On our SportsTalk show, we've given props to Coach Carlisle all season long...even before this latest Mavs run in the postseason. I've admittedly ribbed him a little bit for being somewhat defensive to the media during interviews.

We even ran a skit last week using a Carlisle look-alike, who was rude to us in a "mock interview".

Ok, Carlisle will not be a star in Hollywood anytime soon. His personality leaves plenty to be desired.

But say this about Coach C- the man can flat-out coach. And motivate.

The best thing about Carlisle this season has been his willingness to trust his players and develop a deep bench. Avery Johnson, on the other hand, kept this team on a short leash and rotation and never trusted his role players or guys like Devin Harris. By inference, Avery didn't trust the Mavericks themselves.

But Carlisle does. And we can see how much confidence these guys have now.

Players like Ryan Hollins. Despite playing sparingly, he gets into game 4 on Saturday and has an immediate impact, dunking a rebound with zest and blocking three shots. Carlisle has a knack for putting guys on the court at the exact right moment, and finding the right balance to the lineup.

Bigger challenges certainly await in Round 2. The Nuggets would seem to be the opponent and present the biggest matchup problems for Dallas.

But I wouldn't count out Coach Carlisle or his invigorated squad. At this stage....anything is possible.

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