "We've just got to control ourselves and play and win."

Unfortunately for the Cowboys, controlling themselves has been the problem.

A New Era - Rangers Advance To World Series

A ginger-ale shower engulfs members of the Rangers after a 6-1 win over the Yankees, securing a trip to the first World Series in team history. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Stop pinching yourself, this really just happened.

The Texas Rangers, winners of a grand total of one playoff game in the franchise's 50 years of existence coming into the season, have beaten the New York Yankees, the current champs and winners of 27 World Series titles along with 40 pennants.

"The World Series is coming to Texas," said Michael Young, the longest-tenured Ranger in his 10th season. "These fans have waited longer than we have. I know how bad we wanted it, and they must have wanted it more."

As they've done throughout the American League Championship Series (ALCS), the Rangers closed out the Yankees with a lethal combination of excellent starting pitching and clutch hitting.

Going Back To Texas - N.Y. Wins 7-2

Yankees bounce back in must-win game, roughing up C.J. Wilson and shutting down the Rangers' vaunted offense to send the series back to Arlington. (Above: Derek Jeter reacts after catching Elvis Andrus slipping on second base in the seventh inning. AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

You had to expect this result.

As much as the Texas Rangers dominated the last three games of the series, the New York Yankees weren't going to lose three straight games in the Bronx. This game was a forgone conclusion as the Yankees were geared up and ready with their collective backs against the wall.

"It's not disappointing. It's a seven-game series." Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Those guys over there are champs. We didn't expect them to lay down, and they came out today and they were very aggressive."

Washington is right, and the Rangers now have two shots to put away the defending champs at home. Unfortunately, the series could have been over Wednesday afternoon, but a poor start on the mound and the lack of timely hitting made sure the series was coming back to Arlington.

One Game Away - Texas Tops N.Y. 10-3

Josh Hamilton (above) powered the Rangers with two home runs as Texas again gave themselves distance late in the game. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Something that was so inconceivable coming into the postseason is now a reality: the Texas Rangers are one win away from the World Series.

In dominating fashion, the Rangers have taken a 3-1 series lead against the defending World Series champion New York Yankees. Texas has outscored the Yankees by a combined 30-11 in the first four games, but this team isn't resting on it's laurels quite yet.

"We're going to keep focused. We haven't done anything yet," Nelson Cruz said.

Statement Made - Rangers Crush Yankees 8-0

Cliff Lee strikes out record 13 batters, Rangers bat around in the ninth to seal game three blowout. (Above) Neftali Feliz and ninth inning hero Mitch Moreland celebrate with teammates after going up 2-1 in the seven game series against New York. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Your Texas Rangers have won four straight road playoff games. What a difference a postseason makes as this team continues to put the pressure on the reigning world champion New York Yankees.

Rangers' starter Cliff Lee continued his postseason roll, breaking records and causing people to run out of superlatives to describe his dominant starts.

Sinking Ship - Cowboys Fall 24-21

Wade Phillips (above) and the Cowboys have seen their playoff aspirations crumble after losing to the Vikings and dropping their record to 1-4. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

The Dallas Cowboys (1-4) will not make the playoffs. They are simply too stupid.

Season On The Brink - Dallas vs Minnesota Today at 3:15 p.m.

Tony Romo (left) and the Cowboys have a must-win game against the Vikings as the two two teams meet this afternoon in a situation where the loser likely misses the playoffs. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

In what is being billed by some as the "Desperation Bowl", two teams that came into the season with Super Bowl aspirations have had disappointing starts to the season, and now find themselves in do-or-die mode in week six.

"Who would have thought both teams would be 1-3?" Vike's quarterback Brett Favre said.

Not This Time - Rangers Spank Yanks 7-2

Texas roughs up another New York starter, taking a 5-0 lead early again, but this time the Rangers held onto it for the first home playoff win in franchise history. Neftali Feliz (above) and the beleaguered Rangers' bullpen pitched 3 1-3 scoreless innings to preserve the win. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

For the first two games of the American League Championship Series, at least, the Texas Rangers don't appear to be intimidated by the pedigree of the New York Yankees starting pitchers.

The Rangers jumped out to a 5-0 lead for the second straight game, this time against starter and 18-game winner Phil Hughes, who previously hadn't allowed a run at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Yankees Win 6-5 Behind Huge Inning

Texas blows five run lead in 10th straight playoff loss to Yankees. Mariano Rivera (above) got three straight outs to end the Rangers' comeback hopes in the ninth. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

No lead is safe is against the New York Yankees.

The Yankees proved that during the regular season, coming from behind to win a Major League best 48 games, and N.Y. proved it again in game one against the Texas Rangers. The Yankees batted around in the eighth inning, scoring five runs to spoil an outstanding start from C.J. Wilson and net the decisive game one victory.

