Statement Game - 109-93

Dirk Nowitzki's monster game led Dallas to a 2-1 season-series victory over the Nuggets and puts them in the driver's seat for the second seed in the Western Conference. Nowitzki hit four-threes in the game, a season-high. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

It seemed like every time Dirk Nowitzki tried to get comfortable at one of his sweet spots on the court, Denver decided to collapse and send another player his way. It didn't seem to bother Nowitzki on this occasion as the former MVP scored 34 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 10 assists for the second triple-double of his career.

Mavs - Nuggets Tonight 7:30

Dirk Nowitzki and Carmelo Anythony go head-to-head tonight with the season tiebreaker on the line. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay, AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

With nine games left in the regular season for the Dallas Mavericks (48-25) and eight for the Denver Nuggets (48-26), playoff positioning is beginning to take shape.
There is no doubt that this is the biggest game so far this season for both teams with the Mavs up by only a half-game over the Nuggets and the season-series tied at 1-1. The team that wins this game will hold the tiebreaker which puts them in a much better position to secure a higher seed - especially if the Mavs win as they will hold a one-and-a-half game lead (two in the loss-column) with only seven games left for Denver.

Just What The Doctor Ordered - 111-90

Rookie Rodrigue Beaubois had career-highs across the board as his insertion into the lineup at the end of the first quarter provided the Mavericks with the spark they desperately needed. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Is Rick Carlisle watching the same games we are?

It's going to be even harder for the Mavericks coach to justify keeping Rodrigue Beaubois out of the lineup considering the rookie scored 26 points in the first half, besting his previous career high of 24 and fueling a 51-20 run by the Dallas Mavericks (48-25) to end the half. Beaubois made his first five shots from the field (3-3 from three) and the Mavs went from down 21-16 with 3:17 left in the first quarter to the Golden State Warriors (20-52), to leading 67-41 at the half.

"I felt great," said Beaubois. "I thought I couldn't miss so I kept shooting."

Rangers Season Preview - Starting Rotation

Scott Feldman is going to be the Ace of a rotation for the first time in his career this year for the Rangers. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

It looks as though the Rangers have a set rotation, roughly a week before opening day on April 5. Here is the top five along with some stats and a preview of how they may fare this season.

D-Town Sports Radio 3-26-2010

Check It Out!

The show starts about 2:15 in, the guy before us plays the slow-jams.

Mavs Struggle Yet Again - 101-89

Portland dominated the fourth quarter, led by 10 points from LaMarcus Aldridge (12). (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

This has not been a good stretch for the Dallas Mavericks (47-25).

After an amazing 13-game run, the Mavs are now 2-4 in their last six games and are locked into a three-way tie for second-place in the West with the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz.

Mavericks Avoid Letdown - 106-96

After a rare ejection of Dirk Nowitzki, the onus was on Jason Kidd (above) as he led a huge fourth quarter for the Mavericks. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

On his 37th birthday, Jason Kidd proved he still has a lot left in the tank.

Kidd scored a season-high 26 points on 10-21 shooting, 6-11 from three, for his highest scoring game since the last game of the 2007-2008 season. The veteran point guard scored 13 of those points in the pivotal fourth quarter, in which the Dallas Mavericks (47-24) outscored the Los Angeles Clippers (26-45) 30-19.

"Since Dirk was gone, I thought I would play Dirk today," said Kidd, who also chipped in 12 assists and six rebounds on the night. "I had some great looks early on that went in and out. Earlier in my career, I would've stopped shooting because I missed a couple. But I thought the team needed some scoring so I stepped up."

Mavs Struggles Continue - 115-99 (Updated)

The Mavericks "lack of focus" led to Marcus Thornton (5) scoring a game-high 28 points and the Hornets dominating the final three quarters of the game. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

Oh how the tide turns.

After getting up by as much as 16 points (32-16) in the first quarter, the Dallas Mavericks (46-24) played uninterested, sloppy basketball in the final 36 minutes of regulation.

"We got up [16] points and then basically called it quits," said Shawn Marion, who had 14 points and eight rebounds. "We just took it on the chin. We stopped everything we we doing. We got relaxed and they got aggressive and started getting comfortable and making shots."

That would be an understatement.

Hornets' Leader May Return Tonight

Chris Paul may be in uniform tonight against the Mavericks. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

(UPDATE: Paul is back and in the starting lineup tonight.)

The Dallas Morning News is reporting that All-NBA point guard Chris Paul is listed as a game-time decision for tonight's game in New Orleans against Dallas.

ESPN reported yesterday that his return would be either tonight against the Mavs or Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Paul hasn't played since Jan. 29, in a 108-106 loss against the Chicago Bulls. The fourth-year point guard is averaging 20 points and 11 assists per game this season. New Orleans is 21-17 this season with Paul in the lineup - 12-21 without him..

It should be an entertaining game, especially if one of the best point guards in the NBA decides to play.

Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen on either NBA TV or locally on KXTA 21.

Mavericks Fold In Fourth - 102-93

Paul Pierce's 29 points were too much for the Mavs in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

Despite having three days rest, Boston being on the second night of a back-to-back, and Dirk Nowitzki going off for 12 points in the fourth quarter; the Dallas Mavericks (46-23) still found a way to lose at home to the Boston Celtics (45-24). All signs point to another horrendous defensive quarter in the second half.

The Mavericks had a seven point lead (82-75) with 8:33 to go after a J.J. Barea three-pointer as Dallas seemed poised to win their 25th home game of the season. The Mavs then allowed the Celtics to make 11 of their next 12 shots led by eight points from Rajon Rondo, who's furthest attempt was from 10 feet away from the basket. Rondo had three lay-ups and spurred the run that saw Boston go from seven down to up six (99-93) with 1:06 left in regulation.

