This years Dallas Mavericks are the eptiome of an up-and-down team. One night they look as good as anyone in the Western Confernce, the others they like a team that's certain to get a ping-pong ball and a lottery pick. Either way, the Mavs clutched up, and snagged that 6th seed Wednesday night with a win over Houston in their home finale. They got some help from their hated rival Spurs, but had to beat the Rockets to even have a chance.
That sets up another series with San Antonio. These two teams have been going at each other for years, and this series won't be any different. I like the Mavs because of the way their defense has been playing. Add to that, they closed the season with a lilttle momentum going 4-1 in their final five-games. Manu Ginobli is hurt, and the Mavs have a little swagger. In a year where we thought basketball may end a little earlier than normal, the Mavericks will prove us wrong and advance.