Moral Victory? Mavs Fall To Spurs 99-93

The effort was certainly there on this night, but Gary Neal (14) and the Spurs were too much for the Nowitzki-less Mavs. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

Coming off possibly the ugliest loss of the season, largely due to the lack of sustained energy, next up was the San Antonio Spurs (28-4) who are off to the best start in franchise history. However, getting up to face the NBA's best team was no problem for the Dallas Mavericks (24-7), as this team hung tough against the hard charging Spurs throughout.

"It's a tough loss," Mavericks' coach Rick Carlisle said, "but we just have to keep battling."

Despite the loss, the mood in the locker room after the game was unexpectedly upbeat -- considering the Mavericks had just been beaten by a division-rival, in what was a close contest at times.

Dirk-Less Mavs Tumble Vs Raptors - 84-76

Ed Davis (32) had a career night, and Dallas had trouble scoring points - reverting to launching almost nothing but 3's in the fourth quarter - as Toronto snapped the Mavs' five-game winning streak. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

Coming off an emotional win against Oklahoma City, in which they beat and bullied the Thunder to take control of the game in the fourth quarter; the Dallas Mavericks (24-6) were beaten and bullied by a shorthanded and struggling Toronto Raptors (11-20) squad Tuesday night.

While the Mavericks' leading scorer Dirk Nowitzki had to miss the game due to a knee injury suffered Monday night, the Raptors were missing their own leading scorer in Andrea Bargnani (who averages just over 21 points per) and starting power forward Reggie Evans - who leads the team in rebounding at just over 12 per contest.

The Raptors, like Dallas, were also on the second night of a back-to-back -- having played the night before in Memphis -- so I think that takes care of all the would-be excuses for a Mavericks' team that collectively got their asses kicked.

"It was a disappointing loss, but I would credit Toronto more on their effort and how well they played," Mavericks' coach Rick Carlisle said. "They won the game. We didn't give it to them."

Fourth Quarter Stand - Mavericks 103 Thunder 93

With Dirk Nowitzki looking on from the locker room for most of the night due to injury, Shawn Marion (above, left) and the rest of the Mavericks picked up the slack - holding the Thunder to just 12 points in a dominant fourth quarter to pick up the win. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Without injured superstar Dirk Nowitzki (who left early in the second quarter due to a right knee injury), the Dallas Mavericks (24-5) proved they're more than just a one-man show Monday night in Oklahoma City. Dallas showcased great depth and tenacious defense in dispatching the Oklahoma City Thunder (21-11), increasing their league-best road record to 11-1.

Kevin Durant broke out of his slump against Dallas with 28 points on the night, but the Mavericks used a strong fourth quarter, especially on the defensive end, to persevere without their injured MVP. A suffocating defense held the Thunder to only 4 of 18 shooting in the final frame and Dallas doubled-up OKC 24-12 for the quarter.

The anchor of the Mavs' defense, Tyson Chandler, closed out the game with a block, a rebound and a steal on Oklahoma City's final two possessions to finish off the Mavericks' 17th win in 18 contests.

"I knew this team was a defensive team. They have the record of 24-5 because they have a talented group of guys that play well," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said.

Cardinals Take Cowboys Down A Peg - 27-26

Dallas couldn't overcome two pick 6's, one from Antonio Rogers-Cromartie (29) on the Cowboys' first possession, and kicker David Buehler's extra point went wide left as Arizona won on a last-second field goal. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The Dallas Cowboys (5-10) are still a dumb and inefficient football team.

They may have tried to fool you the last couple of weeks with some strong play but, I assure you, it was all a mirage. Despite out-gaining the Arizona Cardinals (5-10) by over 110 yards and holding the ball for over 16 more minutes than the Cards, Dallas was beaten by a Jay Feely 48-yard field goal with only five seconds left in regulation.

Arizona drove 46 yards with less than 1:45 left in the contest and only one timeout, converting a 4th and 15 along the way against a Cowboys defense that is now ranked 31st in the NFL against the pass.

Dirk Tops Bird; Mavs Stop New-Look Magic 105-99

Dirk Nowitzki (above, left) passed Larry Bird for 25th on the NBA's all-time scoring list and the Mavericks took care of a retooled Magic squad for their 16th win in the last 17 contests. (AP Photo/Stephen M. Dowell - Orlando Sentinel)

Forget being on a streak, right now it's tough for any NBA team to look at the schedule and see the humming Dallas Mavericks (23-5) on the horizon.

Dallas took time out Tuesday evening from bustin' streaks to take care of a struggling Orlando Magic (16-12) team, who now have lost eight of their last nine contests. The Mavericks persevered through a third consecutive game with at least 19 points and 20 rebounds from Magic center Dwight Howard with (surprise) some smothering defense and a well-rounded offensive attack.

Caron Butler led six Mavs in double figures with 20 points, and Dallas shot an even 50 percent for the game (including an outstanding 46.2 percent from behind the arc) while holding the Magic to only 44 percent shooting.

"We feel like we're one of the best teams in the league, if not the best right now," Butler said. "We're playing great basketball, so we want to capitalize on every opportunity."

