The Defense Rests

Can the Mavs guard anyone? To find out, John Gonzalez gets offensive with a drunk Don, a focused Finley and a nutty Cuban.

Comments (0) By John Gonzalez Thursday, Nov 7 2002

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A chant of "Nell-y, Nell-y" goes up from the masses. They're happy for the win, and for his company, but my guess is that they want their free beer. Who can blame them?

I don't envy Nellie. This suspension he and Donnie got cost the team $150,000, and who knows what the bar tab will run--these people look thirsty. Beyond that, he's going to have to coach soon enough, and that figures to be considerably more taxing. The odds on him ushering the Mavs to an NBA title are long (7-to-1 in Vegas). Then, predictions can be tricky business, particularly through the liquor fog.

Mark Graham

Dandy Don: General manager and coach Don Nelson acknowledges the adoring crowd at Dave and Buster's while doing an interview with Mike Rhyner and Greg Williams of The Ticket.

Mark Graham

Don and son/assistant coach Donnie sign autographs and guzzle.

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But that's all heavy stuff and better suited for a more somber, and sober, occasion. For tonight, the Mavericks are undefeated and Nellie is a champion of the people. As the party winds on, that's all anyone here can ask.

Well, for that and some free beer.