Dallas, TX
Timberwolves lose to Dallas in Game 3 of Western Conference finals
DALLAS – Even at the lowest point of the Timberwolves season, Anthony Edwards was remaining upbeat.
A season ago, when the Wolves fell behind the Denver Nuggets 3-0 in a playoff series, Edwards sat at his locker, head in his hands and didn’t say a word. He left without speaking to the media.
Now, a year later, his team faces another 3-0 deficit. But Edwards was trying to radiate positivity in a moment some teammates could have been sulking following a 116-107 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night in the Western Conference finals series.
To the slumping Nickeil Alexander-Walker, two lockers over from Edwards, Edwards said: “One shot at a time, ‘Kiel, it’ll fall. Just trust it.”
This came after Alexander-Walker, who can be hard on himself, had his head in his hands à la Edwards a season ago. Alexander-Walker, after a 1-for-4 shooting night, was rocking back and forth in his chair when media first entered the locker room.
Then Edwards was holding court with Mike Conley and Kyle Anderson, saying all the Wolves need is one game where everyone is clicking and they will be right back on track.
“We’re here now fellas, what are we gonna do?” Edwards said.
Then Edwards spotted the struggling Karl-Anthony Towns on the other side of the room. He wanted to hear a positive response out of Towns, who had another off night in this series with 14 points on 5-for-18 shooting, including 0-for-8 on three-pointers.
“We here now, Karl. What are we gonna do?” Edwards said.
“Make history,” Towns responded.
That they will have to do, as no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 hole the Wolves are in after another awful stretch of late-game offense did them in against Dallas. NBA teams trailing 3-0 are 0-154 at winning series.
“We ain’t got nothing else to do. We can’t do nothing but be positive at this point,” Edwards said in his postgame news conference. “We can’t be negative. Just try to get it one win at a time.”
The Wolves had a 104-102 lead after Anderson hit a shot-clock beating jumper with five minutes to play, but the Wolves didn’t have another field goal until Edwards hit a meaningless layup with 15.3 seconds left. The Mavericks outscored them 14-3 as Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic again dominated a Wolves defense that has had no answer for the Dallas duo.
Doncic and Irving both scored 33 points.
Double-team them and make them give it up? Dallas’ supporting cast like Derrick Jones Jr. (11 points) and P.J. Washington (16 points) were hitting shots early as the Mavericks shot 50% from three-point range compared to the Wolves’ 30%.
Don’t double them and guard them straight up? Then they were hitting shots, as when Doncic hit a shot over Jaden McDaniels as he was falling down in the fourth quarter and Irving made a contested layup late in the shot clock against Edwards as part of Dallas’ closing push. The Mavericks backcourt stars were a combined 22-for-40.
“It’s been tough for us to try to navigate that,” coach Chris Finch said. “We’ve been picking our poison here a little bit.”
The problem for the Wolves is that each poison they pick has been lethal.
Edwards had 26 points on 11-for-24 shooting, and he came through with a 10-point third quarter that brought the Wolves back from an eight-point halftime deficit. He found room to attack the rim after Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II exited because of a strained neck when his head inadvertently met Towns’ knee after he fell going for a rebound in the second quarter. But the Wolves didn’t attack as much late, and Edwards and Towns were a combined 16-for-42.
“You play into their hands when you hold the ball and you dribble out the clock and are fighting against the shot clock,” said point guard Conley, who had 16 points. “That was the issue we had a little bit tonight, where we were looking down 10, 11 seconds left on the shot clock and at that point you have to force it instead of being in an action early, playing a little bit more.”
Edwards was playing that way in the third quarter after Lively’s injury freed up space at the rim. Edwards took off for a thunderous dunk as part of a stretch when he scored six consecutive points, and the Wolves pulled ahead for the first time at 79-77 since they were ahead 5-3.
But the Wolves could never build and maintain a lead, as Irving and Doncic seemed to respond each time the Wolves got ahead. A backbreaking moment came when Washington hit a wide-open corner three to put Dallas ahead 107-104 with 3:38 left when the Wolves had what Finch called a “mental breakdown” on defense.
“We have belief against anyone. But we are our worst enemy, every time,” said center Rudy Gobert, who had nine points and six rebounds. “And it’s a great thing, but it can also be a thing that’s not great when we beat ourselves.”
