The Mavs suffered another serious injury last night against Vancouver. Robert Pack left the game early in the 2nd quarter with what was initially reported as a slightly torn right hamstring. He will undergo tests today or tomorrow to determine how serious the injury is. He will be out for a while. On the flip side of the coin, A.C. Green continued his NBA record iron man streak and notched up his 1,000th consecutive game played. They flashed a little funny one on the jumbo tron last night stating Dirk Nowitzki (20 years old) was 8 years old when Green last missed a game. Orlando at Dallas (March 11) It was a close first quarter with 5 ties and 3 lead changes. Dallas' largest lead in the quarter was 4 points and Orlando's was 2 points. Dallas led 25-23 after 1. Nick Anderson had 11 points and A.C. Green had 9 points and 4 rebounds. Dallas had a small 6 point lead at 29-23 30 seconds into the 2nd quarter, but couldn't build on it as the 2nd was also a close quarter. There were 4 ties and 4 lead changes. Dallas led 46-44 at the half. It was a very strong 3rd quarter for Dallas. The game was tied 46-46 15 seconds into the quarter and Dallas then slowly built up a 9 point lead and led 63-54 with 3 minutes left. Dallas led 68-59 after 3. Michael Finley had 10 points in the quarter. The Mav continued their strong play in the 4th quarter. Up 68-61 with 11:23 remaining, Dallas went on a 16-4 run to make it a blowout at 84-65 with 5:20 left. Orlando could get no closer than 17 points the rest of the way. Dallas won 93-76. It was a solid game through 4 quarters for the Mavs - the best they've played this season. Gary Trent had 21 points and 10 rebounds; A.C. Green had 13 points and 11 rebounds; Shawn Bradley had 10 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, and seriously affected a number of other shots; Michael Finley had 18 points; and Steve Nash had 9 points and 11 assists. Orlando struggled and only got a good performance from Nick Anderson with 18 points. Anfernee Hardaway only had 7 points in the game. Orlando's starting big men (Bo Outlaw, Horace Grant, and Isaac Austin) combined for only 12 rebounds. Dallas out-scored Orlando 44-26 in the paint. Samaki Walker did not play in the 2nd half due to the stomach flu. Bo Outlaw did not play in the 2nd half due to a left calf contusion. Quotes Don Nelson: "It was a team effort. It started on the defensive end and the rebounding end. The game plan was solid and they followed it and we made some shots. We just played like a real team tonight. I was very proud of our guys. They just beat the best team in the East and they beat them handily. I think that shows the way we can play." Nelson: "We Played a very solid game tonight. We shot the ball when we had shots and we established an inside game. We didn't turn the ball over. We just played together." Michael Finley: "We came out and we competed for 48 minutes and I think because of that we had the outcome that we had. I think the guys took it upon themselves to go out there and just try to destroy Orlando." Finley: "There's 20 games gone and about 30 to go. If we want to make any noise in this league this year, the time is now." Steve Nash: "They had trouble with our pick-and-roll. I think this team should be judged by our commitment to defense. I think that was important tonight. Any offensive rhythm we got into tonight was a deep second to the way we committed defensively. For the most part, defense is the key to our success." Robert Pack: "There was a lot of continuity out there and that is what we are trying to get. We are trying to get consistent." Chuck Daly: "[Dallas] played as well as almost any team we've played all year. We're 4-6 on the road, and that's not good enough." Daly: "We were very flat and we couldn't get anything going offensively. When you aren't able to do that, you will struggle. But I have to say Don Nelson has done one heck of a job with the team getting them to respond and getting them back together. They played great tonight." Brendan Suhr: "We're always impressed with Don Nelson-coached teams. He's got some really nice pieces, and when they are healthy, he's got the makings of a really nice team." Anfernee Hardaway: "They aren't as bad as their record indicates and they play hard." Hardaway: "I'm just a guy who tries to create for everyone else. I only shot 9 times tonight, so it wasn't like I had a really bad night." Hardaway: "The Mavericks did a great job of getting the ball inside. They came out with a lot of intensity and had a big offensive day. I'm sure they were fired up with us coming in here. Every team that has a winning record, I'm sure they want to beat" Derek Strong: "They've got some big guys down there, and they were able to establish position down low. [Bradley] is 7-6 and a big presence. We have to be aware of him down there. In the past, he has been mainly a defensive player and has been able to alter shots. Now his offensive game is coming around and he is a threat on both ends." Dallas Mavericks 93, Orlando Magic 76 at Dallas (March 11) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th - Final 2FG 3FG FG% FT% Dallas 23 23 22 25 - 93 .507 .200 .468 .654 Orlando 25 19 15 17 - 76 .414 .200 .388 .706 Halftime: Dallas 46-44 3rd Q: Dallas 68-59 Orlando's largest lead: 39-37 3:33 2nd Dallas' largest lead: 93-73 2:24 4th Lead changes: 7 Technicals: Chuck Daley 1:34 3rd - 2 in a row and ejected Refs: Joe Forte, Joe DeRosa, David Jones Attendance: 14,553 (cap 18,042) Dallas Mavericks REB Player MIN FGM-FGA 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA PTS O-T AST TO PF STL BLK A.C. Green 33 6-13 0-1 1-2 13 3-11 0 1 2 1 1 Gary Trent 39 8-17 0-0 5-6 21 1-10 1 1 3 0 0 Shawn Bradley 29 4-5 0-0 2-2 10 2-10 1 2 3 1 3 Michael Finley 43 8-19 2-5 0-0 18 1-3 4 2 0 2 2 Steve Nash 32 3-7 0-2 3-3 9 1-2 11 3 0 1 0 Chris Anstey 21 1-2 0-0 0-2 2 3-8 2 1 4 0 3 Hubert Davis 15 3-5 0-0 1-2 7 0-1 0 0 1 0 0 Dirk Nowitzki 9 2-4 0-0 3-5 7 1-2 0 1 2 1 0 Robert Pack 16 2-6 0-2 2-4 6 0-0 5 1 1 2 0 Samaki Walker 3 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 1-2 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 48 37-79 2-10 17-26 93 13-49 24 14 16 8 9 Orlando Magic REB Player MIN FGM-FGA 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA PTS O-T AST TO PF STL BLK Horace Grant 24 3-10 0-0 0-0 6 3-7 0 0 1 0 0 Bo Outlaw 15 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 1-2 3 0 0 0 0 Isaac Austin 26 4-8 0-0 2-2 10 1-3 2 1 3 1 0 Nick Anderson 34 8-20 1-5 1-2 18 0-5 1 4 1 2 0 Anfernee Hardaway 37 3-9 1-2 0-0 7 1-2 2 3 2 1 0 Darrell Armstrong 28 1-6 0-2 0-0 2 1-5 5 4 2 2 0 Michael Doleac 20 1-5 0-0 1-2 3 1-2 0 0 3 0 0 Matt Harpring 15 2-3 0-0 0-0 4 0-2 0 0 2 0 0 Jonathan Kerner 5 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0 2 0 0 Kevin Ollie 4 0-1 0-0 1-2 1 0-1 0 0 1 0 0 Derek Strong 21 4-8 0-1 5-7 13 2-5 0 0 2 1 0 Dominique Wilkins 11 5-8 0-0 2-2 12 1-3 1 2 0 0 0 Totals 48 31-80 2-10 12-17 76 11-37 14 14 19 7 0 Vancouver at Dallas (March 13) After a brief delay to start the game while the cleaning crew cleaned the floor (a couple of Grizzlie players complained about the floor during warmups, but the floor was no where near as slick as it was for the Phoenix game) and a brief presentation of an honorary ball and cane to A.C. Green for his 1,000 consecutive game, the game got started with a bang from Dallas. The Mavs opened with a huge 23-6 lead with 4 minuets to go as Vancouver looked dead. Dallas led 23-10 after 1. Vancouver only shot 26% (5-19) FG and committed 6 turnovers in the quarter. Dallas continued to roll in the 2nd as it looked to be an early blowout. Dallas led by as much as 20 points at 41-21 with a minute to go. Dallas led 41-24 at the half. Vancouver did not score until 6 minutes into the quarter. 24 points was the lowest half point total in Mavs history. Vancouver still could not find the basket in the 2nd quarter as they shot 27% (4-15) FG. Of course, the Mavs couldn't do things the easy way and let Vancouver back into the game in the 2nd half. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who only had 6 points in the 1st half, came to life and led the way for Vancouver. He received help from Felipe Lopez, who was killing the Mavs will some baseline drives for layups. Vancouver opened the 3rd by scoring the first 6 points. Dallas managed to build their lead back up and led 47-32 with 8:45 remaining. Dallas led 52-38 with 6:20 left when Vancouver went on a 13-2 run to make it a new ball game at 54-51 with 2:30 to go. Dallas led 62-55 after 3. Dallas was clinging to small 3 to 5 point leads at the start of the 4th. Dallas led 68-65 with 7:40 left. Michael Smith hit a free throw 25 seconds later to pull Vancouver within 2. In a brilliant move, Hubert Davis was subbed in while Smith was shooting his free throws. Davis drained the quick 3-pointer after Smith's free throw. Then he hit another. And then a 3rd. He hit 3 3-pointers in 75 seconds to put Dallas up 77-66 with 5:45 left. Dallas led 79-71 with 4 minutes to go and proceeded to pull away closing the game with a 12-3 run. Dallas won 91-74. After playing such an excellent first half, the 3rd quarter by the Mavs was absolutely disgusting. Pete Chilcutt was left open for outside shots he has been know to hit; Felipe Lopez continued to drive baseline for layups - you'd think the Mavs would learn