No Game Is an Island: Ourstory
Posted by Rob Mahoney on December 2, 2009 under Previews | 
The Dallas Mavericks visit the New Jersey Nets
6:30 CST
Tonight’s game may mean everything in the world to the woeful New Jersey Nets, but for Dallas, it’s just one in 82. Maybe it’s another match-up with Devin Harris, or maybe it’s just a defensive test against a lightning-quick point guard. Maybe it’s another trip back to NJ for Jason Kidd, or maybe it’s just another chance for the Mavs to put away a lesser team. It’s a night on the schedule and a day in the office.
If the Nets lose tonight’s game and claim the worst start in NBA history, that’s on them. Dallas would be just one of New Jersey’s 18 losses, . So even though it may seem like the Mavs have a chance to make a run at history, in reality they merely have the opportunity to kick a team while they’re down, crush an already demoralized fan base, and register yet another win. Then again, while I see little reason for the Mavs to want to demoralize the Nets, could anything possibly be more consistent with the Mavs’ M.O. this season? If Dallas really is a team of dream killers and soul crushers, could there possibly be any more emphatic statement than destroying the Nets’ only hope?
So while I am sympathetic to New Jersey’s plight (especially because of their miserable run of injuries), I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing the Mavs take yet another step to further establish their team identity. It’s time to be ruthless — not for the sake of the record books, but for the sake of letting the league know that the Dallas Mavericks will eat you alive.
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BJ