"Rondo was key down the stretch," said Mavs center Brendan Haywood, who had only three points and six rebounds on the night. "He made plays and they really fed off his energy. We didn't get the stops."

Boston made 12 of 17 shots in the fourth and Rondo scored 10 of his 20 points. Rondo also added 10 rebounds and five assists, Ray Allen added 21, and Paul Pierce scored a game-high 29 points leading the Celtics to their 24th road win of the season - second most in the NBA.

"They had three days off, had prep time for us, and we played last night, so to come back at the end and take the game away from them was huge for us," said Boston coach Doc Rivers.

I think that quote just about sums this game up. In the end, one team just wanted it more. Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 28 points, including 12 of the Mavs 21 fourth quarter points but the former MVP didn't get much help from his teammates.

"It's frustrating," said Jason Terry, who was second on the team in scoring with 18. "These are games we've been winning."

Butler's Rough Night

After having his highest scoring game as a Maverick Wednesday against the Bulls (27 points), Caron Butler had possibly his worst game Saturday night, in a game they needed him the most. He made only three of 14 shots (21 percent) and scored only nine points in 30 minutes of action.

Center Duo Comes Up Small

For the third straight game the combination of Erick Dampier and Brendan Haywood at center has been a disaster. The duo combined to commit just as many turnovers (5) as points scored on 1-5 shooting and only 10 rebounds.

Combine that with the fact that they have been unable to guard the paint - the Celtics had 44, the Bulls had 52, and the Knicks had 46 - and these two centers have not responded to the new rotation. While they were each supposed to push eachother to play better, it seems as though they have driven one another to new depths of shittiness for the center position.

Since both returned from injury, Haywood has averaged only five points and six rebounds per game and has scored less than five points in three straight games. Dampier has averaged three points and two rebounds per in fewer minutes.

Whats Next

Dallas continues on their three games in four nights stretch Monday night in New Orleans against the Hornets.

The Hornets have struggled without Chris Paul and are 33-38 on the season, having lost three straight and 10 of their last 12 overall. Dallas is 2-1 against New Orleans this season, having won at home and in New Orleans.

The Hornets are a much better team at home as they are a respectable 21-12 in New Orleans.

Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen nationally on NBA TV.

News and Notes:

• Dallas has lost five of the last six games against the Boston Celtics.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Mavs Hang On Against Bulls - 113-106

Caron Butler (4) and the Mavericks were able to withstand the fourth quarter charge of the injury-depleted Bulls. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

In reversing one previous trend, it seems as though Dallas has picked up another.

While the Dallas Mavericks (46-22) were able to kick their recent penchant for slow starts at home, and get back to their winning ways, the Mavs nearly blew a huge first half lead to the Chicago Bulls (31-36). Even without their leading scorer (Derrick Rose), rebounder (Joakim Noah), and starter Luol Deng; Chicago was able to get to the paint at will during their fourth quarter surge.

Cocaine Is A Helluva Drug

Texas Rangers' manager Ron Washington reportedly used cocaine in July of last season. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

This is pretty shocking for baseball fans (especially in Texas) who are used to stories only about players using steroids. No, this is a different situation altogether where the manager of a contending team did coke in the middle of the season.

From the report its unclear how he ingested the substance or what form of cocaine it was, but holy hell how crazy is this. The most insane thing about this whole process (and this is something I didn't know) is that if you turn yourself in to the league office, you are exonerated of all wrongdoing. I guess all you have to do is repent in the MLB.

Another wild thing is the Rangers' stance on this whole thing. Sources say Washington won't be suspended and no punishment will be levied upon him. Wow.

Here are more details from ESPN, including a quote from Washington.

More on this as the story becomes clearer.

Payback - 128-94

David Lee and the Knicks avenged a 50-point loss earlier in the season to put an end to the Mavs 13-game winning streak. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

It had to come to an end at some point.

What better way for the Dallas Mavericks (45-22) to lose their first game in nearly a month than to the team they set a franchise-record against for biggest win margin earlier this season - the New York Knicks (23-43).

For the first time in the last 13 games, nothing went right for the Mavericks. The Knicks shot 58 percent from the field, 53 percent from three (16-30) and scored 46 points in the paint against a Dallas team that couldn't cover anybody. Man-to-man, 2-3 zone, small-ball, two 7-footers - it didn't matter what the Mavs tried - N.Y. smoked all of it.

Combine that with the fact that Dallas shot 43 percent from the field while committing 15 turnovers (their most turnovers in a game since 17 on Feb. 24 against the L.A. Lakers) and you see why this was such a lopsided game. This Mavs team simply let a more hungry team beat them tonight.

"We felt they'd take us lightly," said rookie Toney Dougless (Who?), who scored 21 points and dished out eight assists for the Knickerbockers. "A lot of teams look at the schedule and say, 'Oh, that's the Knicks. That's a win.' But we've got to come out and compete every night."

Some Mavericks' players were even told by the New York players that payback was coming tonight.

"They remembered [the blowout in New York]," said Shawn Marion, who had 14 points and eight rebounds but shot only 6-15 from the floor. "They even said something to me about it before the game. They said they were going to give us a spanking."

I don't know how anybody else feels about that, but when the other team tells you they are going to spank that ass in the game, shouldn't that give you some extra motivation? Maybe you don't win (even though in this case you have over 20 more victories than your opponent) but maybe you, I don't know, not lose by 34 points at home.