what he was going to do after the first two times he did it; and Vancouver was scoring points inside like crazy. Vancouver scored more points in the 3rd quarter (31) than they did in the first half (24). Thank goodness for Hubert. He scored 12 points in the 4th quarter. I was so disgusted with the team after that 3rd quarter that I can't compliment anyone else. Quotes Don Nelson on Robert Pack's injury: "He'll be out for a good part of the year. It's quite a loss for us because Robert was playing so well." Nelson: "In our league for A.C. to do what he has done is like going to the moon and back. It's a record that never will be beaten, at least not in his lifetime. And he's still as good as he was 10 years ago." Nelson: "A.C. gets the game ball, not just for his 1,000th, but for sticking with [Abdur-Rahim], who is a great player. He was on him for 38 minutes and did a marvelous job." Nelson: "Our defense spoke up early, but it was there all game long. We were up to every challenge." Nelson: "That was a game with everything the NBA has to offer. We played great, played poorly, they made a run, we got the win. What more can you ask for?" A.C. Green: "I've always wanted to get 1,000. I just know that I'm extremely blessed and I don't know what more I can say. If I didn't believe it, this confirms it even more." Green: "I'm not a super man, I just have a heart that loves to play basketball. The streak is a nice honor for me and the team. Green: "It was great to do it in a game we won. I've always tried to show up and work hard every day. This was a fun day and a fun game for me." Hubert Davis: "I just got in a streak where I felt I couldn't miss. It was good to win this game particularly because of A.C.'s night." Michael Finley: "We knew what we did wrong to give up the big lead in the third period. Luckily enough, we maintained the composure we had and built on it. Some guys hit the big shots, like Hubert." Steve Nash: "We've still got to take care of our own business, not take possessions off, not have lapses. Take care of ourselves first, then teams like this, then we can worry about the better teams and the standings." Brian Hill: "We didn't get near anybody defensively [in the first half]. We were soft and we were very selfish, standing still offensively. We had 5 assists and 14 turnovers at halftime, which was indicative of the way we played." Bryant Reeves: ""We dug ourselves a big hole because we didn't come out and start the game like we should have. We came back and the game was within a few points and Hubert stepped up and hit some big shots. That just kind of deflated us." Pete Chilcutt: "There is not any team in the NBA that can play as poorly as we did and expect to win." Felipe Lopez on Hubert Davis' 3-pointers: "That was breakdowns. That's my man and I got caught up in the type of rotation and after that he definitely got hot." Dallas Mavericks 91, Vancouver Grizzlies 74 at Dallas (March 13) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th - Final 2FG 3FG FG% FT% Dallas 23 18 21 29 - 91 .446 .455 .447 .643 Vancouver 10 14 31 19 - 74 .433 .167 .409 .731 Halftime: Dallas 41-24 3rd Q: Dallas 62-55 Vancouver never led Dallas' largest lead: 41-21 1:09 2nd Technicals: Shareef Abdur-Rahim 6:26 3rd, Brian Hill 6:18 3rd, 2nd same time - ejected Refs: Bob Delaney, Bill Spooner, Rodney Mott Attendance: 14,184 (cap 18,042) Did not play due to injury: Doug West (sprained foot) Dallas Mavericks REB Player MIN FGM-FGA 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA PTS O-T AST TO PF STL BLK Gary Trent 33 7-15 0-0 2-5 16 2-6 1 2 3 0 0 A.C. Green 38 5-9 0-0 1-2 11 1-6 1 0 2 3 0 Shawn Bradley 33 2-8 0-0 2-4 6 4-10 2 0 5 1 5 Michael Finley 41 9-20 1-2 2-2 21 3-6 2 1 2 3 0 Steve Nash 36 1-4 0-0 6-7 8 2-2 10 5 5 2 0 Dirk Nowitzki 12 1-4 0-3 2-2 4 0-2 0 3 0 0 0 Robert Pack 4 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 0-1 1 0 0 1 0 Samaki Walker 13 3-6 0-0 1-3 7 2-6 0 4 2 0 0 Hubert Davis 21 5-8 4-6 0-1 14 0-3 2 2 2 0 0 Chris Anstey 9 1-1 0-0 2-2 4 2-3 0 0 4 1 0 Totals 48 34-76 5-11 18-28 91 16-45 19 17 25 11 5 Vancouver Grizzlies REB Player MIN FGM-FGA 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA PTS O-T AST TO PF STL BLK Cherokee Parks 28 1-2 0-0 1-1 3 2-10 1 2 4 1 0 Shareef Abdur-Rahim 41 8-15 0-0 5-8 21 1-8 3 4 2 1 1 Bryant Reeves 29 1-4 0-0 2-2 4 2-4 3 1 5 0 0 Mike Bibby 33 4-14 0-3 3-4 11 1-3 3 4 3 1 1 Felipe Lopez 32 8-13 0-1 5-7 21 1-4 0 2 4 1 1 Pete Chilcutt 25 4-8 1-1 0-0 9 1-3 0 1 1 2 1 Lee Mayberry 15 0-1 0-1 2-2 2 0-0 2 1 1 0 0 Rodrick Rhodes 23 1-7 0-0 0-0 2 2-3 1 4 2 0 1 Michael Smith 14 0-2 0-0 1-2 1 0-3 0 3 3 1 0 Totals 48 27-66 1-6 19-26 74 10-38 13 22 25 7 5 patricia