Orlando's newcomers, acquired in a couple of blockbuster trades earlier in the week, failed to make a positive impact on the contest.

Bustin' A Streak - Mavs 98 Heat 96

Jason Terry (31) took flight in the clutch once again, scoring all 19 of his points in the final 11 minutes, and Shawn Marion (0) grabbed seven of his season-high 13 rebounds as the Mavericks took control in the fourth quarter to snap Miami's 12-game winning streak. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

If your a team in the NBA and riding a streak of five or more wins this season, it's not a good sign to see the Dallas Mavericks (22-5) next on the schedule. This is true especially for the Miami Heat (21-9), who have also now lost 14 straight regular season games against the Mavericks. Mavericks' coach Rick Carlisle reiterated after the contest that his team is concentrating only on victories, not bustin' streaks.

"I don't make a huge deal out of the streak," Carlisle said. "We are just trying to play solid basketball and win as many games as we can."

A matchup between two teams in the top-5 in the NBA in both points allowed and opponent field goal percentage (Miami is first in both categories) did not disappoint as each team showcased some shut-down defense.

Cowboys Sneak Past Redskins, 33-30

Cowboys blow 20-point lead, rally late to salvage three-point victory. Jason Witten (above) led the way offensively, racking up a touchdown and a season-high 140 yards receiving. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)

When your defense is this bad, even a 27-7 lead in the third quarter against a journeymen quarterback starting his first game in two years isn't safe.

The Dallas Cowboys (5-9) struggled yet again to keep a bad offensive team from lighting up the scoreboard, this time it was newly christened starter Rex Grossman and the Washington Redskins (5-9) who supplied the fireworks. Grossman threw for a career-high four touchdowns, two during the Redskins fourth quarter rally alone, and 322 yards - only the second time in his eight year career he has gone over 300 yards passing.

The Cowboys defense did step up to force a Redskins punt late in the fourth, sacking Grossman two straight times to push the Washington offense back 17 yards to the 8-yard line - setting up the offense in great field position near midfield.

Nash Still A Fan Of Dallas

While his return to Dallas this season ended with a disappointing injury in the first quarter, Steve Nash (left) says he still considers the place he grew as a player a home away from home - over seven seasons after leaving the Mavericks via free agency. (AP Photo/Matt York)

After a great ovation from Mavericks' fans during pregame introductions, not many people in the arena expected to bust out another ovation for Suns' point guard Steve Nash in a matchup between conference rivals Friday night.

Unfortunately, and unexpectedly, the two-time MVP went down with a scary injury in the first quarter; prompting another round of cheers as Nash was able walk back to the locker room after having no feeling in his arms and legs for 10 long seconds.

Luckily, Nash told me he felt no lingering effects after the game and hopes to play early next week pending doctor's approval. Bouncing-back from injuries is nothing new for the 14-year vet, something he's proved time and time again throughout his career.

Coming into the 2010-2011 season, Nash has been the epitome of consistency and durability.

Mavericks Crush Nash-Less Suns - 106-91

Suns' point guard Steve Nash went down with a stinger injury in the first quarter, and Jason Terry (above) led a balanced attack as the Mavericks cruised to an easy win. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The Dallas Mavericks (21-5) caught a break yet again Friday night as another former player was unable to showcase their skills due to an early exit. It's the second time in the last five games that a former Mavericks' point guard has gone down with an injury in the first quarter and then failing to return for the rest of the contest.

It happened Dec. 9, with New Jersey Nets' point guard Devin Harris crashing to the ground on his left shoulder, and this time it was against the Phoenix Suns (12-13) as two-time MVP Steve Nash went down hard in a collision with Mavericks' center Tyson Chandler five minutes into the opening quarter.

A scary scene played out as Nash laid motionless on the ground for a few minutes, and he said after the contest that he had no feeling in his arms or legs after his neck bent awkwardly against Chandler's hip and elbow.

"I couldn't feel my arms or legs for about 10 seconds," Nash said. "My left side came back, then my right side came back when I went to the locker room - and I feel better."

Not This Time - Nowitzki, Mavs Halt Blazers 103-98

After struggling through three quarters, Dirk Nowitzki erupted with a huge fourth quarter to prevent Dallas from blowing a double-digit lead for the second straight game. (AP Photo/Michael Fuentes)

Even after failing to hit the broad side of a barn for three quarters, superstars like the Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki know how to rev it up into another gear with the game on the line.

He proved as much again Wednesday night as, coming into the fourth quarter, Nowitzki had made only 2 of 9 shots from the field before stepping up huge for the Dallas Mavericks (20-5) with 12 points on 5 of 7 shooting to lead his team to victory over the Portland Trail Blazers (12-14).

"We had a chance there at the end. Dirk made two really tough shots, that's what he does," Blazers' forward (and Dallas-native) Lamarcus Aldridge said. "We did our best to make the shots tough, but he still made them."

Aldridge matched Nowitzki stride for stride in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 of his career-high 35 points in the contest, but it wasn't enough as Dallas held strong after blowing 17-point lead in the third quarter.

So Long Lee, We Hardly Knew Ye

It appears as though the "mystery team" involved throughout the negotiations has snatched Cliff Lee (right) from the grasp of both the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees, and it's a team he's played for before - the Philadelphia Phillies. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Well, at least he didn't sign with the Yankees.

