Maybe it was fitting that the same script was written for both the Mavericks and Suns last night. Each lost close Game Fives on the road to be eliminated in disappointing first round showings against better opponents.

Not long ago, they were two of the Western powers who could go deep into the NBA’s second season. Now, not even acquiring marquee stars such as Jason Kidd or Shaq could alter a downward spiral for each. It’s two straight years for the Mavs out in the first round. Though falling to Chris Paul and the Hornets wasn’t much of a stunner like last year’s bowing out to eighth seed Golden State.

In his third year, Paul is a legit MVP candidate along with Kobe and LeBron proving he’s legit ripping apart the older Kidd along with the rest of the Mavs. He only recorded his first career playoff triple double in closing out Dallas with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 15 assists. David West added 25 points, seven boards and four assists. Tyson Chandler was a force underneath grabbing 14 rebounds (seven offensive) and blocking three shots. Reserve guard Jannero Pargo also came off the bench for 17 shooting seven for nine from the floor with a couple of triples.

It all added up to a five-game victory and first ever series win since the Hornets relocated to New Orleans.

On the losing side, Dirk Nowitzki’s double/double (22 and 13) along with six assists and a couple of blocks weren’t enough to save the Mavs’ season. Neither was Kidd’s best effort of the series in which he had 14 points, nine assists and four boards. Jason Terry also added 13 points and nine dishes. Still, Dallas didn’t have enough to offset their younger opponent who advanced to a Conference Semifinal meeting against the defending champion Spurs.

Who isn’t excited about that match-up? Old established guard against new kid on the block. The point guard match-up between Paul and 2007 Finals MVP Tony Parker should be one to enjoy for any hoop fan.

Parker just got done finishing off Steve Nash, Shaq and the Suns going for over 30 again with a team high 31 to go with eight dimes. I’ve come to the conclusion that Mr. Parker is just The Truth. I love his game cause he never settles. Plus he’s lightning quick off the dribble making like the Road Runner.

Nash and the Suns won’t be rising as Shaq promised. Oh well. The Big Aristotle did try hard giving his all on the defensive end despite foul trouble. He had 13 points but was only two of eight from the field and misfired on 11 of 20 free throws. Yikes. Gregg Popovich’s hack-a-Shaq formula worked. O’Neal still pulled down nine rebounds, blocked three shots and had a couple of steals in over 29 minutes.

In crunch time, the Suns were right there fighting for their playoff lives. They nearly stole Game Five and got it back to Phoenix. And who would’ve bet against them forcing a seventh game? The reason they lost was because Nash had some costly turnovers. He was stripped once by freaking Robert Horry. Big Shot Bob is only supposed to be good for the occasional dagger from downtown. He shouldn’t be able to pick Nash’s pocket clean. Especially with Tim Duncan on the sidelines with Shaq out which should’ve been an edge for Phoenix on the offensive end. Wow.

Nash had a couple of other bad miscues as did teammate Boris Diaw jumping a crosscourt pass to nobody in the final minute. The Spurs didn’t screw up instead allowing Parker to do his thing and Manu Ginobili to do his from the free throw line even though he had an off night finishing with just eight. Half came from the charity stripe.

There also was a big make from Duncan where he went by Shaq off the dribble and beat the shot clock with an eight foot runner off the glass. Yeah. The Big Fundamental can still play as evidenced by his strong 29 and 17 with three blocks. He’s a gamer.

The Suns bricked 17 of 37 free throws. The worst total in 14 years. At least for them cause if I caught it right, the last time came against the Rockets. Isn’t that when they blew a 3-1 lead? Never mind.

I do have to wonder how Nash only wound up with three assists while turning the ball over five times. He also shot a pitiful four for 16. Against Parker and the physical Bruce Bowen, Nash looked old. He’s 34 and certainly not getting any younger. Maybe the pounding is finally taking its toll cause he looks like an Ewok from Star Wars out there.

So, will Mike D’Antoni get the axe for this? Should he really when new GM Steve Kerr decided to bring in Shaq and throw him into a system which wouldn’t work? No. They needed more time to jell. Ditto for J Kidd, Dirk and the rest of the Mavs coached by Avery “Squeaky” Johnson.

I concur with what TNT’s Charles “The Chuckster” Barkley said during the postgame. Both are good coaches who got thrown for a loop with big acquisitions. And it’s not that easy to just go and win with that much time left. It doesn’t account for team chemistry, etc. Did Shaq and Dwyane Wade win the first year down in Miami? Of course not.

For that reason, I wouldn’t fire either coach. They’ll be scooped up faster than Larry Brown can reach his next destination. Charlotte? Really? Is he kidding? They suck! I guess he must be really de$perate or hasn’t met Dan “Da Man” Wheeler (Wheel-ah) yet.