Mavs vs Memphis Series Thread

[78X]

Let's get this one going!

[06S197GT]

I wouldnt call it yet...

[mstng86]

That seriea isn't close to being over. Let's hope the mavs don't get rusty

[SC457A]

let's hope the mavs don't get rusty

x 2

[OreoStang]

x 2

X3 but the rest will be good for the mavs. Heal up

[silverhatch]

I will take the fresh legs and 1 bad quarter.

[momo]

i still think its OKC.

[mustang_marc]

Jason Kidd will benefit the most from this time off. I'm sure JJ has a few bumps and bruises as well.

[SMKR]

i agree with grizzlies winning it

[TorchRedStang]

I hope the Thunder win it in 7 so they are nice and worn out for the Mavs. I don't want to see the Grizzlies in round 3 since the Mavs didn't match up well against them in the regular season and the Grizzlies seem to have taken it up a notch or two in the playoffs.

If it happens.. talk about a brutal playoffs! The Finals is going to be tough for the West no matter who gets in.... what a great year of NBA basketball!

[OreoStang]

Jason Kidd will benefit the most from this time off. I'm sure JJ has a few bumps and bruises as well.

Yeah I'm sure jj is alittle banged up

[SMKR]

just hope the mavs dont get rusty

[TorchRedStang]

All tied up just like that! I think the Mavs can handle either of the two teams but the Heat are looking pretty strong.

[Juiced4v]

I think Mavs will be ok against either team!

[mstng86]

Caron Butler impresses in rehab

By Jeff Caplan
ESPNDallas.com
Archive
DALLAS -- Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle may have opened the door for Caron Butler to return in time for the Western Conference finals, just three days after team president Donnie Nelson called that idea "next to impossible."

"He's now at a point where he's dunking the ball and he's making more and more progress," Carlisle said Tuesday. "When he's back, he's going to be back 100 percent. Timetable-wise, I don't know exactly when that's going to be. I'll tell you what, it's [Butler's aggressive rehab] something that's energized our team, really since he took his knee cap and shoved it four inches back into place on Jan. 1 in Milwaukee."


2011 NBA Playoffs: Mavericks vs. Lakers



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That's when and where Butler ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee. He underwent surgery a few days later in Dallas. The Mavs quickly ruled him out for the season, but Butler has consistently set a goal of returning during the playoffs. Butler has dropped hints since the first round that he could soon be cleared for physical contact, which would seemingly pave the way for the rugged small forward to put on the uniform.

However, prior to the start of the second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Carlisle adamantly ruled Butler out for the duration of the series. On Saturday, the day before the series-clinching Game 4, Nelson said a return by Butler at any point moving forward would be "next to impossible."

Yet, when asked for clarification, specifically if he was prepared to rule Butler out for the Western Conference finals, which start either Sunday or Tuesday against Oklahoma City or Memphis, Carlisle cut off the conversation.

"I'm not going to talk about a a timetable because I'm not a doctor," Carlisle said.

But, Carlisle does consult with doctors that constantly examine and monitor Butler's progress.

"I'm not going to comment on it," Carlisle said.

The Butler topic came up when Carlisle was asked if he could have imagined the team making this deep of a run if he had been told earlier in the season that he would lose Butler and Rodrigue Beaubois would be a non-factor.

Carlisle then delivered a 2-minute monologue on Butler's inspiration to the team and how Beaubois has contributed despite being displaced to the end of the bench.

"I believe both guys have had an impact," Carlisle said. "Caron, just simply being here every day and doing what he's doing is an incredible source of inspiration for all of us. I can't even begin to explain to you his positive attitude, the work that he's putting in; he's in here two or three times a day."

The dunking Carlisle brings up isn't something entirely new for Butler in his recovery process. He's been working on the court with assistant coaches for some time now. However, as of recently, he had not started working on lateral movement, an area crucial to playing in games. It's not clear how far he has progressed in that area.