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Don Nelson triumphs in Dallas, as Warrior

The NBA season, only a week into its way, features several fascinating matchups. One of the rivalries that are most interesting to follow will be between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors. Don Nelson was the coach of the Mavericks until mid-way through the 2005 season, a team he in essence put together to have Avery Johnson take it to the NBA Finals. The Warriors are his current team, this being his second term with them. Both, in a way, are his babies.

The siblings met for the first time this season on Monday night, with the Golden State beating Dallas. The game saw two ejections, a flagrant foul and a close finish. Baron Davis played all 48 minutes, scoring 26 points, passing eight assists and grabbing seven rebounds. The Warriors are 2-2 and the Mavs only 0-3, winless early on their follow up season to the Finals.

Dallas failed to get off a final shot to tie the game and send it into overtime. The officials also did not hear Dallas fill-in coach Del Harris asking for s time-out. Harris coached the team after Johnson was ejected in the second quarter after arguing a non-call with the officials. And if that was not enough, the Mavs also lost forward Josh Howard to a sprained left ankle midway through the second quarter.