Shawn Marion's 1,000th game was like so many others in his 14-year career.
He scored. He rebounded. He combined with Dirk Nowitzki (213-F-78) to lead Dallas to another victory.
Marion had 18 points and nine rebounds, Dirk Nowitzki also had 18 while passing Allen Iverson on the career scoring list and the Mavericks beat the Phoenix Suns 110-95 on Sunday night.
It was the 10th straight home win for the Mavericks against the Suns, who haven't won in Dallas since March 14, 2007.
While Marion joined Dirk Nowitzki in the 1,000-game club, he won't ever get where the big German is on the scoring list. He's always been known for other things anyway, such as defense. He frequently guards the opponent's best player, and he also had five assists against the Suns.
"I pride myself in getting better every year I've played in the league and helping my teammates get better as well," said Marion, who played 660 games in Phoenix and had brief stops in Miami and Toronto before joining Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas in 2009. "That's why I'm able to have such a long career."
Dirk Nowitzki passed Iverson for 18th on the NBA's scoring list on a third-quarter jumper that stopped a Phoenix run, and his 3-pointer early in the fourth started a surge that put Dallas in control for good.
Phoenix, playing its fourth game in five days under interim coach Lindsey Hunter, rallied from a first-half deficit and made it interesting before fading in the fourth quarter for a second straight night in Texas after losing at Western Conference-leading San Antonio. Goran Dragic led four players in double figures with 18 points.
"We're pretty tired today," said Marcin Gortat, who had eight points and a team-high eight rebounds. "Hopefully for the next game, we'll be more ready to play. It was a terrible first half."
Dirk Nowitzki's third-quarter jumper was the first basket in a 6-0 spurt that pushed Dallas' lead back to double digits after Phoenix had trailed by as many as 20 in the first half. Dirk Nowitzki has 24,375 career points, seven ahead of Iverson. Patrick Ewing is 17th at 24,815.
Dirk Nowitzki stopped another Phoenix run in the fourth with a 3-pointer after the Suns had pulled within five, sparking a 10-0 run that put Dallas ahead 91-76. Brandan Wright, who entered just seconds earlier after sitting four straight games, converted a three-point play and Vince Carter hit two free throws before getting a steal that turned into a layup by Dahntay Jones.
"I'm starting to feel better," said Dirk Nowitzki, who missed the first 27 games after knee surgery. "I have a little more pop on my jump shot. I have a little more lift."
Wright was the fourth center used by coach Rick Carlisle, who decided to give rookie Bernard James his first career start. Wright's three-point play put Dallas' lead back in double digits for good with 10:30 remaining.
The lead was 17 with about 5 minutes left when Marion stripped a driving Dragic, and Darren Collison flipped the ball to Jones for an easy dunk and a 102-83 lead for the Mavericks, who are still on the outside of the playoff picture heading into a four-game road trip that ends in Oklahoma City.
"Honestly, this was as close to a must win as we have in the regular season," Dirk Nowitzki said.
Elton Brand played his 900th career game and finished with 12 points for Dallas.
The Mavericks, who had their eighth straight game with at least five double-figure scorers, had four different players score during an 11-0 run bridging the first and second quarters. Dirk Nowitzki hit a jumper, Carter and Rodrigue Beaubois had consecutive 3-pointers and Jones converted a three-point play for a 38-21 lead.
Dallas pushed the lead out to 46-26 on a layup from Chris Kaman and back-to-back buckets by Marion, who had six straight points in the second and finished the half with a game-high 12.
Collison, whose streak of 16 straight double-figure games ended, was scoreless on just one shot attempt in the first half but led Dallas with four assists before halftime.
The Suns settled for a lot of long jumpers and shot 38 percent in the first half, going 1 for 9 from 3-point range.
Luis Scola finished with 14 points for Phoenix, while Michael Beasley and P.J. Tucker had 12 apiece.
"When you put yourself in a hole like that and you finally dig yourself out, to sustain it takes a lot out of you," said Hunter, who fell to 2-2 since replacing Alvin Gentry. "We just couldn't sustain it."
NOTES: Most of the game was played with a two-man officiating crew after Leroy Richardson strained his right calf early in the first quarter and didn't return. ... The Mavericks decided to keep veteran G Mike James at the end of his second 10-day contract, which guarantees his contract for the rest of the season. He played just 1:28 of the fourth with the outcome settled. ... Eight of the Suns' first nine games under Hunter will be part of a back-to-back set. ... James' start made it the 17th different starting lineup for Dallas this season. Courtesy of: http://www.postbulletin.com
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Interview with Vladimir Bogojevic, former Head Coach of Giessen, German NT player, 3-time Bundesliga champion and 2-time Cup winner - May 23, 2013
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Eurobasket had pleasure to talk with the well known face in German basketball Vladimir Bogojevic and we are happy to publish this exclusive interview.