Various reports surfaced late Monday night that Texas Rangers' ace Cliff Lee is set to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The left-hander Texas traded for at the deadline last season, and whom subsequently led the Rangers to their first World Series appearance, is expected to sign a five-year, $100 million contract with a player-option for a sixth year.

Bucked! Milwaukee Snaps Streak 103-99

Dallas got out to another big lead early before blowing it in the second half, this time Andrew Bogut (above) and the Bucks completed the comeback with only their third win on the road (in 11 tries) this season. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

This was bound to happen.
 
The Dallas Mavericks (19-5) have played with fire over the past few games, getting out to huge leads before lethargic, sloppy play reared it's ugly head. It happened again Monday night against the Milwaukee Bucks (10-13), and this time the Mavericks were unable to mount a late rally to salvage the victory.
 
"This kind of slippage we've seen all too often," Mavericks' coach Rick Carlisle said. "I've got to coach harder, the players have got to be more conscientious, we've got to do better than we did tonight."

Dallas jumped out to a 42-22 midway through the second quarter, dominating the Bucks on both ends of the floor with a 15-2 run to take the largest lead of the game for either team.

Eagles Sprint Past Cowboys - 30-27

Dallas battled the Eagles all game long but, in the end, DeSean Jackson (10) and the explosive Philly offense was too much to handle. (AP Photo/Canon, Bob Malish)

With two flicks of the wrist, Philadelphia Eagles' (9-4) quarterback Michael Vick made a statement to start the game against the Dallas Cowboys (4-9), and set up wide receiver DeSean Jackson yet again to finish it in the fourth quarter to vault the Eagles to first place in the NFC East.

It's the Eagles first win at Cowboys Stadium and, with the loss, the Cowboys are now officially eliminated from playoff contention.

"It doesn't feel good," Cowboys' owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. "They made a couple of big plays that we weren't able to make, but I liked the way we got after Vick, I really did. I like the way that we responded when we got down each time, a whole bunch of good things."

While the Cowboys were able to contain Vick in the pocket, while also putting pressure on the speedy QB, the Eagles quarterback and his favorite target still shredded the Dallas defense.

Mavs Knock Of Jazz 103-97 - Win 12th Straight

Tyson Chandler (above) and the Mavericks blew a huge early lead, but got hot late to take care of Jazz and push win streak to a dozen. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

After an outstanding start from the field, things changed quickly Saturday night for the home team at the American Airlines Center.

The Dallas Mavericks (19-4) hit 13 of 18 field goals in the first quarter (7 of 10 from 3-point range) jumping out to a 25-point lead right out of the gate. But, by the fourth quarter, the Utah Jazz (17-8) battled back to tie the game at 89 with only 4:31 left in regulation.

"They slowly chipped away and chipped away and finally tied the game there in the fourth, and we had to really dig deep, grind it out and get some stops," said Dirk Nowitzki, who led Dallas with 31 points and 15 rebounds on the night.

Show Lee The Money

Rangers must do everything they can to sign Cliff Lee (left) and remain relevant in the landscape of Major League Baseball. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

As the bidding war escalates between the American League Champion Texas Rangers and 27-time World Champion New York Yankees, it's time for the Rangers' brass to do what that did in acquiring Cliff Lee out from under the Yankees in the first place: up the ante.

Show Lee the money!

I've read some grumblings from Dallas-area sports columnists about how this signing is similar to the epic-fail courtship and record-setting contract given to Alex Rodriguez by former owner Tom Hicks just nine seasons ago.

This is a not a fair comparison, in fact, it's a vast underestimation of Lee's talents and what he brings to a team.

Streak Continues - Mavs Handle Nets 102-89

Mavericks notch 11th straight win in Avery Johnson's return to Big D. Jason Terry (31) notched 15 points to go along with a huge night for the Dallas reserves. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Another night, another win for the streaking Dallas Mavericks (18-4).

This time, no fourth quarter outburst was needed as Dallas got out to a quick start and held on to beat the New Jersey Nets (6-17) - and former head coach Avery Johnson.

"It was pretty emotional," the Nets' head coach said after the contest. "A lot of friends and family are here tonight... it was good seeing some the guys."

4th Quarter Kings - Mavs Win 105-100

After 24 lead changes, the Mavericks put together one of their patented fourth quarter runs to take care of the Warriors and push their winning streak to 10 straight games. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

Over a quarter of the way into the 2010-2011 season, the Dallas Mavericks (17-4) are the most clutch team in basketball.

How else can you categorize a team that has won time and time again during this 10-game streak using the same formula: close out the fourth quarter.

"We're a veteran ball club and we expect to win in the fourth quarter," Mavericks' sixth man Jason Terry said.

Dallas did just that Tuesday night, trailing for the first minute of the final frame to the Golden State Warriors (8-13) before taking the lead and never looking back to pick up the win.

