50

The Kidd, at 50

Every year, I make a big deal when the Dallas Mavericks reach 50 wins.

It may be stupid. I don't feel this way. I -- like many, man others -- remember the early 1990s when the Mavericks were the worst team in the NBA and we honestly never felt this team would get better. More or less good.

I always share the memory as a kid of waking up the next morning, rushing to the sports section in the Dallas Morning News and seeking out that Mavericks box score or staying up for the nightly sports and dying to see how the Mavericks did.

West Coast games killed me. Games against the Los Angeles Clippers or Minnesota Timberwolves were anticipated because if they were going to win, it was against two. And vice versa.

With a 106-102 win tonight against the Memphia Grizzlies, the Mavs hit 50 wins.

Wow. It's the 10th straight year with at least 50 wins.

Between 1991-94, the Mavericks won a total of 46 games. Total. In three seasons.

That, friends, is why I get pumped about 50 measly wins and why you should, too.

Notes:
1. Dirk Nowitzki lumbered and labored for 28 points on 23 shots.

2. Twenty-four road wins keeps the Mavs with the most in the Western Conference and third-most in the league (Cleveland, Boston).

3. The Grizzles missed 11 free throws. Good grief.

4. Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo went 21-34. Again, the Grizz give others a blueprint to the beat the Mavs with quick guard play.

5. Erick Dampier had as many fouls as he did rebounds and points put together (4).

6. Caron Butler had 13 rebounds. Dampier and Brendan Haywood had 11.

7. The Grizz bench went 3-15. Jason Terry went 11-24 for 29 points.