The memo for the Wolves to Towns was to play more under control on Sunday after he struggled the first two games. But nothing he did worked. His reliable three-point shot has been non-existent.
“I feel every shot’s good,” Towns said. “I’ve shot a lot of basketballs in my life. I’m the first one in the gym. I definitely am working. I’m shooting. Every time I’m shooting, it feels good. I’m just having these very unfortunate bounces all the time. It’s annoying.”
Also annoying to the Wolves was the officiating, especially in the third quarter, when Dallas shot 17 free throws. That was as many as the Wolves shot in the game. (Dallas finished with 31.) The Wolves felt the Mavericks were committing the same fouls to them that they were to Dallas.
“It’s about consistency on both ends,” Conley said. “That’s all we ask for at the end of the day.”
BOXSCORE: Dallas 116, Wolves 107
That’s also what the Wolves are asking of themselves.
About the only constant, win or lose, is the positivity emanating from Edwards, who is convinced the Wolves still have a great game in them against a Dallas team that has so far figured them out.
Edwards was asked how he can keep from having a sky-is-falling attitude. It’s who he has always been, he said.
“I never seen the sky falling,” Edwards said. “I don’t know, I’m always positive, always happy. I’ve been through the worst, so the sky is never falling for me.”
Dallas, TX
Dallas game warden investigating coyote shootings in Lochwood neighborhood
DALLAS – Authorities are investigating whether a vigilante is shooting coyotes in a Dallas neighborhood.
Dallas Animal Services says it’s investigating three coyote deaths since August. Two of them were shot.
Authorities don’t know who is doing it, but people who live in the area are rattled.
Emily Levin is still left disturbed by the dead coyote found in her front yard last week.
“Wednesday, this dead coyote appeared in our front yard on the border between our yard and our neighbor’s yard,” she recalled.
Levin says a city wildlife investigator immediately came out to her Lochwood neighborhood and revealed the coyote had been shot.
“And I asked her if she knew if it had been shot in our front yard or it had walked. And she said it was hard to tell, which is not reassuring,” Levin said.
DAS tells FOX 4 it’s been investigating a possible trend since August.
Three coyotes have been found dead in Lochwood. Two were shot. The third was disposed of before the city arrived on scene.
“Like, don’t go shooting a gun in a neighborhood!” Levin said.
The neighborhood has been shaken for weeks.
Just a few streets over from Levin, a homeowner sent FOX 4 surveillance video from late October where you can hear gunfire. You can hear glass shattering at the end.
One bullet went through a home’s front window near Easton Road and East Lake Highlands Drive. No one was hurt.
More recently, the same homeowner said he heard gunshots again Sunday afternoon. Dallas police say they responded, but no one was injured.
It’s unknown if these incidents are related to the coyote shootings.
However, the Dallas County game warden confirmed they are investigating and are asking for all surveillance video to be handed over.
Levin has a warning to anyone disrupting the peace in her neighborhood.
“Don’t bring that to our neighborhood. It’s too nice of a place for that,” she said.
The Dallas County game warden couldn’t reveal too much information on the investigation but wanted to remind people the coyotes in urban areas are being monitored.
At this point, no coyotes in the Lochwood area have posed a threat to humans.
Dallas, TX
Where to find the best Christmas lights in Dallas-Fort Worth
Gather your family, grab some hot cocoa, and explore the best Christmas light displays across DFW. This list includes free attractions and festive events with admission fees:
Christmas Lights Show:
Dallas Zoo Lights
When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Where: Dallas Zoo
What: Enjoy illuminated zoo animals, creative displays, and larger-than-life decorations. Perfect for kids and families.
Cost: Tickets start at $16.
Holiday at the Arboretum
When: Nov. 13 – Jan. 5
Where: Dallas Arboretum
What: Thousands of lights and elaborate decorations set the scene for this cherished Dallas holiday tradition. Activities and food add to the festive atmosphere.
Cost: Tickets range from $13 to $37, depending on age and time of visit.
Lightscape
When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden
What: Millions of lights transform the gardens into a magical, glowing winter wonderland. Seasonal treats and warm beverages are available for purchase.
Cost: Tickets range from $12 to $30.
