Who do we root for?

I've thought long and hard about this decision. At night I lay awake, staring at the ceiling pondering which road I will take. I forgot to feed my dog and left wet clothes in the dryer yesterday. My mind is occupied. My brain can't stop asking the same question over and over and over: Who should the Mavericks root for, Spurs....or Kings?

The initial answer is obvious: Sacramento, of course, they're the eight seed. BUT, the Kings won 20 games after the All-Star Break. Dallas won 19, the Spurs 23. They've been as good as anybody over the last half of the regular season to this point. It's a hard decision because in the last five seasons, Sacramento or San Antonio has ended the Mavs' season prematurely four times. The Spurs are the team that won't ever let Dallas win the division. The Kings are the team we've met three times in the post-season since 2001.

Who should Dallas root for? After hours of deliberation and one hungry dog that's mad at me I have made a decision. Bring on the Kings.

The disadvangates of a Sacramento/Dallas Western Conference Semi-Final match-up are many. If we win the championship, there will always be an asterik in the record book because we "avoided" the defending champs. Bonzi Wells has been a Maverick killer since he played for Portland. Mike Bibby is known for his playoff performances against Dallas. And, last but not least, Ron Artest. The Dennis Rodman of this era, Artest is one of the most dangerous players in the game. He can handle the ball like a point guard, score in the post and is one of the best, most tenacious defenders in the NBA. The Kings are a tough mathcup.

But one advantage rings out above all the disadvantages. Home court advantage. Dallas has been one of the best home teams in the league the last few years. That fact coupled with Sacramento's long, drawn out first round series and long road trips on short rest will work in the Mavs favor. Dallas will have had over a week's rest. And rest always spells success in the playoffs.

So bring on the Kings. They'll be beat up. We'll take care of them in six games, then it's on to the Conference Finals. So who do we root for? L.A. or L.A.? Let's cross that bridge when we get there.
mr