What. A. Beating.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Lucky Number 13 - Mavs Win 96-87

Despite a rough night for Dirk Nowitzki, strong performances by Caron Butler (above) and Jason Kidd led to yet another comeback win from down 10 points or more by the Mavericks. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

(An outlandishly awful stomach virus has me seriously dragging ass on this post. I wasn't able to pay attention to much of the game so my analysis is likely not on par with the usual.)

Here's the AP recap.

My thoughts:

• Before the trade, I strongly believe that this Dallas Mavericks team would have lost this game, plain and simple. Especially with Dirk Nowitzki struggling (3-16 for 12 points) and without Jason Terry. Jason Kidd (20 points) and Caron Butler (18) were able to pick up the slack and deliver as six Mavs scored in double-figures.
  

• Slow starts have been a trend for the Mavs recently and this game was no exception as the Nets scored 33 points in the first quarter and Dallas struggled to get to 39 by halftime. Luckily, a big third quarter (Dallas outscored the Nets 31-15) turned the tide for the Mavs.

It wasn't pretty against the worst team in the NBA but, overall, a win is a win. Dallas hasn't been playing it's best basketball recently, but still has 13 straight wins to show for it. One can only imagine what this team will look like once everybody is healthy.

Dallas takes on the New York Knicks Saturday night in Dallas.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

Nowitzki Named Western Conference Player Of The Week Two Weeks Straight

Dirk Nowitzki has led the Mavericks to 12 consecutive victories. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

For the first time in his illustrious career, Dirk Nowitzki has been named the Western Conference Player of the Week for two straight weeks.

The Dallas Mavericks go for 13 straight wins tonight at home against the New Jersey Nets.

Until Next Year - 125-113

Another weird game against the Timberwolves culminated with the 12th straight victory for the Mavs. Shawn Marion had a season-high 29 points as injuries required the swing-man to be a more focal part of the offense. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

You wouldn't know that one of these teams was dead last in the Western Conference and the other was in second place by watching the four games between Minnesota and Dallas this season. Not only did the T-Wolves defeat the Mavs at home by nine points (one of their five road wins this season), but just last week they pushed Dallas to the limit in a 109-112 loss.

The feistiness the T-Wolves have shown against the Mavs is uncanny for such a shitty team.

With Dirk Nowitzki in early foul trouble, the Dallas Mavericks (44-21) quickly found themselves in a 19-9 hole early-on in the first quarter. Then, a 23-4 run by the Mavs in a little over five minutes gave them a 32-23 lead in the first that they would not relinquish the rest of the game - but it was a challenge.

Despite their numerous double-digit leads throughout, it seemed as though Dallas kept allowing the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-50) to creep to that eight or nine point deficit area. Even with a 13-point lead with 5:26 left in the fourth quarter, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle still put Jason Kidd back into the game as no lead appeared to be safe against the T-Wolves.

Finally, with the Mavericks up 15 (125-110), Carlisle unleashed his three-man bench which allowed Kidd, Nowitzki and Marion to go to the bench. But, with J.J. Barea leaving with an ankle injury, Caron Butler was forced to play out the final :29 of regulation.

Shawn Marion led Dallas with his season-high 29 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and also got three three steals in arguably his most dominant game in a Mavericks' uniform.

"I've done that before," said Marion, referring to his days in a Suns' uniform with a chuckle. "That's easy."

Nowitzki added 24 points (including 18 in his first 18 minutes), Caron Butler scored 23 and Jason Kidd had 12 points and 10 assists as every Dallas starter scored in double-figures. Every Mavericks' starter also had at least one steal and, as a team, Dallas had 11 for the game.

Al Jefferson led Minnesota with 36 points and 13 rebounds, becoming the first T-Wolves player to reach the 30-point plateau this season. But 26 turnovers by Minnesota that led to 32 points for the Mavericks was their downfall.

"A lot of it was just careless mistakes," said Jefferson, in his first game back after being suspended two games for a DWI. "We just didn't take care of the ball. We've just been kind of struggling with that all year."

After yet another battle between these two teams, I'm happy to say there are no more games against the T-Wolves this year - thank God.

Ryan Hollins Is A Douche

What does the three-year player have against the Dallas Mavericks?

From literally punching DeShawn Stevenson in the head after a free-throw in the first quarter (without any type of foul being called), to giving a forearm shot to his former teammate in Nowitzki (finally getting ejected); Hollins played like a madman. Stevenson yelled some explectives at Hollins and Butler ran to Nowtizki's defense, getting in Hollins grill, as it rubbed quite a few Mavericks' players the wrong way.

It didn't seem to bother Nowitzki much after the game.

"Hollins is a little out of control, but hey, it happens out there," said Nowitzki.

I can understand playing aggressively and giving your all out there to feel like a tough-guy but this douche was just taking cheap shots. Hitting a guy in the head when they aren't paying attention to you doesn't make you hard, it makes you a bitch.

Beaubois Falls Down To Earth

After setting career high's in scoring in each of the past three games and shooting an amazing 62.5 percent from the floor, Rodrigue Beaubois showed why he is still a work in progress.

The rookie went 4-12 from the floor for only 12 points. More noticeable, was his defensive miscues as he had quite a few early-on which led to a quick benching from Carlisle.

Beaubois did contribute four assists, five rebounds and a huge Lebron-esque come-from-behind block on fellow-rookie Jonny Flynn with 5.1 seconds left in the first half. Roddy B will continue to get a large amount of playing time, simply because Dallas doesn't have enough bodies, but Carlisle needs to be patient with this kid.