The People's Choice

In his first meaningful action of the season, Tashard Choice (32) proved against Indy that he should have a shot at carrying the load in the running game for Dallas. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

With four games left in the 2010-2011 NFL season, it's time for the Dallas Cowboys to evaluate their talent going into next year. While winning three of the last four games in nice, at 4-8 on the season, it's time for the Cowboys to make decisions on who's in and who's out going into 2011-2012.

This is true especially at the running back position where Dallas has struggled on the ground for most of the year with a trio of runners who contributed so much last season.

Much of that changed Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis, as Tashard Choice - with Marion Barber out of the lineup with a strained calf - spearheaded a season-best 217 yard rushing attack.

Intercepted - Cowboys Corral Colts In OT 37-34

The Cowboys withstand Colts' charge as Peyton Manning's fourth interception, the second pick of the game from rookie linebacker Sean Lee (above), set Dallas up for the game-winning field goal in overtime. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

In back-to-back weeks now, the Dallas Cowboys (4-8) have a pushed team that played in the Super Bowl just a season ago to the limit in a back and forth contest.

This time, however, the Cowboys were able to come through in the clutch, taking down the Indianapolis Colts (6-6) on the road in impressive fashion.

Mavs Sneak Past Kings - 105-103

Mavericks use 15-4 spurt to end contest, extending win streak to nine games. Jason Terry (31) scored eight of his 23 points in the fourth quarter and had a game-sealing steal in the final seconds to propel Dallas to victory. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

In an unexpected turn of events, the lowly Sacramento Kings (4-15) played some of their best basketball of the season Saturday night, providing the Dallas Mavericks (16-4) with arguably their stiffest test in the last nine games.

Tyreke Evans scored 25 points for the Kings, but a late rally by Jason Terry and the Mavericks proved to be to much for the young squad to handle.

"I remember it was 99-90 (Kings) and we were able to lock them down from that point on," Mavs' center Tyson Chandler said. "We were able to close it out. This was huge one for us coming off a big win (Friday night) against Utah. Everyone was a little tired, but we withstood their runs."

Sacramento jumped out to a 37-25 lead late in the first quarter behind 35 combined points from Evans (14 points), Demarcus Cousins (11) and Donte Green (10).

Streak Busters - Mavs Smother Jazz 93-81

Mavericks snap five-game skid in Utah - along with the Jazz seven-game winning streak overall - and push win streak to eight straight games behind a strong second-half performance from Dirk Nowitzki (41). (AP Photo/Colin E Braley)

Time and time again through the early part of this season, the Dallas Mavericks (15-4) continue to impose their will in big-time contests. For a fifth time this season, the Mavericks have put an opposing team's winning streak of five or more games out to pasture.

The trend continued Friday night, as the Mavericks used another late game run to put away the Utah Jazz (15-6) in a hostile environment on the road.

"Dallas came out and beat us in the second half," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "They really pushed the ball up the floor, and we had a tough time getting back on defense."

The Mavericks trailed 46-43 with 9:07 left in the third quarter, after a hotly contested first half saw neither team lead by more than seven points, before making their move.

Mavericks Take Care Of T-Wolves - 100-86

Shawn Marion (0) led an extremely balanced attack on offense, scoring 16 points and grabbing eight rebounds off the bench, as Dallas didn't trail after the first quarter against Minnesota. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

It was another blowout win for the Dallas Mavericks (1-4) against the Minnesota Timberwolves (4-14) Wednesday night, the team's the second straight and seventh consecutive win overall.

Dallas outrebounded the normally stout on the boards Timberwolves 50-46, something that was a key coming into the contest.

"That was a point of emphasis for the game," Mavericks' coach Rick Carlisle said. "Everybody was focused on keeping a body on their man and knowing where [Kevin] Love was on the floor."

The NBA's leading rebounder still secured 15 boards, along with 12 points, but was overshadowed by Mavericks' center Tyson Chandler.

Mavs Blow Out Rockets 101-91

After a tight contest for the majority of the first half, Caron Butler (4) spurred a huge Mavs run in the third quarter for the second straight game. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Another game, another huge run in the second half for the Dallas Mavericks (13-4), this time against the Houston Rockets (5-12).

After 16 lead changes through the 3:00 mark of the second quarter, the Mavericks went on an 11-1 run to end the half - changing the lead for the final time of the game in the process. Dallas proceeded to jump out to a 57-47 lead to start the third quarter thanks to five points from DeShawn Stevenson.

"We started kind of flat tonight," said Mavericks' reserve guard J.J. Barea, who scored all of his 11 points in the first half and dished out six assists for the game, "but the bench came out and really gave us energy in the second quarter and then in the third quarter the starters really took over and it was done from there."

The lead grew to 66-53 before Caron Butler went on a run of his own, scoring 11 straight Mavericks' points to put Dallas up 77-59 with a little over three minutes left in the quarter.

Costly Decisions

Cowboys interim coach Jason Garrett has done a good job in getting his players motivated, disciplined, and ready on game day for the past three weeks; but a few questionable decisions against the Saints on Thanksgiving may have cost his team the game. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)

Lost in all of the hubbub surrounding Roy Williams' costly fumble were some dumbfounding calls by interim head coach Jason Garrett.

