"Avery Johnson put his starting five in to start the second save for Eric Dampier. That's what you do in an elimination game. Dirk is starting to heat up.

I'm wondering if after this timeout, Byron puts his starters back in. If you can hold the lead going into halftime, it's over."

My take:
The Hornets, after about the first 8 minutes, have really kind of cooled off, slowed down. It doesn't look like they're playing like they can clinch the game at home tonight.

At the same time, it doesn't look like Dallas is playing like its season is on the line. The Mavs came out absolutely flat, though they have picked it up a little bit, cutting the Hornets' lead to 32-31 barring a made free throw following a timeout at 8:46 in the second quarter.

If the Mavs lead at halftime, we could have a series. If the Hornets lead at halftime, I'll wait judgment until after the third.

It just doesn't look like the Hornets are with any energy right now.

(Addendum): Bonzi Wells is not playing well. He's not giving Byron Scott good minutes. This certainly is not the Bonzi Wells we've come to know and love.

Methinks something is wrong with Mr. Wells. He even took his headband off at the end of the first quarter.

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