The Guadelupe native has a bright future ahead in this league - and has the ability to be great trade-bait this summer - so play his ass Rick!

Barea Goes Out In The Fourth

Add another Mavericks player to the injury report as J.J. Barea rolled his ankle late in the fourth quarter. Barea was fouled on the play but couldn't shoot the free throws and is doubtful to play Wednesday against the Nets.

Dallas now has eight healthy bodies with Erick Dampier, Brendan Haywood and Jason Terry also on the shelf with injuries. It's unknown whether they are going to bring in another player (Von Wafer maybe?) or just roll with it considering the level of their upcoming opponent. It's although unknown whether Haywood will be able to go Wednesday, but that would be a plus. Haywood is listed as day-to-day with lower-back stiffness.

Barea finished the game with nine points and nine assists.

What's Next

The Mavericks go from facing the worst team in the Western Conference to taking on the worst team in the entire NBA, the New Jersey Nets, at home Wednesday night.

The Nets are 7-56 this season, score the fewest points (90.7) and have the worst point differential in the NBA this season (10.3). On a lighter note, New Jersey has won two of it's past six games.

Dallas beat the Nets earlier this season 117-101, giving them their 18th straight loss.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

News and Notes:

• The Mavericks have now won 22 road games this season which is the tied for the most road wins in the NBA this season with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Dallas won only 18 road games all last season.
  

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Mavs Take Down Bulls - 122-116

Caron Butler and Rodrigue Beaubois contributed 24 points a piece and the Mavs dropped 122 on the Bulls - the most points they have allowed a team to score all season. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Even without their starting center, back-up center, and the reigning Sixth Man of the Year; the Dallas Mavericks (43-21) refuse to stop winning.

Only nine players were in uniform for the Mavs in Saturday night's game and with only eight seeing game action (sorry Matt Carrol) on the second night of a back-to-back, Dallas still found the energy to battle with a lively Chicago Bulls (31-31) team. Chicago continuously refused to go quietly even though Dallas led by 14 going into the fourth quarter and 113-103 with less than four minutes to play. Derrick Rose scored a game-high 34 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, and dished out eight assists as six Bulls scored in double-figures.

Unfortunately for the Bulls, Dirk Nowitzki scored 15 of his game-high 27 points in the fourth quarter and the Mavericks were able to secure their 11th straight win. A key for Dallas was the use of their new small ball lineup, reminiscent of the Nellie-ball days. With Nowitzki starting at center and Beaubois starting at shooting guard, the Mavericks have the ability to get out on the break and score with any team in the NBA.

Chicago came into the game first in the NBA in blocks (6.1 per game) and had allowed teams to shoot only 44 percent against them - good for fourth in the NBA. It didn't look like it Saturday night, as the Mavericks shot 56 percent and the Bulls blocked only two shots as Dallas had their way on the offensive end.

"We just couldn't stop them at the other end," said Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich, who scored 14 points and dished out six assists. "Dallas is 43-21 for a reason. They play well together."

The 122 points in the most Chicago has allowed in a regular-season game since March 29, 2009 - in overtime - as they allowed 134 to the Toronto Raptors. Caron Butler (24 points), Shawn Marion (18 points) and Beaubois all had season-highs scoring in a Mavs uniform

Can't Stop Won't Stop

With Jason Terry out at least another two weeks after facial surgery, Dallas needed somebody to step up of the bench and carry at least a piece of JET's 17 point-per-game scoring load.

Roddy B certainly held up his end of the bargain, setting a career-high in points (24) for the third consecutive game, while simultaneously playing good defense and sharing the ball. The rookie tied a season-high with five assists, grabbed five rebounds and played well on the defensive end, securing a steal and swatting Brad Miller's dunk attempt near the end of the second quarter.

"He's a talent," said Jason Kidd, who has mentored Roddy B all-season long. "He's going to be a special player in this league. He's a great student."

Beaubois played a career-high 35 minutes and may be setting himself up for more playing time - even when Terry returns from injury.

The Age-Less One

At age 36, Jason Kidd refuses to stop playing elite-level basketball at the point-guard position.

Kidd was all over the court Saturday night - dishing out 15 assists, grabbing 11 rebounds and coming four points shy of his second triple-double of the season. The most amazing thing to me is how efficient the 15-year vet is. Kidd had only two turnovers all game long. For someone who is relied on as heavily to run the offense as he is, he holds on to the ball extremely well.

Of the top five players in the NBA in assists, Kidd has the lowest turnover-per-game average (tied with Chris Paul) at 2.5 a game. His assists-turnover ratio (3.83) is third-best in the NBA, behind only Jose Calderon (3.88) and the aforementioned Paul (4.42).

Dallas Closing-Out Quarters Well

One of the keys to the game for the Mavericks was their ability to close-out quarters every time the Bulls cut into their lead. For example:

First Quarter: Dallas was down 18-20 to the Bulls before going on a 12-6 run in the final 3:09 of the quarter behind five points from Butler and a block each from Marion and Najera.

Second Quarter: The Bulls rallied to a three-point deficit, down 54-51 with 2:55 left in the first half. The Mavs then went on a 12-4 run behind six points and a steal from Marion, a steal by Kidd and a big block from Beaubois - going into the half with their first double-digit lead of the game at 66-55.

Third Quarter: Chicago got to within seven, 83-76, before Dallas went on a 11-4 run in the final 3:27 of the third. Beaubois had six points and an assist during the run and Dallas sat comfortably going into the final quarter up 94-80.