Don't get me wrong, this is a completely different Dallas Cowboys team since Garrett took over for the marshmallow-soft Wade Phillips; but Thursday's loss against the New Orleans Saints may have been more the fault of the head coach than fans want to realize. In what ended up being a three-point game, every decision counts - especially in situations where points are on the line.

Flash back to the beginning of the second quarter of Thursday's game. Dallas used an 11-play, 50 drive to get to the Saints' 21-yard line with New Orleans leading 17-0.

Extinguished - Mavs Throttle Heat 106-95

Caron Butler (above) led the way for Dallas against the Heat, scoring a team-high 23 points. The Mavericks used a 31-17 third quarter to break open the game, and led by as many as 19 points in the fourth quarter en route to winning their fifth straight ballgame. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

One thing has become a constant in the NBA regular season: the Miami Heat (9-8) do not beat the Dallas Mavericks (12-4). Dallas beat the Heat for the 13th straight time - a span of over six seasons, not including the 2006 NBA Finals of course - handing the trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh their eighth loss of the young season. At the same point last season (sans James and Bosh) the Heat were 10-7.

"It's tough because I know the potential of this team," Wade said.

What was a close contest in the first half turned quickly in the third quarter as the Mavericks were able to put it in another gear despite playing, and winning, their fourth game in the last five nights. Dallas outscored Miami 31-17 in third, after leading by two at the half, en route to yet another big win.

Dethroned - Mavs Handle Spurs In San Antonio - 103-94

Mavericks squash Spurs 12-game winning streak with fourth quarter spurt. Shawn Marion (above) led the way, scoring 11 points in the final period. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Squaring off for the first time this season, the Dallas Mavericks (11-4) and San Antonio Spurs (13-2) put on quite a show Friday night in San Antonio. Neither team led by more than six points until the Mavericks went on a 14-4 run, after a Manu Ginobili 3-pointer tied the game at 86, to take a 100-90 lead with under a minute left in regulation.

Dallas forced four turnovers during the stretch and held the Spurs without a field goal from the 4:45 mark until Ginobili - who had a game-high 31 points - made a layup with 42 seconds left in the contest.

Snatched Away - Cowboys Comeback Falls Short 30-27

Roy Williams (above just before the fumble) was stripped after a 47-yard catch and run with 3:03 remaining in the fourth quarter, leading to the Saints capitalizing by scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 1:55 left in the game. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune-Herald, Jose Yau)

So close, yet so far away.

After rallying from down 17-0 in the first half and taking a 27-23 lead with under 6 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, some key blunders cost the Dallas Cowboys (3-8) the game against the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints (8-3).

For the third straight week, the Cowboys refused to let adversity stand in their way, clawing back with some explosive plays on offense and a suffocating defense in the third quarter.

Mavs Come Alive In Fourth, Muffle Thunder 111-103

Dallas used a 24-3 run in the fourth quarter to come back and shock the Thunder in Oklahoma City. Tyson Chandler (above) did the dirty work, securing a season-high 18 boards while scoring his most points in a game (17) since 4-11-2008. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

The Dallas Mavericks (10-4) used an explosive offense in the fourth quarter to hand the Oklahoma City Thunder (10-5) their fifth loss of the season. Coming off an 88-84 defensive struggle against the Detroit Pistons, an offensive outburst of this magnitude came as a bit of a surprise.

"It’s a work in progress," said Jason Terry of the Mavericks' offense after the team shoot a season-low 38.5 percent in the 88-84 win Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons. "We just have to continue to grind it out until our offense gets more and more comfortable."

Dallas certainly looked comfortable in the fourth quarter just one night later against Oklahoma City.

The Mavericks' offense, ranked 28th of 30 teams in the NBA coming into the game scoring 95.5 points per contest, finally came together down 90-83 with 7:22 left in the final frame and finished with it's highest scoring outing of the season.

Mavs Win Ugly Game Vs. Detroit - 88-84

Dirk Nowitzki (41) went off for a season-high 42 points (15 in the fourth quarter), as the Mavericks botched a big lead early and had to come back from down double-digits in the third quarter to get the win over the Pistons. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Where would this Dallas Mavericks (9-4) team be without Dirk Nowitzki?

Fielding one of the worst scoring offenses in the NBA, the Mavericks had to rely on Nowitzki for the second time in the last three games to score nearly half of the team's total points. Number 41 was up the the challenge, yet again, dropping a season-high 42 points along with game-high 12 rebounds.

Nowitzki made 13 of 23 shots from the field (56.5 percent, including 3 of 3 from three-point range), compared to 17 of 55 (31 percent) for the rest of the team as Dallas shot a meager 38.5 percent from the floor on the night, yet still found a way to grind out a win against the Detroit Pistons (5-4).

"We can't really be happy about this win, but it's definitely a win," Nowitzki said.

Dallas DB's Come Through In Clutch

The injured and beleaguered secondary of the Cowboys stepped up in the second half of Sunday's game against the Lions. (Pictured left: Corner Terence Newman and safety Gerald Sensabaugh celebrate after Newman's interception late in the game. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The much-maligned defensive backfield for the Dallas Cowboys didn't do itself any favors through the first half against the Detroit Lions. Through two quarters Sunday afternoon, the Cowboys' secondary made journeyman quarterback Shaun Hill look like an elite NFL QB.