Tianyu Lights Festival
When: Nov. 8 – Jan. 19
Where: Grand Prairie, Texas
What: Stroll through a magical forest filled with vibrant, handcrafted light displays. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Cost: Admission ranges from $16 to $33, depending on the day. Parking costs $10 online or $15 onsite.
https://tianyuculture.us/dallas/
Drive-thru Christmas lights:
Burkman Holiday Home (Featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight)
Where: 3809 Hazelhurst Drive, Frisco
Cost: Free.
Deerfield Christmas Lights
Where: West Plano, between Preston Road and Coit Road.
Cost: Free.
Highland Park
Where: Enter the neighborhood at Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road.
Cost: Free. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available for $175.
Karr Family Light Show
Where: 5901 Pacers Lane, Fort Worth (6–10 p.m.)
Cost: Free.
Lights on Trail Creek
Where: 4941 Trail Creek Drive, Fort Worth. Tune your radio to 99.9 FM for synchronized music.
Cost: Free.
Interlochen Christmas Lights
Where: Start at Randol Mill Road and Westwood Drive in North Arlington.
Cost: Free.
Southwestern Boulevard
Where: University Park, between Central Expressway and the Dallas North Tollway.
Cost: Free.
Timberhollow Circle
Where: A cul-de-sac in Lake Highlands with a “12 Days of Christmas” display. Surrounding homes are also decorated.
Cost: Free.
Vitruvian Park
Where: Vitruvian Park in Addison (Nov. 23 – Jan. 1)
Cost: Free.
https://visitaddison.com/events/vitruvian-park/
Dallas, TX
Texas AG Sues Dallas Over Marijuana Decriminalization Measure
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the City of Dallas and local officials, targeting a ballot measure that decriminalizes marijuana-related offenses and bars police from enforcing state drug laws.
The announcement of this legal action, made last week, is related to Proposition R, also known as the “Dallas Freedom Act,” which was passed in November with nearly 67% approval.
The measure decriminalizes possession of less than four ounces of marijuana and restricts the Dallas Police Department from making arrests or issuing citations for such offenses, except in cases involving larger felony investigations. It also bars officers from using the odor of marijuana as probable cause for searches or seizures.
As of today, in Texas, possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. Possession of more than 2 ounces but less than 4 ounces is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $4,000.
The state contends that Proposition R is preempted by Texas state law, including the Health and Safety Code – which criminalizes the possession of marijuana – and the Local Government Code – which obligates municipalities to enforce state drug laws fully. The lawsuit alleges that the charter amendment is unconstitutional under the Texas Constitution to the extent that local laws may not conflict with state statutes.
The lawsuit also argues that Proposition R bars Dallas police from enforcing misdemeanor marijuana possession laws, utilizing the odor of marijuana as probable cause, or expending city funds to test marijuana substances with exceptions in those narrowly defined cases where the alleged offense is a violent or high-priority narcotics felony.
Therefore, the state asked the court to nullify Proposition R, arguing Dallas exceeded its legal authority. It also asks the court to stop city officials and police from enforcing the measure and to ensure state drug laws are followed.
Earlier this year, Texas AGl Paxton also sued the cities of Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton for adopting amnesty and non-prosecution policies that he claims violate state laws on marijuana possession and distribution.
Marijuana in Texas
Texas has not yet legalized marijuana for recreational use but has a medical marijuana program in place under the Texas Compassionate Use Act, which passed in 2015. It also legalized the production and sale of industrial hemp and CBD products in 2019, following the Farm Bill of 2018, which legalized hemp, defined as marijuana having no more than 0.3% THC, by separating it from marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act.
Currently, 24 U.S. states have legalized recreational use of marijuana, and 38 states for medical use.
In the November presidential election, several marijuana-related ballot measures were proposed, but most failed.
In Florida, nearly 56% voted “yes” to Amendment 3, which allowed adult-use marijuana; however, it did not meet the required 60% threshold to amend the state constitution.
Similar ballot measures in North Dakota and South Dakota each failed to achieve majority support.
Arkansas voters could have expanded the state’s medical marijuana program, but the state’s Supreme Court ruled – prior to this election – that the votes could not be counted.
The marijuana legalization measure that passed was in Nebraska alone, making it the 39th state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes, though its validity is still being challenged in court.
Meanwhile, in Texas, a lawmaker has recently filed a bill to legalize and establish a regulated market for the production and sale of recreational marijuana. However, past marijuana bills have stalled in the conservative Texas legislature, setting up the next session as potentially crucial for marijuana policy reform in the state.
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