http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dw...de.278043e.html Mavs' Dampier just wants to stay in touch Center still OK on bench, as long as team does forget about him 01:14 AM CST on Sunday, January 22, 2006 By GERRY FRALEY / The Dallas Morning News PORTLAND, Ore. – Letting Erick Dampier touch the ball may become the Mavericks' method of motivating the enigmatic center. Dampier, reduced to a reserve's role, goes into tonight's game against Portland at the Rose Garden looking to follow up on one of his best performances in two seasons with the Mavericks. He had a rare – for him – double-double in Friday's 101-81 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Dampier had 13 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double this season and 18th in 99 regular-season games with the Mavericks. It also marked the first time in 29 games he had scored in double figures. Dampier was active on defense. In addition to the team-high total in rebounds, he had three blocks and played good interior defense. The secret apparently is to let Dampier get a look at the ball. Dampier had six shots against the Clippers, his most in 11 games. Dampier said getting the ball and taking a few shots helps him get into the flow of the game. In the last two games, Dampier has taken 11 shots and scored 20 points. He also has 20 rebounds and five blocks in those games. "If it gets him in the game more, that's fine," Mavericks coach Avery Johnson said Saturday. "He's been as good as I've seen him all year with his activity." Johnson is more willing to involve Dampier in offensive plays when he comes off the bench. As a starter, Dampier is the last option. His performance this season suggests that Dampier becomes more energized when he gets a few shots. For 17 games in which he has had at least five shots, Dampier has averaged 9.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. For the other 23 games, Dampier has averaged 6.7 rebounds and less than one block. "It's a matter of getting an opportunity down there," said Dampier, who has not started the last four games. "I've sacrificed some of my game for the team. When you don't get the touches, you have to find a way to contribute." Bad timing: All three injured players – Darrell Armstrong (ankle), Marquis Daniels (neck) and Keith Van Horn (ankle) – participated in a two-hour practice Saturday. The Mavericks expect only Armstrong to be available tonight. For Van Horn, the timing of the injury is poor. He had begun to get back his shot, which has been missing for much of the season. Van Horn has made 14 of his last 19 attempts overall. That includes a 6-of-8 showing on 3-point tries. Before that, Van Horn had shot 39.2 percent overall. "I feel confident that I'll get it back," Van Horn said. "I've only been out a week. I should bounce back pretty quickly." Briefly: Jason Terry was ejected during the fourth quarter of the win against the Clippers. Terry may have violated the "leave the court in a timely manner" stipulation after the two quick technicals from referee Bill Kennedy. Terry could draw a fine. "I got out of there, I hope," Terry said. "I lost my cool. That rarely happens." ... DeSagana Diop continues to avoid the weight problems that plagued him while with Cleveland. Diop has kept his weight around 275 pounds, which the Mavericks consider to be ideal for his 7-foot frame. With Cleveland, Diop ballooned to more than 320 pounds. E-mail gfraley@dallasnews.com ======================= Well looks like Dampier is comfortable coming off the bench as long as he is involved offensively. Looks like a good fit for Dampier.