Vladimir Bogojevic played for the German National Team for almost six years from 1996 to 2001, participated with them at European Championships in 1997 and 1999. In his second EC appearance he was No.1 assistant of the championship, playing together with the German NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki [read more]
Eurobasket had pleasure to talk with the well known face in German basketball Vladimir Bogojevic and we are happy to publish this exclusive interview.
Vladimir Bogojevic played for the German National Team for almost six years from 1996 to 2001, participated with them at European Championships in 1997 and 1999. In his second EC appearance he was No.1 assistant of the championship, playing together with the German NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki. In the past, Vladimir Bogojevic also played for the German youth National Teams and was one of the top prospects at that time. His pro basketball career started in 1994 in Giessen and later he spent 3 wonderful years with ALBA Berlin winning 3 German league titles and 1 Cup trophy. After ALBA Berlin, Vladimir Bogojevic played for the Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade, Spanish Caja San Fernando Seville, Rhein Energy Cologne, Greek MENT, Italian Messina, Czech Prostejov and finished playing career in 2007 with Duesseldorf Magics. He won another Cup trophy in 2004 with Cologne and appeared several times at the German League All-Star Game.
Immediately after he ended playing career, Vladimir Bogojevic got an opportunity to take a role as the Head Coach at team Kaiserslautern Braves (2. Bundesliga). In his first Head Coaching job Vladimir Bogojevic managed to win the third place in 2. Bundesliga (now ProA), what was considered as big success. In 2008 the award came and his former team Giessen offered Vladimir Bogojevic Sports Director job, where he served several months, before taking over the team as Head Coach in January of 2009. The team had poor start of the season and it was year of financial consolidation at Giessen, the team was relegated, but managed to get the wild card to stay in the Bundesliga. In 2009/10 season the team still had the lowest budget in the league, but under Vladimir Bogojevic managed to end as No.14 team, what was the best result for the club since 2005/06. Unfortunately, the financial situation continued to be very unstable also in 2010/11 and Vladimir Bogojevic made a decision to leave, giving a chance to the team to bring in two new players and save the season somehow. Only the people which were involved to situation in Giessen over those years know very well how difficult was working there with many crucial issues on daily basis.
Vladimir how you would describe these few years at Giessen as their Head Coach? First of all would like to say hello to all Eurobasket visitors. Well, I am wondering from where to start. It was my second Head Coaching job and a very unique experience. It was the team where I grew up, so lot of emotions were there. The team struggled financially, but we managed to make good results there on the court. Have to say that I am proud on my years in Giessen, it was never easy working there but we were fighting constantly and in one entire season which I spent there we ended as No.14 in the league, what was have to say pretty unexpected due to budget we had. Our defense was maybe the best one in the league that year and our focus was on that, what is natural due to club limitations. I was doing many different things there, what most of the coaches would never do, but as I said there were lot of emotions and we gave the best under of all of those circumstances. Have to underline once again that working in Giessen was huge experience for me and I feel much stronger than before that.
And what about your first Head Coaching job, it was Kaiserslautern braves in 2. Bundesliga? As you mentioned, it was my first job as a Head Coach and it was a very successful one. I wasnt too much involved in 2. Bundesliga basketball until that time and with the players in that league, so it was a great experience and my team managed to take third place in the league. Was very nice working there and if I can choose again what would be my first HC experience, it would be this team and this league. Doesnt matter how successful player you were, you have to start from lower level as Head Coach as thats the only way how you will have complete knowledge which becomes necessary sooner or later.
Just to make a summary, you played professionally more than 10 years in German top division and won five trophies. You was point guard, how you compare playing and coaching, is it easier for you to coach because you was general on the floor while you was playing? As I expected, start coaching was much different than playing and I needed some time to switch. After every month it was easier and easier and I was enjoying in these coaching jobs, despite it wasnt easy due to club budgets, but at least in two years I managed to create what I wanted and I am proud on that. There were many distractions for me and for the players, especially in Giessen, but hard work pays off and thats my motto.
Its about two years now from your latest Head Coaching employment, how do you feel and whats your plan for the future? Have to say that I needed a break after working about 3 years in Giessen and now I am definitely looking forward to the new challenge. You know when I was a player I was winning trophies and I kept that mentality, that is important in every segment of life, so in coaching as well. I miss hard work, I miss devotion on the court and over these two years I was involved to our league a lot. Also when we talk about the league, I have to support this 6-German players rule in the BBL as last season results were already obvious. Most of those guys would never get a chance to show what they can do under the old rule. So having 6 domestic players in the team is really very positive thing as you are working not only for the team, but for the country and basketball in Germany. I like that a lot.
Over the past several days the people connect you more and more to Adriatic league teams as you are coming from that region, can you comment on this please? Unfortunately I cannot comment you this one, but I do understand you had to ask. I am originally from Serbia, my father was well respected coach who created former NBA star Vlade Divac, so I am well informed about all basketball happenings there and I am glad Serbia will have two Euroleague teams next season, Partizan and Crvena Zvezda, as that never happened before. This is not a surprise to me as great basketball is playing there. Serbia had 3 teams in Adriatic league Final 4 this season, while also top Croatian, Slovenian and Bosnian teams are on very high level, what is good for basketball.
