The Mavs took care of the Rockets 98-94 tonight in the final preseason game of the season. Fans watching could have easily been fooled into thinking it was a regular season matchup by the intensity shown in the second half.
Drew Gooden got T’ed up for shoving former Mav Pops Mensah-Bonsu after frustration boiled over after battling it out on the boards all evening. Gooden and Pops got tangled up going for a rebound which led to a face to face meeting and shove by Drew Gooden. Gooden was only assessed one technical and not ejected but I am sure the league will have a look at this.
Dirk Nowitzki started sizzling hot making 6 of his first 6 and finally finished with 32 points and 7 rebounds before being ejected for arguing a call in the 4th quarter. Dallas fought it out hard down the stretch without Nowitzki and pulled out the 98-94 victory before 16,393 in attendance.
I really like the toughness Drew Gooden brings to this team. It is only preseason but he is diving on the floor, fighting for rebounds, and getting in people’s faces. The Mavs have been criticized in the past for being soft, but a player like Gooden can change that perception. They also add players like Quinton Ross and Tim Thomas who don’t back down from anyone.
The Mavs finish the preseason 5-2 and get the regular season underway Tuesday night against the Washington Wizards minus Antawn Jamison. Make sure to listen to the Mavs pre and post game show before and after every Mavs game on 103.3 FM ESPN Radio.
The Mavs took care of the Rockets 98-94 tonight in the final preseason game of the season. Fans watching could have easily been fooled into thinking it was a regular season matchup by the intensity shown in the second half. 
