I will freely admit that my expectations were pretty low last night but the pre-game commentary before the game last night was thoroughly depressing. I guess Derek Harper already booked his early summer vacation because he was convinced that the Mavs were done for the season. Makes me almost wish I hadn't named my blog after him. Admittedly, three minutes before the end of the game, I was tempted to believe him.

There's no point in regurgitating all the "Dirk finally showed up" or "the Mavs shouldn't have blown a twenty point lead" or any of the other things that everyone has already said. The wisest thing I have heard regarding this series is that the final four minutes of Game 6 will be the true test. If the Mavericks can finish (I'm so sick of that word) Game 6 in Oakland, I will burn an effigy to Avery Johnson.

I don't want to get too optimistic but imagine the absolute horror if the Mavs were to come back from being down 3-1.