At the Risk of Waking Laura Miller: Mavs-Blazers Series is Over

An MVP. Almost 23,000 points. Ten All-Star selections. Three-Point shooting contest title. Eleven consecutive seasons of playoff berths with 50-plus wins. One of only four players to average 25 points, 10 rebounds in the postseason. Certain first-ballot Hall of Famer. And a unique skill set that makes him the most…

What If Dirk Nowitzki Weren’t White?

Let’s face it: If Dirk Nowitzki were black, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. You know the one, where each spring I throw out his accolades as the Mavericks’ elite player and a first-ballot Hall of Famer, only to have some of you swat my argument into the fifth row…

Rangers’ Games Have Gotten Really Interesting … in the Stands

Either reporter Jim Knox deserves a couple Emmys or else his office — otherwise known as the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington — has become baseball’s most fertile field for intriguing off-the-field story lines. Colby Lewis’ post-paternity-leave return to the mound stunk like a bin full of dirty diapers, the Rangers made…

Cowboys’ 2011 Schedule: 5 National TV Appearances; 10 Wins?

It’s like knowing what you’re getting for Christmas. Being able to shake the gift-wrapped present for confirmation. But then having to wait for what feels like forever to actually open it. It’s the NFL schedule, this year the ultimate tease. With the lockout mired in mediation and the NFL Draft…

Mavericks 101, Blazers 89: My Top 10 Observer-ations

10. When the Mavs play with emotion and efficiency, they are tough to beat. Last night the intensity was there courtesy of Jason Terry, Tyson Chandler and the spunky J.J. Barea. And so was the execution, to the tune of a franchise-record low six turnovers — including an almost unfathomable…

As Danny Crawford Arrives, Human Officials Should Depart

Was watching Rangers-Yankees Sunday night on ESPN and was struck by something. As our TV pictures have been more clear via HD, our screens have gotten more cluttered with an avalanche of information. On the screen at one time were graphics for the network, balls, strikes, outs, runners on base,…

Tyson Chandler, Take a Bow. Mavericks, Take a 2-0 Lead.

Weird game at American Airlines Center last Saturday night. In Game 1 of the Mavs-Blazers first-round series, Jason Kidd made six 3-pointers, Marcus Camby had more assists than Dallas’ point guard and the Mavs shot 19 fourth-quarter free throws to Portland’s two. The Mavs survived an ugly game, but things…

One Down, One To Go for Cowboys Receiver Dez Bryant

Once upon a time Michael Irvin taught me a journalism lesson. Using a trash can for emphasis. It was back in 1997. The media had descended on Valley Ranch after Irvin’s name surfaced in yet a another police report. This time, he and offensive lineman Erik Williams were accused of…

Welcome Back to Earth, Texas Rangers. Welcome Back, Colby Lewis?

Admit it, right now Texas’ 10-5 feels more like 5-10. After Ogando gave up three homers last night, Arthur Rhodes surrendered the game-losing 8th-inning hit to Eric Chavez and Ian Kinsler-Elvis Andrus plunged to a combined 18 for 104 for the season, the Rangers’ 9-1 start feels like months ago. Don’t look…

Mavericks 89, Blazers 81: My Top 10 Observer-ations

[jump] 5. Not to be unpatriotic, but the U.S. Navy band playing such current faves as “Mustang Sally” on Victory Plaza seemed a strange pre-game musical choice. Maybe Le Freak, Emerald City, Petty Theft and even Independent George were already booked? Speaking of Victory Plaza, the only joint that can survive…

Whitt’s End: 4.15.11

Whether you’ve reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt’s End: *If the Mavericks lose in the first round to the Trail Blazers, Rick Carlisle should be fired. The window propped open by 33-year-old Dirk Nowitzki is closing, and 50-something wins without…

Someone Explain to Me What I’m Missing in Mark Lowe

I know, technically, he’s all the Texas Rangers have to show for the Cliff Lee trade — assuming the $2 million in cash has long since been spent — but what the what am I supposed to be seeing in reliever Mark Lowe? Because I think know I see a guy…

In Case You Forgot: DeMarcus Ware is One of the Good ‘Boys

As l’ve learned throughout seasons of covering him at Valley Ranch and last year hosting his weekly radio show on 105.3 The Fan, Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware is a good great player but an even better dude. That fact was reiterated this week when Ware confirmed that he will decline $60,000 in…

Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers: My Top 10 Observer-ations

Game 1   at Dallas       Sat.                    8:30 (ESPN) Game 2   at Dallas       Tue.                   8:30 (TNT) Game 3   at Portland   Thurs., April 21   9:30 (TNT) Game 4   at Portland   Sat., April 23      4:00 (TNT) Game 5   at Dallas       Mon., April 25    TBD Game 6   at Portland   Thurs., April 28   TBD Game 7   at Dallas      …

Stars Fire Coach Marc Crawford For … Underachieving?

​Not that we care too much, considering the Mavericks are on the verge of the playoffs and the Rangers are in panic mode, but I’m not exactly sure why the Dallas Stars fired head coach Marc Crawford yesterday. Did the Stars underachieve in 2010-11? They amassed 95 points and were in playoff…

Josh Hamilton Breaks His Arm: My Top 10 Observer-ations

10. With Josh Hamilton it’s always when, not if. And now you know why a lot of us were cringing and complaining when we saw him sliding on the rain-delay tarp in Baltimore last Friday night. He’s one of the best players in baseball, but also one of the most…

Lockout or Not, Jerry Jones Would Like Your Money. Now.

While the NFL lockout storms toward mediation, the Dallas Cowboys are proceeding with business as usual.At least when it comes to business. Season-ticket holders this month were mailed invoices for the 2011 season, requiring balances paid in full by May 1. The bill comes with a caveat, of course: “In the unlikely event…