<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">By ART GARCIA Star-Telegram Staff Writer LOS ANGELES - Darrell Armstrong has seen and done plenty over a 12-year career. But the 37-year-old reserve point guard and team leader did something last week he's surprisingly never done. He called a team meeting. "It's the first time I've done it anywhere," Armstrong said Friday. Armstrong felt he had to do something after the Mavs played a lifeless first half in a disappointing 117-115 overtime loss at New York on Jan. 11. The next day, on what would have been a day off, he summoned the team to American Airlines Center to watch film. More than anything, though, he wanted to clear the air. "Everybody hates to be criticized, but we went through that film for everyone to see," said Armstrong, in his second season with the Mavs. "We talked about what can happen if we do the little things. The guys responded well." The Mavs won their next three by an average of 26.3 points heading into Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center. "We've played differently since Armstrong had that extensive film session with the team," said coach Avery Johnson, who called his share of players' only meetings during his long career. Armstrong was also recognized as a team leader in Orlando and New Orleans, his two other NBA stops. But he's never thought about bringing the team together to hash out some things. "We talked about how we have a special situation here and we should never come out flat," Dirk Nowitzki said. Nothing was off limits, including the struggles of Erick Dampier, and the floor was open for anyone to speak. "I've been on three teams, and I've seen guys that can't take criticism," said Armstrong, who plans to go into coaching after he retires. "They can come out and destroy the whole team. It's unbelievable how they've responded and the way they've played. "Look at Damp. He's come off the bench and responded with energy. We're just trying lift each other up and keep a good spirit."</div> Am I the only one thinking, Damn, I hope Avery offers him a spot on the coaching roster. The guy just knows basketball, and could be another great acquisiton, as he is much like Avery So maybe this starting Diop is not the only reason for our amazing run lately, maybe its Armstrong who really connected with us.
True. It might have to do with Griffin starting also. Yeah Armstrong is a great leader to have and probably could be a coach also. Griffin has added some intelligence to this mavs team where that seems to be their biggest weakness (not defensive ability). Griffin knows where to be on offense for good spacing and forces players to go a direction where Diop can block their shots. Maybe Daniels should come off the bench when he comes back even though I'm a fan of his game.
I agree, the starting 5 right now has great chemistry going on, and gives a well balanced attack. Harris/Daniels/Stack/VanHorn/Damp is a damn good 2nd string. Armstrong's role in the team is not just as a 3rd PG, but as an energy guy and being a cheerleader on the bench to keep the guys pumped up all the time. They are really important for championship contending teams.
I hope Griffin doesn't get benched. I think Avery should realize what is working and don't change it. Daniels might be more talented and athletic but he is a little undersized at the 2 and some teams could take advantage of it. At least Kobe did.
Dampier is not good player so Diop starting 5.Because Diop better than dampier(defansive).Dallas's offense very good.
