See, that’s the frustrating thing about these Mavericks in general. And Monta Ellis in particular.
They are wildly talented, and potentially one of the best offenses in the NBA. But, sometimes, it takes a Rick Carlisle kick in the pants to get them to pay attention.
After another slow start Tuesday night, the Mavs awakened and played one of their best quarters of the season in a crucial victory over the Spurs. Ellis snapped out of his sulking slump for 38 points and the Mavs came out of the locker room with purpose and passion, turning a three-point deficit into a 10-point lead.
“Too much Monta tonight, don’t you think?” joked Carlisle, ribbing reporters who a couple nights earlier had questioned Ellis’ elongated slump.
Tuesday night was reassurance that – when motivated and desperate – the Mavs can be one of the best teams in the NBA.
The challenge now is to keep them in that zone for 10 more regular-season games and into the playoffs.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