These crucial runs to end quarters, especially after the opposing team works its way back into the game, has to demoralize the opposition. While the Bulls stayed tough throughout, back-breaking runs to end quarters by Dallas had to of taken its toll on the Bulls.

Whats Next

Dallas travels to Minnesota Monday night to take on the Timberwolves in their fourth and final meeting this season. The Mavs are 2-1 thus far, having lost at home to Minnesota in January.

This is the second meeting between the two teams in the past week.

Minnesota still has the worst record in the West and are currently in the midst of a five-game losing streak. The T-Wolves have won only one time in the past 12 games.

Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

News and Notes:

• With 15 assists and 11 rebounds, Jason Kidd now has four assist-rebound double-doubles this season - most in the NBA.
• Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 26.8 points a game in the month of March (four games).
• The Bulls are now 5-2 this season when Derrick Rose scores 30 or more.
• The Mavericks have their most consecutive wins since the 2006-2007 season. Dallas had streaks of 12, 13 and, the longest streak in franchise history, 17 straight games that season when they went 67-15.
  

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

And Another One... 108-100

The Mavericks extend their winning streak to 10, as they took over in the second half behind another big night from Dirk Nowitzki. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Behind 31 points from Dirk Nowitzki and a career-high 22 points from rookie Rodrigue Beaubois, the Dallas Mavericks (42-21) have gotten to 10 straight wins.

It wasn't easy, though. For only the second time this season Rick Carlisle was ejected as he protested a couple of blatant non-calls on Nowitzki drives to the basket. Add to that the fact that Brendan Haywood left the game after playing only seven minutes with tightness in his lower bacak and Dallas was in for a fight.

The Mavs didn't have their first lead over the Sacramento Kings (21-41) until Beaubois made a lay-up to make it 50-48 with 1:32 left in the first half. Even then, the Kings went on a 5-2 run to end the half, taking a one-point lead into the locker room. Beno Udrih led the Kings with 17 points in the half, making 6-8 shots and all three from long range.

Dallas came out on fire in the third quarter. After Udrih tied the game at 58 with 9:22 left in the third, the Mavs used a 27-14 push from that point on - including a 9-1 run to end the quarter. Overall, the Mavericks outscored the Kings 33-19 in the third, while making 11 of 19 shots.

After the Mavericks had got up to as much as a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Kings came back, getting to within a basket with 1:36 to go in regulation. Dallas didn't allow Sacramento to score again as Caron Butler forced two steals and Jason Kidd and Nowitzki combined to make six free-throws to give the Mavs the victory.

"Out of 48 minutes, we had probably 43 or 44 that were good enough to win," said Kings coach (and former Mavs assistant coach) Paul Westphal. "The biggest difference is that we turned the ball over 17 times [leading to 24 points for Dallas]."

Rookie phenom Tyreke Evans scored 11 of his 20 points in the final period, but Nowitzki outdid him, scoring 15 of his game-high 31. The former MVP also chipped in 12 rebounds for his second double-double in the past three games.

Roddy B's All Growns Up

You had to love the Swingers reference midway through the second quarter and setup by Jeff "Skin" Wade, on the Mavericks telecast, after Beaubois had cut to the basket for yet another lay-up. Roddy B had his 15th and 16th points of the second quarter and was only a basket away from a new career high.

"Our Roddy's all growns up," said Mark Followill after Skin brought up the classic scene in Swingers.

That he has.

Beaubois curled to the basket for an alley-oop on the first play of the third quarter, giving himself a new career-high at 18 points. The rookie wasn't done yet, however, as he tacked on a 21-foot jumper in the third and yet another lay-up in the fourth. When all was said and done Roddy B had 22 points in 24 minutes and shot 9 of 14 from the field and 3-6 on three's.

"We really wanted to win this one because of [Terry] being out," said Beaubois, the 25th pick of the draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder before the native of Guadeloupe was traded to Dallas. "I really tried to be aggressive. We needed everyone to push themselves."

With Jason Terry 10-14 days after facial surgery Friday, it's important the Beaubois plays well in the new available minutes.

"Roddy did a great job for us being that energy plug that [Terry] usually is and hitting some big shots," said Nowitzki.

Referees Hold Their Whistles Throughout First Half...On One Side Of The Court

At one point late in the second quarter, Mavs fans had to be asking themselves just what it takes to get a foul call.

Dirk Nowitzki was beat up all over the place with his arm being hit, head getting hit and even being knocked the the floor at one point in the second quarter. It was no wonder Carlisle got ejected as the Mavs shot a season-low one free-throw in the first half.

It took Beaubois being violently knocked to the ground by 7' 1 Spencer Hawes, with 1:59 left in the first half, to get the lone free-shot. On the other hand, Sacramento had 10 free-throws in the first half. Disparages like that in the free-throw department lead to players exacting their own justice on the court. Luckily for the NBA it didn't happen tonight but guys that are getting beat-up around the basket without a whistle, at some point, are going to break.

Free-throw attempts evened out towards the end (Kings 15-21 - Mavericks 17-18), but you can't swallow your whistles on one side of the court for an entire first half. This is true especially considering that the Mavs (notably Nowitzki) were making a conscious effort to get the the basket beginning in the second quarter.

Whats Next

Dallas travels to Chicago to take on the Bulls Saturday night, on the second night of a back-to-back.

Chicago comes into Saturday's game at 31-30 on the season, but have lost three straight games - two of which that were at home. Overall the Bulls record at home this season is a tidy 19-11, with wins over the likes of Atlanta, Orlando and San Antonio.