Hill completed as many passes (20) as the Cowboys offense total plays in the first half, as the Lions appeared poised to steal a record-breaking roadie going into the locker room up 12-7.

Dallas made some adjustments at halftime and cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman (both questionable to start against Detroit due to injury) stepped-up their game the rest of the way.

Cowboys Finally Protect Home Turf, Beat Lions 35-19

Dallas finally gets it's first home win of the season thanks to some timely defense, Bryan McCann, and an outstanding game from Jon Kitna (3). (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The Dallas Cowboys (3-7), two-and-a-half months into the season, have won their first game at Cowboys Stadium, prolonging the Detroit Lions (2-8) record-breaking futility on the road in the process.

In a battle of the win-less (Cowboys at home this season, and the Lions' NFL-record (now 26) on the road), Dallas showed some tenacity and smarts, battling back from down 12-7 with 11:24 in a dominant second half.

Rebound Game - Mavs Stop Hawks 98-93

Dallas celebrates (above) after turning the tables on the second night of a back-to-back, outrebounding the Hawks and withstanding a run late to take the victory. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

After getting out to a sluggish start and being dominated on the boards last night against the Chicago Bulls, the Dallas Mavericks (8-4) responded by outrebounding and outshooting the Atlanta Hawks (8-5) in winning on the second night of the first back-to-back of the season.

Dallas corrected it's early game shooting woes, starting 7 of 11 from the field as opposed to the dreadful 5 for 20 the night before. In fact, the Mavericks matched their halftime total against the Bulls (35) with 9:45 left in the second quarter against the Hawks.

Unlikely Hero - Mavs Fall To Gibson, Bulls 88-83

Taj Gibson (above) reacts after nailing the first three-pointer of his career with 2:48 left in the fourth quarter to put the Bulls up 79-77. Dallas would not regain the lead. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

"You can't control what the ball do, it's crazy man, y'all hilarious," - Josh Howard.

Truer words were never spoken, especially in the context of Friday's game between the Dallas Mavericks (7-4) and Chicago Bulls (7-4). There's no doubt about it, Howard was a prophet.

With 2:53 left in regulation, Mavs center Tyson Chandler rose up and blocked Bulls' point guard C.J. Watson's lay-in attempt with both hands, sending the ball crashing to the ground. Somehow, the ball ricocheted and found it's way to Bulls' forward Taj Gibson beyond the three-point line - a place where Gibson had never attempted an NBA shot.

Hornets Get Even, Beat Mavs 99-97

The Mavericks were unable to withstand a huge Hornets third quarter surge, along with a frenetic fourth quarter finish that culminated with a David West steal on the final Mavs possession with New Orleans up by only one point. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

For the second time this season, a turnover in the final seconds of a one point contest cost the Dallas Mavericks (7-3) a chance at a win.

The New Orleans Hornets (9-1) ramped up their defensive intensity late in the game, and Hornets' power forward David West came up with a huge steal on a Dirk Nowitzki drive to the basket with 2 seconds left in regulation. This made sure New Orleans would hold serve on their home court after losing in Dallas Monday night and handed the Mavs their first road loss of the season.

"We knew this was a big game for us in terms of just being able to respond to what happened at their place and we want to keep the momentum that we built, especially here at home," West said.

Dallas had three separate leads of 10 points in the first half, jumping out to a 12-2 lead early in the game, as they became the first team to lead by double digits against the Hornets in any game this season.

Undefeated No More - Mavs Swat Hornets 98-95

The Mavericks closed the game on a 23-11 run, thanks to the insertion of the three-point guard lineup, as Dirk Nowitzki (above) hit some clutch baskets at the end to hand the Hornets their first loss of the season. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Down double-digits in the fourth quarter, the Dallas Mavericks (7-2) knew they had to make a change in order to dethrone the previously undefeated New Orleans Hornets (8-1).

Mavericks' coach Rick Carlisle answered the call by inserting Jason Kidd along with J.J. Barea and Jason Terry in the back court, creating a three-point guard attack that propelled Dallas to a come-from-behind victory and the team's fourth straight win overall.

"We were just searching for a group that could get something going," Carlisle said. ... "It was an attempt to get more playmaking into the game, get more penetration in the game. There's gamble because, when you go small, you don't have the length and they are a very long team. But the group that finished did a great job."

After Peja Stojakavic and Willie Green hit back-to-back three-pointers to make it 87-77 Hornets, Dallas stormed back with a 21-8 run to close the game thanks to some balanced play from their point guard trio.

Making Miracles Happen

Jason Garrett's insistence on actually coaching and holding players accountable seems to be just what the doctor ordered for the previously uninterested Cowboys. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

One game into his coaching career, Jason Garrett has exhibited the ability to work miracles.

There's no other way to explain it.

It's the only way a team that came into the game having lost five straight games, blown out in the the last two by a combined 58 points, could beat up on the division leading New York Giants - winners of five straight. But the Dallas Cowboys did just that, exuding effort and playing quality football for 60 minutes.

"I thought the intensity was there in all three areas," Garrett said. "Guys were fighting for each other. We were challenged in all areas and I think we stepped up."

