The Mavericks had a four point lead with 31 seconds left, but somehow, despite knowing that a loss would all but eliminate them from the playoffs, they managed to choke it away like dogs. But of course Mark Cuban and his boys have a built-in excuse: Antoine Wright was trying to foul Carmelo Anthony before ‘Melo sank the three that ended the game – the Mavs had a foul to give – but the refs for some reason didn’t blow the whistle. And guess what? The league released a statement after the game saying the Mavs have a gripe and the ref should’ve called the foul. But he didn’t. And Anthony made the 3. And now the Mavs have about as much chance of moving to the Western Conference finals as John Edwards has of ever being president.

