The Dallas Mavericks are still basking in the afterglow of Vince Carter's miracle game-winner in Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Yet, per ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon, it is the oft-maligned Monta Ellis who has been one of the biggest keys for the Dallas Mavericks in taking a 2-1 lead over the Spurs so far in their best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal match-up -- especially in the mind of Mavs owner Mark Cuban --
"Boy, Monta has really made everybody look smart that said it was a dumb signing," Mark Cuban stated after Saturday's win, sarcasm beaming from his smiling face. "He was just the worst signing of the summer. You know, he’s just not efficient in the playoffs, not efficient in the regular season."
"Monta was great."
Monta isn't willing to take all of the credit for his return to prominence. Rather, he feels that the guys surrounding him are a big reason why he is getting this chance to prove his doubters wrong:
"Man, I just go out there and play basketball like I’ve been doing the whole season," said Ellis. "I’ve got a great group of guys who believe in me, who’s been backing me. We’re all tied into this thing."
"With the points, it may look like it’s me, but it was a total team effort."