This is the first meeting between the two teams this season and first of two meetings in the next 11 days. Chicago will likely be without starting center Joakim Noah, who averages 11 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Dallas may also be missing Brendan Haywood and definitely Erick Dampier.

Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

News and Notes:

• Dirk Nowitzki has missed three of the 140 fourth quarter free throws he has taken this season. Damn!
• The Mavericks added to their total of wins after trailing at halftime, Dallas leads the NBA in that category with 17 this season.
• Jason Kidd had a double-double by midway through the third quarter and finished with 17 points and 12 assists. Kidd now has 21 double-doubles this season - fifth among point guards and 27th overall in the NBA.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Too Close For Comfort - 112-109

Jason Terry (31) led the Mavericks' superb bench effort against Darko Milicic (31) and the Timberwolves in a game that shouldn't have been this close. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

It seemed like a good night for Jason Kidd to get a rest, against the worst team in the Western Conference and with Dallas having won 12 of the last 13 games against the T-Wolves, but it was almost a nightmare scenario for the Mavs.

The Dallas Mavericks (41-21) largest lead in the final quarter over the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves (14-48) was only four as the home-team kept allowing the T-Wolves to hang around. The Mavs led by as many as 12 points with 3:06 left in the third (89-77), but a 10-0 run to end the quarter and 4-2 run to start the fourth made it 91-91 with 11:00 to go.

The Dallas defense was non-existent throughout. The Mavs allowed Minnesota to shoot 53 percent from the field (they are 24th in the NBA for the season, shooting 45 percent) as the Timberwolves scored over 100 points for only the second time in their past 11 games. Corey Brewer led Minnesota with 24 points, rookie Jonny Flynn chipped in 19 points and Kevin Love scored 14 points and had 14 rebounds off the bench.

"They are a spunky team," said Shawn Marion, becoming the first person to use the word "spunky" in a sentence in at-least 15 years. "We had them on their heels and we should have put them on their backs."

Luckily for the Mavs, even without Jason Kidd in the lineup they were still able to have their way with Minnesota on the offensive end. Jason Terry (game-high 26 points) and Rodrigue Beaubois (career-high 17 points) were major contributors off the bench. As the only two Dallas reserves to score, Roddy B and J.E.T outscored the entire T-Wolves bench (five players) 43-35. As a team the Mavericks shot 50 percent from the floor and 53 percent from behind the arc, led by Terry's 5-8 night, and the duo of Beaubois and JET combined to go 15-27 from the field and 8-11 from deep.

Even though a re-invigorating eight-game winning streak almost became a demoralizing loss to the worst team in the West, Dallas was able to pull this one out. Minnesota has shown that they play Dallas well and are not a team to be overlooked by this Mavericks' team, especially after the 117-108 embarrassment that happened in Dallas on Feb. 4.

"They bring out the best in us. It's a really good matchup for us," said Flynn, who has averaged 16 points in three games against the Mavs this season. "But we turned the ball over too much."

Dallas benefited from many bone-head plays from Minnesota as poor dribbling led to balls being bounced off feet and wildly thrown passes soaring out-of-bounds culminated in 20 T-Wolves turnovers and 29 points for the Mavs. It was ugly as hell, but it still goes down as Dallas' ninth straight win. Let's just hope J-Kidd doesn't have any more rest days planned in the near future - no matter how shitty the opponent is.

Dirk's "Off Night"

Dirk Nowitzki had his lowest scoring total in the last 10 games as he missed his first four shots from the field and had only six points going into halftime. Nowitzki rebounded in the second half, after missing his first basket, and made six of his last 10 shots.

While it wasn't the All-NBA level we have been spoiled by, especially in the past 10 games, any other player on the courts sans JET and Corey Brewer would have gladly taken Dirk's 22 point, five rebound, three assists night.

Terry's Gets Popped In Face, Called For A Foul

Could someone explain to me why Ramon Sessions can elbow Jason Terry in the face and, not only does he not get called for an offensive foul, but JET gets called for a blocking foul?

Terry was forced to leave the game, but did return in the fourth to score seven points. His teammates feel that he will be fine and ready to go for Friday's game against the Kings.

"He's tough, he'll be alright," said Nowitzki.

Terry is the only Mavericks player to have played in all 62 games this season.

(BREAKING - I spoke too soon, reports Thursday say that JET will have to have surgery. It's not known yet how long he will be out.)

Whats Next

The Sacramento Kings come to town Friday night for the start of yet another back-to-back for Dallas.

The Kings are 21-40 this season, but have won three of their last four and are 3-3 in their last six road games. Overall, Sacramento is only 6-26 on the road this season, fourth worst in the NBA.

The Mavericks have beaten the Kings twice already this season, but only by a combined 10 points.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest

News and Notes:

• Al Jefferson, Minnesota's leading scorer, was suspended for Wednesday's game due to a DWI last week.
• Former Mavericks player Ryan Hollins scored six of the T-Wolves first seven points and finished with 14 points and seven rebounds on 6-7 shooting. Though, Hollins had the worst +/- of any player on the court at -17.
• Tonight was Dirk Nowitzki's 900th game, all with the Mavericks.

(Portions of this article was taken from The Associated Press)

Blockbuster Trade Has Mavericks Playing Big

Mavericks Rolling Since Blockbuster Trade. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)


The Dallas Mavericks (40-21) have played nine games since the All-Star break and have gone from fourth in the Western Conference standings to second thanks to eight straight victories and an 8-1 record. An inspired defense has been the key during the streak as Dallas has allowed an average of 92 points a game after going 4-6 and allowing 107.6 in the 10 games before the trade.

