Trouble in Paradise?

Even in the darkest of moments or hours, there is always the clearing up that is due to follow thereafter. Much like the stormy rains that struck South Dallas and Tarrant County late last night, watching the Spurs Game 3 victory felt like a precursor to an ugly forewarning. Why is this? Well, if you're a numbers man as I am, one stat that sticks in my craw is the fact that teams who win a Game 3 (in a best of 7 scenario) win their match ups 76% of the time.

One stat I came across that would not bode well for the Mavericks: Dan Crawford was one of the refs for Friday night's game.  In the last 16 games Crawford was involved with a Maverick game, Dallas has a 1-15 record. Make that 1-16. The refs didn't cost Dallas last night.

The Big 3 were just too much for the Carlisle crew. I was impressed by the play of JJ Barea attacking the basket in defeat. The margin was only 4 points, but it seemed like a lot more.

The TV showed a picture of Manu Ginobli with healthy nose. The look of Manu with a broken schnozz and still being a factor one period after play was impressive to me! The Mavericks are in trouble. Who can help assist Dirk? The 7 footer cannot act alone. One more thought. Why were Haywood and Butler seated on the bench in the 4th period? Did I miss something? You tell me!

The red hot Tigers come to Arlington for a four game set. I will be there on Sunday. After a porous 3-6 road trip, some home cooking may very well be the order of the day for the Rangers. Matt Harrison had his troubles tonight. On a night when Elvis Andrus was being honored for an Elvis lookalike contest and a post game fireworks show to Elvis. Who else but Mr. Andrus to get the walk-off game winner in the 9th? 

Also of interest last night was the premiere of first baseman Justin Smoak. Chris Davis demoted to AAA Oklahoma City and Smoak gets the call-up. I'm of the opinion that Smoak is one year away and that Davis is being treated shabbily. We'll see for how long Longview's finest remains out of the bigs...

The questions remain as to whether or not Neftali Feliz or Franky Francisco will become the 9th inning closer or if maybe you have a bullpen by committee situation. Another game where a lead was lost only to be won in the last at bat. Keep the Tums handy...

My thanks to Lisa and Kathryn for the fun hangout session up in the Colony while Maverick watching. Austin Ranch was a lot of fun.

Cooler weather on hand for this weekend. Enjoy it!

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will