Practice Report: (12/23/11)

Earl K. Sneed reports from the Mavericks' Friday practice, where the team focused in on the Miami Heat while also trying to build chemistry before Sunday's season opener.

DALLAS -- After the Metroplex and Dallas Mavericks fans worldwide waited 31 years for the arrival of the first NBA title in franchise history, the long-awaited first championship banner will be raised Sunday afternoon to honor last season’s feat.

Waiting 13 years to see that moment happen was Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki, who just like the fans that will file into the American Airlines Center on Christmas Day can’t wait to see the banner finally raised to the rafters. But with the team that the Mavs defeated in six games of the championship series, the Miami Heat, set travel to Big D in a much-anticipated rematch, Nowitzki also admits that he and his teammates can’t afford to get too caught up in the moment if they hope to keep their holiday cheer by claiming the season-opening game on their home floor.

“I always said the banner raising, it’s probably one of the best days of my life,” Nowitzki confessed. “Working for something so long, being there with my teammates, the coaching staff and obviously the fans, it’s gonna be something special. But also we don’t want to get too emotional with this thing. We’ve got an important game to play against probably the heavy favorites for this year. … So, the game is more important than other things.”

Meanwhile, the Mavericks will look to begin defense of their first title with a victorious effort when taking the court for the first time in a meaningful game despite little practice time with their new additions.

Because of this offseason’s work stoppage and subsequent shortened schedule and training camp, the Mavs had little time to fully acclimate newcomers Lamar Odom, Vince Carter and Delonte West into their new surroundings. Because of that the Mavericks admit they will have an uphill climb from a chemistry standpoint going into the season, even after finishing last year’s campaign at the peak of the mountaintop.

“We’ve gotta do it on the fly,” sixth man Jason Terry said of building team chemistry with the new-look squad. “Obviously, two weeks wasn’t enough time to get everybody on an even keel chemistry-wise. But I think when you have guys who have been in the league awhile like Vince, Lamar and Delonte, they know how to play the game. And the way we play the game is how everybody should, and that’s move the ball offensively, defensively communicate and guard your yard.”

“We’d love to have two more weeks and have a regular camp, but I think all other 29 teams are dealing with the same thing. I think teams are gonna take awhile, especially teams that have a bunch of new guys, it’s gonna take awhile to get used to playing with each other. But this is a unique situation. There’s not a lockout every year, so we just have to make it work as players. And the first couple of weeks might be a little sloppy, but it’s still about being sharp when it comes down to the end and finding a way to win games,” Nowitzki added.

Still, the Mavs enter their matchup against the Heat -- who have added veterans Shane Battier and Eddie Curry to assist the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in returning to the Finals -- confident that they will be able to defend their home court in the first contest of a 66-game gauntlet. Even with a huge target on their backs that figures to be there every night, according to Nowitzki.

“It’s gonna be a tough season. Teams are gonna come at us with their best game and we’ve got to be ready for it, on the road and as well as home,” the 10-time All-Star explained. “I think it’s always fun for other teams to beat the champs, so it’s gonna be a different challenge. … I expect teams to give us their best shot.”

The Mavericks open up regular-season play on Sunday against the Miami Heat at 1:30 p.m. CT, in a matchup that will air nationally on ABC. Fans are encouraged to come early dressed in royal blue. The arena doors will open at 11:30 a.m. with a televised championship banner ceremony scheduled to begin promptly at 1:13 p.m.

Single-game tickets are on sale and available at the American Airlines Center North Box Office, online at mavs.com, via phone by calling 214-747-MAVS or 1-800-4NBA-TIX and all Ticketmaster outlets (Fiesta Grocery Stores, Wal-Mart, Simon Mall in Garland and the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano).

Rivalry Pack: Aside from being a season ticket holder, the only way for Mavs fans to attend the home opener against the Miami Heat or either of the two Los Angeles Lakers games is through the Rivalry Pack. Tickets to the Dec. 25 game vs. the Miami Heat and the Feb.22 and March 21 games vs. the Los Angeles Lakers can be purchased as part of a three-game package that includes one (1) of the three premium games and two (2) additional regular season games.

RPL Nights: RPL Nights return for the sixth season and will feature special discounted tickets for 10 pre-selected games. Tickets normally priced $9 will be $2, $15 will be $10, $31 will be $20 and $42 will be $32.