All kidding aside, this is a huge step for an interim coach that has been nearly as unpopular as his predecessor throughout the season.

Say What?! Cowboys Dominate Giants 33-20

Say what??!! Jon Kitna (3) led a balanced offensive attack, while both sides of the ball showed some intestinal fortitude against the Giants. A change of scenery had Dallas playing at another level, as new coach Jason Garrett (also above) led a re-energized team to earn his first win as an NFL head coach. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Where was this effort the last three weeks of the season?

The Dallas Cowboys (2-6) played like a team possessed for four quarters against the New York Giants (6-3), blowing out the NFC East leaders with a balanced effort on both sides of the ball.

"We needed this," said Dez Bryant, who had five catches for 104 yards and a spectacular 13-yard contorting touchdown catch in the first quarter. "I knew it was in all of us. I just felt like we had to come together and we did that tonight."

Dirty Work - Mavs Win 99-90

The Mavs' two-headed monster of Tyson Chandler (above, being fouled by Spencer Hawes) and Brendan Haywood led Dallas to a grind-it-out win against the 76ers. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

17 points, 29 rebounds.

That's exactly what the Dallas Mavericks (6-2) got from their center combo in taking out the Philadelphia 76ers (2-7) in a hotly contested game Friday night. Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood provided the lift Dallas needed in dispatching the young and talented 76ers.

"Right now they've got a tag-team thing going [at center] that's helping us," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "They're getting a lot done. Haywood's 17 rebounds is a monster number."

Chandler had 11 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double of the season for Dallas, and Haywood provided 17 boards (nine on the offensive glass alone) as the duo flexed some muscle in the paint.

Mavericks Tame Grizzlies - 106-91

Shawn Marion (above) and others picked up the slack after Dirk Nowitzki's injury in the first half as the Mavs coasted to their third straight road win to start the season. (AP Photo/Alan Spearman)

Even without superstar Dirk Nowitzki (who left the game briefly after rolling his ankle in the first half) at 100 percent, the Dallas Mavericks (5-2) found a way to pull out a double-digit victory against the Memphis Grizzlies (4-5). Six Mavs scored in double figures as Dallas cruised, scoring a season-high 106 points Wednesday night in Memphis.

"I thought we spread the ball around great," said Tyson Chandler, who had 11 points and eight boards. "The wings got out on a run, and we were able to open things up, and obviously Jason Kidd made every right play at the right time."

Kidd dished out 12 assists for the game, seemingly finding a man open near the basket at will, especially in the the second half.

New Acquisition Making Early Impact

One of the "heart and soul guys" as coach Rick Carlisle refers to him, Tyson Chandler (left) has been a force around the basket for the Mavericks. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Through the first six games of the 2010-2011 season, there's no question who the starting center for the Dallas Mavericks should be.

It wasn't always this way, especially after now-backup center Brendan Haywood signed his 6-year $55 million contract in the off season, but Tyson Chandler - with his ferocious play in the paint - is by far this teams best option at the position.

"Tyson, since he's been here, has been a factor," Jason Terry said after Monday's game against Boston. "He’s been an impact player for us and [Monday night] was no different. He manned the middle, controlled the rebounds, and he put some monster dunks that gave us momentum."

Fully healthy for the first time in two years, Chandler is one of those players that fights on every possession and makes his presence known around the basket, on both ends of the court.

Back To The Bench

Jason Terry (right) is saying all the right things after being taken out of the starting lineup for the first time this season. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Five games into the season, the Dallas Mavericks have made a change to their starting lineup - and not because Rodrigue Beaubois foot is healed.

The Mavericks second leading scorer behind only Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry found himself on the bench at the start of Monday's game against the Boston Celtics in favor of guard DeShawn Stevenson - who had logged a total of two minutes all season.

"It’s tough, especially when you’ve had success," Terry said. "I’ve had a good run these past five games and then been thrust back off the bench. It’s an adjustment."

Some may forget that it was Terry starting at 2-guard when the Dallas Mavericks made it all the way to the NBA Finals just four years ago.

"Will-Win" - Mavs Top Celts 89-87

Dirk Nowitzki (41) scored 10 of the final 13 points as Dallas hit some clutch shots and flexed some defensive muscle in handing Boston it's second loss of the season. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

Forced into a situation where they had to stand toe-to-toe with defending Eastern Conference Champs, the Boston Celtics (6-2), the Dallas Mavericks (4-2) exhibited a toughness and defensive tenacity rarely seen around these parts.

Instead of falling victim to another dismal fourth quarter at home, the Mavs bucked their recent trend and beat Boston at their own grind-it-out style of game.

"This was a will-win," Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle said. "It was all about will and all about toughness."

Time For A Change - Packers Win 45-7

Cowboys lose fifth straight game in Sunday night spanking on national television. ESPN is reporting that  Wade Phillips (above) has been fired as the Dallas head coach. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

The Dallas Cowboys (1-7) have made the change at head coach after their worst start to open a season since 1989. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will take over for Phillips.

"I've got a lot of work to do. I've got a lot of decisions to make and it's not just one, two, three or four," Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said after last night's beat down. "There's several decisions. I think everybody in this country would agree, there's a lot wrong with this team that I've got to address and certainly I'm the one to address it."