The three pieces Dallas got in the trade with the Washington Wizards (Brendan Haywood, Caron Butler and DeShawn Stevenson) have all made significant impacts on both ends of the court.


Haywood, who is third in the NBA in blocks, has been the consistent force inside that the Mavericks always wanted Erick Dampier to be. Haywood has three double-doubles during the winning streak and has averaged 11.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.75 blocks during the eight-game run. Caron Butler, who was the ultimate prize of the trade, has had at least one steal in every game with Dallas while averaging 16 points and five rebounds. Even Stevenson, who was really just a throw-in, has played well defensively, starting twice when Butler was injured.

Not to be lost in the shuffle is the way Mavericks’ mainstays have played since the trade.

Mavericks’ leader and perennial All-Star Dirk Nowitzki has played up to his All-NBA standard in the last two weeks as the trade has seemed to light a fire under the 11-year veteran. Nowitzki, who is coming off his 12 Western Conference Player of the Week award, has averaged 28 points and eight rebounds since the trade. Nowitzki has scored at least 30 points in three of the last four games and hasn’t scored less than 23 points in a game since the All-Star break.

Another Mavericks’ veteran who has played out-of-his-head since the trade is also the oldest player on the team, Jason Kidd. Along with his first triple double of the season (and first 15,15,15 games since he did it 14 years ago), Kidd has provided leadership and on-the-court savvy that the Mavericks have needed with so little practice time for the newcomers. At 36 years-old, the 15-year veteran is playing some of his best basketball as of late, averaging 13.5 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.

Although Dallas has won eight straight games, the opportunity to extend the streak much longer is a strong possibility. In the Mavericks next seven games, their opponents have a combined 136-283 record (.325 winning percentage), and only the Chicago Bulls (twice) have a winning record. Add that to the fact that Dallas has the second easiest schedule in the NBA for the last 21 games of the season (opponents have a .456 winning percentage), and the Mavericks have a real possibility of holding on to the two-seed and possibly catching the Los Angeles Lakers for the best record in the West.

"They've always been talented, they've always put a good basketball team out there," said Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odoms, whose team lost to the Mavs in game number five of the streak. "I think [the trade] has given them energy."

Mavericks’ players and fans hope this trade is what gets Dallas over the hump in the West.

"I think it does help them," said Charlie Vann, local sports-fan. "I think [the players] feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. Personality conflics are gone and Butler is working well in the lineup."

"It seems as though all the bad energy is gone," said Vann.

The Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight, 7:30 p.m., in Dallas.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Mavericks Keep On Rollin - 89-84

Shawn Marion (0) dunks over Gerald Wallace (3) in the second half of the Mavs game against the Bobcats. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

The Dallas Mavericks (40-21) have now won eight straight games, their longest such streak since 2007.

It didn't come easy, though, as the Mavericks (who arrived at the hotel in Charlotte around 3:30 a.m. Eastern time) started off the game sluggishly. The Charlotte Bobcats (28-30) got out to a 20-9 lead in the first quarter as the Mavericks couldn't seem to hold on to the ball or stop the Bobcats.

"We were a step slow in the first quarter," said Dirk Nowitzki. "We weren't really quite up yet."

After tying the game early in the second after a 13-4 run. Dallas took their first lead of the game at 32-30 with 8:30 left in the second quarter. Unfortunately for the Mavs, Charlotte went on a 15-4 run going into halftime, including 13 straight as Dallas faced a double-digit deficit at the break (43-53).

It was a back-and-forth game throughout the third quarter as Nowitzki and Caron Butler scored 18 of Dallas' 23 points. During this time the Mavericks' defense also clamped down, allowing only 15 third quarter points to the Bobcats.

The fourth quarter hero had to be Jason Terry as the reigning Sixth Man of the Year scored 13 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter as Dallas pulled away. Nowitzki, Butler and Terry each scored at least 20 points, led by Nowitzki's 27, and combined to score 69 of Dallas' 89 total points.

The Bobcats, on the other hand, were 2-9 on threes in the fourth and had many turnovers - sealing their defeat. Charlotte got as close as 85-81 with 1:31 left, before Terry sunk a runner in the paint and Nowitzki hit two free throws with :08 left in the game.

"We played scared," said Bobcats guard Steven Jackson, who led the team with 20 points.

The Mavericks held Charlotte to only 31 second-half points (after allowing 53 in the first), and the Bobcats shot only 39.7 percent for the game. The Mavs showed much more energy in the second half than you would expect after getting in early in the morning on the second night of a back-to-back and in the midst of a five game in seven night stretch.

"Guys were tired, but it was mental," said Terry, who had 20+ points for the 20th time this season. "We had this situation come up when we played Denver right before the [All-Star] break. We got in at 4 in the morning and we didn't handle it well. But this shows signs of maturity."

Butler The Beast

Caron Butler, in his second game back from Dallas, had another great game.

Butler scored 22 points, a new high in Dallas, on 10-16 shooting and also recorded three steals. He's had at least one steal in every game since he arrived with Dallas.

Not only is the new Dallas starting shooting-guard playing great defense, but now he is providing the scoring punch that the Mavericks have desperately needed all season long.

Whats Next

Dallas takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday night at home. The schedule is looking favorable as the Mavs may be able to extend this winning streak for a while (more on that later).

The Timberwolves have the worst record in the Western Conference at 14-47 and have won only five of 26 road games this season. Add to this that they have suspended their best player (Al Jefferson) for a DWI that occurred late last week, and this looks likes an easy one for Dallas.

Although, one of those five Minnesota road wins this season was in Dallas, but the Mavs are 1-1 overall against the T'Wolves this season.

