The Mavs finished the 2006-07 regular season with a league best record of 67-15 - it also tied the 6th best record in NBA history. The Mavs had locked up the best record in the league on April 9 and really didn't take 4 of the last 5 games seriously - the exception was the San Antonio game, which was surprisingly very competitive (San Antonio did have something to play for as there was a slight chance that they could surpass Phoenix for the #2 seed). The game was exciting and tight through 3 quarters and I was one of the many that were surprised when Dirk Nowitzki returned to the court during the 4th quarter - Avery Johnson got caught up in the excitement and decided to go for the win instead of resting players. Part of that had to be simple competitive juices (hard to back off in the 4th quarter when your players had played so hard through 3 quarters). Another factor in going for the win might have been because is was the regular season home finale. But what the game will be most known for is that it ended Joey Crawford's season (including playoffs) - yes, I was happy (but surprised) when I heard about his suspension. Crawford is one of 2 refs I never like to see. In this game, Crawford decided to give Tim Duncan a 2nd technical for laughing while on the bench (the first T also occurred while Duncan was on the bench). David Stern was not happy with Crawford "it's about respect" attitude and Crawford saying he would make the same call again. Stern cited Crawford being a repeat offender [see game 2 of the Dallas-San Antonio 2003 playoff game where Crawford took over the game with his Ts and ejections] in handing down an indefinite suspension. Now if they'll only do something about Bennett Salvatore. The Mavs do have a slight injury concern as Erick Dampier aggravated his strained right shoulder early in the LA Clippers game on April 9. He missed the next 4 games, but did return to action for the season finale in Seattle where he looked fine. So hopefully he's 100% for tomorrow. Dallas added Kevin Willis to the roster. He likely won't play much (if at all) in most games and was added to replace DJ Mbenga's (out for the season) role as the 3rd center. He's only there for garbage time and if both Dampier and Diop get in foul trouble. At 44 years old, he is by far the oldest player currently in the league and the oldest Mav to ever play in a game. And most importantly, the playoffs start today! The Mavs face Golden State in the first round and that game kicks off tomorrow night at 8:30 pm in the AAC. Golden State did beat Dallas in all 3 games played this season, but only 1 of those games really should be considered relevant. The first game was Dallas' 3rd game of the year, Dallas opened the season sluggish in losing their first 4 games, it was only a 3 point loss, and it was long before the Warriors' mid-season trade that changed the complexion of the their team in adding Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson. Game #3 was so meaningless to Dallas that the Mavs did not dress Dirk Nowitzki, Jerry Stackhouse, and Josh Howard and Jason Terry and Devin Harris played less than 20 minutes (and Dampier missed the game due to his shoulder injury). The game March 12 in Golden State is the one that both teams can look at and analyze. But even that game has to taken with a grain of salt as the it was the 2nd night of a back-to-back (for both teams, but Baron Davis did not play in the previous game) and the Mavs played about as poorly as they had all season as they struggled both on offense and defense. Dallas had played a hyped game the night before against the Lakers and didn't have the focused needed for the run-and-gun Warriors. The Mavs should be totally focused for the playoffs and I really can't see the Warriors winning more than 1 game against a prepared Mavs team (and even that will have to find the Warriors on a very hot night and Dallas making mistakes). Pure and simple, the Mavs' goal all season has been the Championship and Golden State was simply thrilled to get in to the playoffs. That's not to say that Golden State can't be dangerous with their unorthodox ways, but the Mavs should be able to solve any problems they present in a 7 game series. I did really enjoy listening to Don Nelson yesterday, though. Hearing Nelson mention the Pismo Beach Panthers put a smile on my face. First Round Schedule (all times Central) Game 1: Sunday, April 22 at 8:30 pm at Dallas on Ch 21 and TNT Game 2: Wednesday, April 25 at 8:30 pm at Dallas on Ch 21 and TNT Game 3: Friday, April 27 at 9:30 pm at Golden State on Ch 21 and ESPN Game 4: Sunday, April 29 at 9:00 pm at Golden State on Ch 21 and TNT *Game 5: Tuesday, May 1 at TBA at Dallas on TBA *Game 6: Thursday, May 3 at TBA at Golden State on TBA *Game 7: Saturday, May 5 at TBA at Dallas on TBA *if necessary patricia Go Mavs!