Mavs - Cavs Season opener

I know, I know... I'm so behind on the times posting about the season opener for the Mavs... but what a game. At least the second half was (which is all I happened to catch, because I'm such a bad fan that I totally didn't know that it was the opener and just assumed it was another preseason game and I still had another week to get in B-Ball mindset).

Thoughts on the whole:

I'm sorry to hear that Mbenga is gone. Due to an injury last season which lead to surgery we didn't see much of him, but what we saw looked promising. With three years here, he racked up some where in the 75 games range on the floor... which really isn't enough to know for sure what he's got (or so they say). He's headed off to Europe to get some floor time which will be good for him! And I'm not sure what happened to Crosiere (sp?), but he was a good guy as well, and I'm sad to see him go.

Josh Howard didn't play in the opener and is out the next game as well, due to a two game suspension for a fight in a preseason game. Now, I saw the clip and it is pretty funny... I had to watch that clip 4-5 times because I was laughing so hard. If you haven't seen it, it is worth checking out... and who ever came up with J. Ho. as his nickname... people, come on, something better - PLEASE!

Dampier is out till December because of shoulder surgery, and George is out with a knee injury from preseason (um, did anyone see him sporting the mohawk... and WHY?).

Jason Terry (The Jet)... he's so cute (and you know all 4 of his kids are cute)! Apparently he's everyone's favorite Sixth Man... we'll see how long they have him coming off the bench, he played great in the opener! And we all know that Coach A changes up his line-up regularly!

Stackhouse lookin' good as well... what a pretty jumper! (I like to make up my own nicknames for some of my favorites - I call him StickyStack)

Dirk looked way more aggressive in the paint! Which is a good thing... no gentle giants! And Diop was handling himself quite nicely with what 4-5 blocks and I think a total of 3 fouls... tough to do when you're a center. It will be interesting to watch this slot (the 5 spot/center) as the season progresses, especially when Damp is back in playing form.

Devin Harris, starting Point Guard for your Dallas Mavericks... you go little buddy! He cracks me up, and is one young player that is going to be fun to follow. He can draw a charge with the best 'em, and is quick on his feet... and isn't afraid of the bigger players (did you seem him guarding Kobe last year... hysterical).

Bass & Hassell, both new guys... looked pretty good, it will take a while getting used to seeing them out there.

Because I came in late to the game, I missed JJ B. (Jose Barea), but I hear he did well (oh, his nickname... Little Chili Pepper :-). And I have no idea of Mo Ager played... but both of this guys are definitely young athletes that will be interesting to watch as thier careers progress.

So there you have it people... my first Mavs post for this season... more to come!