What are your predictions, who in your opinion has the most chances to win the BBL title this season? Have to say it is a very exciting season, not only about who will win the title, but I would say even more at the middle of the standings where was big battle who will go to the Playoffs and who will be relegated. I am not happy that my former team Giessen had disappointing year. Most of the other teams were pretty leveled and it was exciting to watch and analyze teams, to play more attention on details and on the players and young players as well. Also, I had time to focus on other top European leagues, NBA Summer Leagues and NCAA basketball, that's something what you cant do while working. I feel I needed that time and used it very well. Now to get back to the question, I dont have a favorite. All four semifinalists showed they are very strong and ready to put a great fight, so from me its 25% chance for each team, despite home court advantages.
At the end as we were catching Vladimir between two flights, we would have way more questions for you, but managed to get answers at least about these important things. Vladimir thank you very much for your time and we honestly wish you all the best and at least those several trophies more which you won as a player, to take them as Head Coach as well! Thanks a lot for your wishes and all the best to you as well.
Last season it was head coach Marco Van den Berg that got going quickly getting his team built for the upcoming season and this season Predrag Krunich also is getting an early jump with his new roster planning. BBC Bayreuth got a replacement for German Stefan Schmidt by bringing in Phillipp Heyden (206-C-88). Heyden is a 24 year old 206cm center that started his basketball career in 2005 with BSG Ludwigsburg (Regionalliga) [read more]
Last season it was head coach Marco Van den Berg that got going quickly getting his team built for the upcoming season and this season Predrag Krunich also is getting an early jump with his new roster planning. BBC Bayreuth got a replacement for German Stefan Schmidt by bringing in Phillipp Heyden (206-C-88). Heyden is a 24 year old 206cm center that started his basketball career in 2005 with BSG Ludwigsburg (Regionalliga). He played for BBC Bayreuth in the 2010-2011 season playing : 23 games: 2.4ppg, 1.7rpg. He played for MBC the last two seasons and last year played 30 games averaging 6,3ppg and 3,4rpg. "Philipp has potential and can still develop. He also has experience in the Beko BBL", stated Predrag Krunich. He played for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin (2.Bundesliga) from 2006-2008 before moving to Ludwigsburg in 2008 where he played until 2010. He played 28 Beko BBL games for EnBW Ludwigsburg. "For me it is time to make the next step. My deciosn was made easier in that Bayreuth had interest in me. It also helps that I have played together with Nicolai Simon and Simon Schmitz and know what to expect. I am looking forward to returning and hope we can reach our goals", stressed Phillipp Heyden. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U18 National Team -06, International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -06: 6 games: 11.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 50.9%, FT: 58.6%, European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) -06: 8 games: 1.3ppg, 1.5rpg, German Bundesliga Cup Finalist -08, German U20 National Team -08German A2 National Team -09, German University National Team -11, German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Regular Season Champion -12, German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Champion -12, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro A All-Domestic Players Team -12
Regionaliga team SSV Lok Bernau have announced that Benito Barreras (191-G-89) will remain to strap on their jersey this season. Barreras is a 23 191 cm guard that was born in Cuba, but has been living in Berlin since he was 16 years old. Last season for SSV Lok Bernau he played 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg. "He has always conquered new basketball challenges in his career so far. He showed this quality last season [read more]
Regionaliga team SSV Lok Bernau have announced that Benito Barreras (191-G-89) will remain to strap on their jersey this season. Barreras is a 23 191 cm guard that was born in Cuba, but has been living in Berlin since he was 16 years old. Last season for SSV Lok Bernau he played 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg. "He has always conquered new basketball challenges in his career so far. He showed this quality last season. I am very happy that he will continue to play for us", stresed SSV Lok Bernau head coach Rene Schilling . He started his basketball career for BG Zehlendorf and won a U16 title. He also was able to win 5 titles with DBV Charlottenburg with the U-18 and U-20. He played for ASV Moabit from 2008-2011 and in the 2011-2012 season for SSC Sudwest Berlin in the second Regonaliga Ost. THERE HE PLAYED 20 games: 15.6ppg:
Art.Dragons: took 4th (last) place (1-5) in Group C of the Regular Season
Ratiopharm: took 2nd place (3-3) in Group G of the Regular Season, took 2nd
place (3-3) in Group L of the Top16, lost to Gescrap BB in the Quarterfinals 1-1
(-19) !!!
s.Oliver Baskets: took 3rd place (3-3) in Group D of the Regular Season
EWE Baskets: took 1st place (6-0) in Group F of the Regular Season, took 1st
place (5-1) in Group E of the Top16, lost to Karsiyaka (TUR) 62-66 in the
Semifinals, beat Gravelines (FRA) 84-76 in the 3rd place game !!!
Telekom Baskets: took 1st place (4-2) in Group H of the Regular Season, took
2nd place (4-2) in Group L of the Top16, lost to Krasnye Krylia (RUS) 0-2 in the
Quarterfinals !!!
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