Mavs-Hornets--Game 5. It's Over!!

The coach leaving practice. The players conducting a "Player's Only Practice." Whatever that is. No matter!!! Same song different verse.

The Hornets were the better team this series. CP3 was the superstar, Byron Scott was the better coach, and the New Orleans back ups were the better compliments than the Mavs "deep and experienced" bench. In the end, the worst pill to swallow for Mavs fans will be that the Hornets will get handled in the second round by Timmy and the Spurs rather easily.

Where did it all go wrong? Tonight simply has to with the Mavs lapsing to give up big runs in the second and the fourth quarters. The Mavs showed fight, but they still showed too much confusion, panic, and apathy at points in the game.

Where does it go from here? Strapped by the salary cap and by aging and ineffective players, it almost seems that the Mavs have no other choice but to roll with what they have. I can't see how they will be able to dump Stackhouse, J-Toke, or the self-proclaimed "second best center in the league's"salary. Especially after the colossal meltdowns they have been apart in the last 3 seasons. Thank goodness that my former childhood idol's contract will free up nearly $20 mil after next season. (Sorry J-Kidd)

This group of players are now officially damaged goods. Avery (who as an man and a leader I admire) is no longer the coach for this team. Much like Bill Parcells with the Cowboys, his overbearing micromanagement is no longer effective for this group of players. He also had the added bonus of out thinking himself in critical situations. Stay Hard Avery.

Of course, there is always a way to rebuild a franchise. Maybe Owner Cuban should call Owner Jones and ask him the finer points of how to completely take advantage of a league by dealing your best player for draft picks. It seemed to work for Owner Jones in the '90s. Can it be the answer now?

Oh well. On we go to the dead time between now and college football. Look for Red Sox and Ranger opinions from me, plus a fun article that I should have done in a few days after I string a little research together. BTW, Aggie Baseball scores 3-2 over TCU today and what is up with Boston and the ATL tied at 2? Go Acie!!!

Good song to summarize the Mavs run: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtFaU5BXbGQ&feature=related