Judgment Day

If Cowboys rack up another embarrassing loss tonight against the Packers, expect coach Wade Phillips (left) to receive his pink slip Monday morning. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

I don't care what Jerry Jones says, Wade Phillips will be gone by Tuesday if the team gets demolished tonight - which they will.

Enjoy the game!

Small-Ball Prevails - Nuggets Win 103-92

The Nuggets small and pesky lineup gave Dallas trouble all-game long, culminating in a dominant fourth quarter. Carmelo Anthony (above) led Denver with 27 points. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

What used to be the Dallas Mavericks (3-2) greatest strength under head coach Don Nelson was used against them with great success Saturday night. The Denver Nuggets (4-2) pint-sized lineup (tallest on the floor at any time was Melvin Ely at 6'10) took advantage of it's speed and quickness by forcing 21 turnovers and decimating the Dallas zone defense from behind the arc.

"The other day [Wednesday night in Denver], we were caught by surprise by their zone," Carmelo Anthony said. "We wanted to be active in the paint and get open shots."

Dallas has now lost two of it's first three home games to start the season and this one was lost due to a pitiful final quarter of play by the Mavs.

Thriller in Denver - Mavs Win 102-101

Dirk Nowitzki (41) led Dallas with 35 points in a close contest against the Nuggets that went back and forth all game long. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Dirk Nowitzki loves to play against the Denver Nuggets (2-2).

The Dallas Mavericks (3-1) rode his strong play to their second-straight road victory to start the season against an injured and undersized Denver squad. The star power forward dropped an early season-high 35 points (on 15 of 31 shooting) and grabbed 15 rebounds for his 10th double-double in the last 12 contests, including the playoffs, against the Nuggets.

It was a back-and-forth contest in which both teams had double-digit leads at one point in the game, but it came down to one possession and Nuggets' All-Star Carmelo Anthony's 22-footer rimmed out as time expired.

"Definitely a grind-out kind of game," Nowitzki said. "Heck of a win."

The End - Giants Are World Series Champs After 3-1 Victory

Texas gave it all they had but, in the end, San Francisco is simply the better team. Tim Lincecum (above holding World Series trophy) dominated Texas for eight innings to lead the Giants to victory. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

With one pitch in the seventh inning, the San Francisco Giants changed the complexion of what was a 0-0 pitchers duel through 7 1-3 innings.

World Series MVP Edgar Renteria belted a 2-0 pitch right down the middle of the plate from Texas Rangers' starter Cliff Lee that gave the Giants a 3-0; just enough for the game five win and their first World Series title since moving to San Francisco in 1958.

Bumgarner'd - Rangers Shut Out 4-0

Giants' starter Madison Bumgarner (above) shut the Rangers down for eight inning, leading San Francisco to a 3-1 series lead. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The San Francisco Giants are one game away from winning their first World Series since the team moved to San Francisco in 1958.

The Texas Rangers, on the other hand, find themselves in the unenviable situation of trying to become only the seventh team in MLB history to come back from down 3-1 in the World Series.

"With a win, I usually sleep pretty good in the playoffs, with a loss pretty shaky. Hopefully we sleep good tonight. We've got a big challenge tomorrow with Cliff Lee," Giants first-baseman Aubrey Huff, who knocked in two RBI in game five, said. "We got him last game, but you know he's going to come out and really want to get us."

That is the one thing Texas has going for it going forward: Cliff Lee starts tomorrow night. As for Sunday night's game, Giants' starter Madison Bumgarden showed why he is one of the best young pitchers in the game.

Mavericks Trample Clippers- 99-83

Tough defense, a balanced offensive effort and a second-half surge lead Dirk Nowitzki (41) and the Mavs over the Clipps Sunday afternoon. (AP Photo/ Bret Hartman)

For the seventh straight game, 13 of 14 overall, the Dallas Mavericks (2-1) have defeated the Los Angeles Clippers (0-3).

This time, Dallas used a suffocating defense and some unselfishness on the offensive end to take care of a lesser team.

"We wanted it. We needed to stay active," reserve forward Shawn Marion said. "I think everybody was making extra passes and looking for each other. That's the mark of a great team. And I think the more we keep helping each other, the better we are. For us to spread the wealth like this is amazing. It's a great feeling and a great win because we were coming off a rough loss last night and we needed this one."

Six Mavericks scored in double figures and the Dallas D held the Clippers to 34 percent shooting while allowing 90 points or under for the third straight game to start the season.

It Get's Worse - Cowboys Demolished By Jags 35-17

The Cowboys continued their trend of making opposing offenses look like all-time greats. This time it was the Jaguars and their 22nd ranked scoring offense. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)

Even with any hope of playoff contention, the Dallas Cowboys (1-6) still have something to fight for: the title for the worst team in football!

"I'm dumbfounded," owner Jerry Jones said.

I know the Buffalo Bills are 0-7, so technically they are the worst team in football, but I have an overwhelming amount of evidence to prove Dallas deserves to be the worst - starting with today's loss at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4).

Let's delve in, shall we?