NBA Playoffs: Dallas Mavericks Down, Not Out

The Dallas Mavericks have been spiraling downward, headed for yet another major meltdown. Two years ago they lost an NBA Finals they should have swept. Last year they were bounced from the playoffs in the first round by an eight seed. And this season, they have been unable to close games or defeat any team with a winning record. To add to their problems, Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki went down last week with a high ankle sprain and a sprained knee. Jerry Stackhouse has also been benched due to injury; he is struggling to heal a strained groin, always a tricky injury.  All signs are steering the Mavs straight out of the playoffs this year, but do not count them out just yet. The Mavs will not decide their fate alone. Currently the seventh seed in the West, the Mavericks are in control, but closely chasing them are the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. These two teams are precisely the reasons Dallas should not panic. Yes, the Mavericks recently lost to each team, and they have been  ... (link)