Mission: Accomplished

The recent five-game winning streak and subsequent clinching of the number two seed has the Mavericks feeling confident going into the playoffs. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

After two straight losses at home April 1 and April 4 to the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Dallas Mavericks knew they had to get it in gear with only five games before the playoffs. At the time, frustration was oozing out of the Mavs locker-room, especially as Dallas was struggling to hold on to the number two seed. But the goal of winning-out was echoed by many Mavericks players and, five games later, that goal has been accomplished.

"We accomplished our goal," reigning Sixth Man of the Year Jason Terry said."Our goal was to win all five and have our confidence high and be playing the right way, the right type of basketball. Mentally, it's gotten us ready."

"We wanted the number two spot, we got it."

Terry averaged 15 points during the streak and made nearly half (10-21) of his three-point attempts. His crunch-time back-court mate Jason Kidd also had an incredible five-game stretch, especially from behind the arc. He averaged 11 points, 8.8 assists and 6.6 rebounds, while making 11 of 23 from 3-point range. As a team, Dallas made 45 percent of their 3's during the winning streak.

"We feel confident, we're healthy, and we're ready to go," Kidd said.

Speaking of players that have been lighting it up, Dirk Nowitzki has played his best basketball over the last few weeks of the season. Over the last five, Nowitzki has averaged 29 points and made 54 percent of his shots and two times he scored more points than minutes played. I think it's safe to say the former MVP is ready for the playoffs.

"Sometimes the regular-season seems to drag on, 82 games is too long for me personally, anyways," Nowitzki said. "I think we are all excited that the real season is coming around."

The most important constant of the last five games, going into the "real season" as Nowitzki put it, was the renewed effort and intensity on the defensive end. Dallas allowed only one team to score over 100 points (Sacramento) and only one team scored more than 90 (L.A. Clippers). The Mavericks allowed only 90.2 points per game to Memphis (102.5 for the season), Portland (98.1), Sacramento (100), the Clippers (95.7), and San Antonio (101.4). The NBA leader in points allowed per game this season was Charlotte at 93.8. Even with some of the lackluster opponents, it's still an impressive stretch that proves this team is at least capable of playing lock-down defense for stretches during the playoffs.

"I think we're playing well," Brendan Haywood said. "If we play good, solid team defense we're going to have a successful playoffs."

Haywood had 15 rebounds and five blocks against the Spurs Wednesday night, and his ability to control the paint will be key come playoff time. He finished the season averaging 2.05 blocks per game, fourth in the NBA.

The Mavericks won their last five by an average of 14 points a game, and Coach Rick Carlisle was named Western Conference Coach of the Month. Dallas also won seven of their last nine games overall.

While the Mavericks accomplished their regular season goal, this veteran team knows not to rest on it's laurels going into the playoffs.

"I think we should all be happy with how the season turned out for us," Kidd said. "We accomplished getting the number two seed. We get to celebrate for a few hours and then it's time to get ready for San Antonio."

"Now we focus on what we have to do, and that's try to win 16 games."

(Full First-Round Preview Coming This Weekend)