SAN ANTONIO -- Unless the Mavericks thoroughly disgrace themselves against the Spurs, we'll probably never be able to confirm what evil lurks in the heart of Mavs owner Mark Cuban regarding Don Nelson's coaching future in Dallas.
According to educated speculation, coming into the playoffs, the bizarre billionaire was prepared to make a powerful play (let your imagination be your guide) for Heat minority owner/president/coach Pat Riley, had his Mavs mortifyingly malfunctioned -- as was almost the case against the Blazers who nearly became the first team in NBA history to overcome an 0-3 deficit.
Winning a pair of Game 7s appears to have gotten Nelson off the shadowy ledge, but an implosion in this series could radically reverse that perception. Trust me, Nelson isn't faintly confident he has won Cuban's bludgeon of approval and remains knotted in a discomfort zone. Offers a friend, "Don deeply senses he's still being tested and that he can't do enough."