The value of second-chance points

The Mavericks have been a decent offensive rebounding team in the past and, by extension, they have been OK at scoring second-chance points. This year, they have a chance to be really good at it with Drew Gooden and Kris Humphries going after the offensive misfires. Says Humphries: "Over my career, I've been a guy who has gotten a lot of offensive rebounds and so has he (Gooden). I think the fans and the organization really value second possessions and if you get a tough one and battle in for a putback, the fans really go for that.'' Indeed, there's no better way to ingratiate yourself to the fandom than hustling for offensive rebounds and loose balls. When Shaquille O'Neal went hurdling into the stands the other night, it made for instant love for the big fella from the masses, not that fans needed another reason, of course. But paying customers love to know that their heroes -- even the ones making the biggest bucks -- are leaving it all on the court. --Eddie Sefko