Tip-off is at 7:30 and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest

News and Notes:

• The Dallas Mavericks have never lost to the Charlotte Bobcats. (12-0)
• This was the eleventh time this season that Dallas has held an opponent under 90 points, three of which during Dallas' eight-game winning streak. The Mavs are 9-2 in those contests.
  
• With a game-highs in both points (27) and rebounds (13), Dirk Nowitzki had his first double-double in 22 games.
• Nowitzki was also named Western Conference Player of the Week for the week of Feb. 22 - Feb.28. He averaged 31.8 points (league best), 8.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists, while averaging 14 points per fourth quarter. It was the second time this season and the 12th time for his career that Nowitzki has been honored with this award.
  
• With the Mavs win and the Denver Nuggets loss on Monday, Dallas is now second in the Western Conference. One half-game ahead of Denver.
• The Mavericks have the easiest remaining schedule of any team in the Western Conference. Dallas next 21 opponents have a combined winning percentage of 45.6 percent.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)

Mavs Hold Off Hornets - 108-100

Nowitzki's third straight 30+ point game leads Dallas to their seventh straight victory. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

Although it didn't go as smoothly as it initially looked, thanks to some hot shooting from Hornets rookie Darren Collison, the Dallas Mavericks (39-21) were still able to hold on late.

The Mavericks started out strong, ending the first quarter on a 19-4 run after the New Orleans Hornets (31-29) went up 20-16 mid-way through the first quarter. Dallas had 11 of their season-high 30 fast break points in the first and everyone was getting in on the action.

The Dallas run continued into the second as their lead grew to 47-26, and the Mavs had outscored the Hornets 31-6 during that 8:30 span. The Mavs shot 69 percent and had a 69-50 lead going into halftime. The Mavericks were sharing the ball incredibly well in the first half as they had 23 assists on their 30 baskets.

The third quarter was a different story as the Mavericks committed seven turnovers along with missing 12 straight shots during a five minute drought in the quarter. Dallas scored only three points in the final 6:22 of the quarter (three free throws) and the Hornets outscored the Mavs 17-3 during that span. New Orleans had Dallas clinging to a nine point lead going into the fourth quarter. The Hornets clawed their way back throughout the fourth trailing by only four (97-101) with 1:06 left in the game after trailing by as many as 25 points.

"We would have loved to have had more rest in the fourth quarter, " said Nowitzki, referring to the back-to-back the Mavs are in the midst of - playing the Charlotte Bobcats tomorrow night. "Back-to-backs are part of the NBA and this is one of the tougher ones for us this season."

The Mavericks then took the game back over with seven straight points to the :11 left in the fourth quarter. Dirk Nowitzki scored 14 of his game-high 36 points in the final period and scored five of Dallas' final seven points.

"We made this a lot harder than we should have," said Nowitzki, who was 5-9 in the fourth and 4-4 from the free throw line. "I actually missed two shots at the end that I felt should have gone in, but I was able to make that last shot, so I'm happy about that.

Despite his struggles earlier in the season against the Hornets (he scored a combined 22 points in the previous two meetings) Nowitzki came to play in this one. Dirk filled up the stat sheet with 36 points, eight rebounds and seven steals and scored more in the fourth quarter (14) than he scored in either of the other two meeting this season.

Not to be lost in all this is Darren Collison's career night. The rookie scored 35 points and single-handily brought the Hornets back into the game. With no Chris Paul and David West struggling (3-15 for 10 points), it was Collison and fellow rookie Marcus Thornton (21 points, 6-15 shooting) that gave gave the Hornets a chance to win a game that seemed lost from the start.

Butler Back In The Starting Lineup

Along with his 19 points on 9-18 shooting, Caron Butler had what ended up being the game-sealing play in his first game back in the lineup after missing two games (reaction to medication).

With 51 seconds left in regulation and Dallas holding on desperately to a 103-97 lead, Butler made a play on the other team's top-performer. Darren Collison tried to dribble past his defender, but Butler poked the ball loose and had Dallas running down the court. While he missed the easy bunny, Brendan Haywood (12 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, two steals) had the put-back dunk (on what looked like basket interference) that put the Mavs up eight - effectively sealing the win.

"It was out of aggression, trying to make something happen," said Collison, who had five turnovers for the game.

It was Butler's fourth steal (team-high) and couldn't have come at a better time for Dallas. Butler also had five rebounds and a block for the game.

What's Next

Stephen Jackson and the Charlotte Bobcats are next on the schedule with the Mavs going out on the road. The Mavericks needed 36 points from Nowitzki, including the game winner with :01 on the clock in overtime, to defeat the Bobcats 98-97.

Charlotte is 25-23 since the addition of Jackson, 28-29 overall - good for eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are a much better team at home, as their 20-7 record suggests, than on the road (8-22). The Bobcats are second in the NBA in points allowed (94.4) so expect a low-scoring game.

Charlotte has lost four of their past five games (all on the road) and are only 2-3 in their last five home games.

Tip-off is at 6:00 p.m. and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

News and Notes:

• The Mavericks have won seven straight games this season. The last time they won seven straight was Dec. 29, 2007 through Jan. 12, 2008.
• Dirk Nowitzki has three straight games with 30 or more points for the first time since Feb.13 through Feb. 20, 2008.
• Jason Kidd had 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists after his career-night Friday, but also committed seven turnovers. Seven ties a season-high set Nov. 13, 2009 against Utah. Dallas won that game too.
• Michael Finley is expected to be released by the Spurs on Monday.
  

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)