Making History - Texas Tops Tampa 5-1

The Rangers celebrate (above) after reaching the American League Championship Series (A.L.C.S.) for the first time in franchise history. Texas won with some clutch hitting and elite pitching from Cliff Lee. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

The legend of Cliff Lee continues to grow after an epic, complete game series clinching performance has the Texas Rangers (3-2) heading into the A.L.C.S.

"It was a lot of fun, I know that much," Lee said.

Blundering Cowboys Lose 34-27

Dumb plays, penalties doom Cowboys to 1-3 start. Above: Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first half. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

It seemed like every time the Dallas Cowboys (1-3) seemed to get things together against the Tennessee Titans (3-2) Sunday afternoon, a large scale blunder would stop any built-up momentum in it's tracks.

"It was an exasperating game," coach Wade Phillips said. "It looked like we had turned a corner, then it went the other way on us. ... I don't have any qualms about our heart, but our execution needs to be better."

Penalties, miscues on both sides of the ball, and turnovers by the Cowboys sealed a disappointing 34-27 loss, 1-3 record and a last place slot in the NFC East.

Back To Square One- Rays Force Game 5 With 5-2 Win

The Rays have forced a do-or-die game Tuesday night as the Rangers have negated what they accomplished in the first two games of the series with two straight demoralizing losses at home. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The Texas Rangers (2-2) ball club that showed up and spanked the Tampa Bay Rays (2-2) by a combined 12-1 in St. Petersburg over the first two games of the American League Divisional Series must have missed the flight back to Texas.

The Rangers' offense has been shut down and the team has been dominated 11-5 at the Ballpark in Arlington. Now all of the momentum is in the Rays' favor as the Rangers must beat Tampa at home for the third straight time.

"It's down to one game, we've got Cliff going and certainly feel good about that," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We have proved that we can win there."

Nearly nothing has gone right for the Rangers since the eighth inning of game four.

Until Next Time - Rangers Lose 6-3

Carlos Pena (above) led the way as the Rays offense snapped out of it's slump. Tampa Bay mounted a rally with five runs over the last two innings of the ballgame, forcing game five tomorrow in Arlington. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Up 2-1 in the eighth inning, with one of the best bullpens in baseball and only five outs remaining, the Texas Rangers (2-1) appeared poised to exercise previous playoff demons with the first playoff series victory in team history.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, the combination of Darren Oliver - who hadn't allowed a hit in three innings over the first two games of the series - and Neftali Feliz allowed the Rays to climb back into the series by allowing three runs on five hits in 1 2-3 innings pitched.

"I don't think we gave them anything. I think the runs they put on the board they earned," Washington said. "The eighth and the ninth, they took it. We'll bounce back (Sunday)."

One Win Away - Rangers 6 Rays 0

Michael Young (10) joins the celebration in the Rangers dugout after blasting a three run home run in the fifth inning. Texas is now one win away from the first playoff series victory in franchise history. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

I think it's safe to say the Texas Rangers (2-0) are not just happy to be in the American League Divisional Series. The only active franchise in Major League Baseball without a playoff series victory is going back to Arlington with two chances to close out the series at home against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-2).

"Being up 2-0 is huge, especially winning two on the road. But we still haven't accomplished anything yet," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Our goal is to get as far as we possibly can, and we're just going to take it back to Texas and come out and try to play as hard as we can again."

While the first playoff game was dominated by stellar performances from the new additions to the Rangers this season, this game featured some of the more tenured Rangers.

Rangers Rock Rays, Take Game One 5-1

Unlikely hero Bengie Molina (11) led the Rangers with three hits as Texas fired on all cylinders in the first game of the American League Divisional Series (A.L.D.S.). (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

In one dominant first game performance, the Texas Rangers have doubled their previous playoff win total. The Rangers, losers of nine straight postseason games, were able to take down the Tampa Bay Rays behind a dominant start from Cliff Lee and some timely hitting from a few newcomers to the lineup.

"I like pitching on a big stage," Lee said. "Just pitching in the big leagues alone is an honor, but when you get an opportunity to make it to the postseason that's what it's all about. That's what you play all year for. I enjoy it, and I try to have fun with it."

Lee started the game with a rocky first inning in which he allowed three hits, all soft singles, and loaded the bases with only one out.

Playoff Schedule Set

Texas and Tampa Bay kick off the playoffs Wednesday afternoon in St. Petersberg Florida. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Well, good luck to anyone that works or goes to school for the majority of the day seeing any part of the first two games of the American League Divisional Series (A.L.D.S.) between the Tampa Bay Rays (96-66) and Texas Rangers (90-72). Without Tivo, and an adequate amount of patience, it's going to be difficult for most people to tune in to a 12:37 p.m. start time on a Wednesday.