Six Mavericks scored in double figures, every player that saw game action scored and the team showed a defensive intensity that had been lacking in recent games as they dominated the Grizzles at home. (AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News,Tom Fox)This is the type of game the Dallas Mavericks (51-27) needed after two straight crushing losses at home.
Caron Butler broke out of his recent two-game 3-15 shooting slump, scoring a game-high 23 points on 10-17 shooting and six Mavs scored in double figures as Dallas snapped a two-game skid in beating the Memphis Grizzlies (38-28).
"When we defend well and don't turn it over, it's going to lead to more quality shots," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "It was a needed win. We had a lot of guys who contributed and played well for us."
Early-on, it was obvious the Mavs were making a definitive effort to get Butler the basketball. In the first quarter alone Butler had nine shot attempts, five more than his total number of shots against the Magic and only two less than he attempted against the Thunder. Butler made five of those shots, scoring 13 points in the first quarter - he had scored a total of 11 in his previous two contests.
"I had no worries that [Butler] was going to be fine," Carlisle said. "He's such a hard-driving, team-oriented guy and he's so into winning. I thought he played a terrific overall game tonight."
Butler also seemed unfazed by any recent struggles.
"I'm going to continue to stay aggressive," Butler said. "You've got to remain positive."
As a team, Dallas shot 55.3 percent and 8 of 14 (57 percent) on 3's, while Butler (23) and Nowtizki (22 points) combined to score half of the Mavericks' 110 total points. The Mavs' assists numbers were also way up as they had 28 assists on the night compared to 27 dimes combined in their previous two games.
The Grizzlies were on the second night of a back-to-back, having lost last night against Houston, but that's something every team has to go through throughout the season. Dallas played extremely well, jumping out of the gate to a 33-20 lead at the end of the first quarter and also delivering the knockout blow with a 32-18 fourth quarter.
"Tonight was a positive step," Carlise said. "We're not there, but we're going in the right direction."
The Mavs top-scorer for the game was also all business and looking ahead to the next contest.
"It's a good bounce-back game," Butler said. "But now we've got to get prepared for Portland.
Mavs Defense Comes On Strong
In talking to the coaches and players after the game, it was obvious a renewed emphasis on defense was a priority. Defensive pressure was on full display as the Grizzlies committed 20 turnovers that led to 30 points for the Mavericks. Dallas had 11 steals as a team and made a priority of pushing the basketball after Memphis errors. The Mavs aggressive play on the defensive end of the floor is something that was definitely lacking in their two home losses to Orlando and Oklahoma City.
"I think we understand what's at stake," Jason Kidd said. "We have to play defense and when we play defense that gives us a chance to win."
Memphis did shoot 46.5 percent from the field, but the Mavericks aggressiveness foiled any attempt from the Grizzlies to crawl out from under the double-digit deficit they were under for the majority of the contest. The closest the Grizz managed to get in the second half was early on as they got to within seven (59-52) less than two minutes in to the third quarter. However, Carlisle realizes the Mavericks have the ability to do even better on the defensive end.
"Memphis is a potent team. They're averaging over 100 [points per game]," Carlisle said. "To hold them to 46.5 [percent shooting] is great, but we could have done better. It's an improvement over what we've been doing, but we need to keep moving in the right direction."
It's good to know the Mavericks head coach isn't resting on his laurels as allowing 46 percent shooting is an average effort. 20 forced turnovers, and the points off those, is the major reason to applaud the Mavs defensive effort.
Barea A Spark Off The Bench... On Both Sides Of The Ball
The oft-maligned back-up point guard showed tonight why Carlisle relies on him to be an energy initiator. Barea scored 14 points, dished out six assists and even tied a career-high with four steals to lead the Mavericks.
"I like the way he's been playing," Carlisle said. "[Barea] bring us some energy, penetrates, he gets others involved. He had a good night and he helped some other guy's have good nights too."
Barea cited the team's overall aggressiveness as the basis for his electric play.
"Everything was more aggressive tonight," Barea said. "If I keep attacking the paint, either my shot's going to be open or I'm going to find others. My teammates were doing a great job of making shots too."
Barea's spark-plug mentality was the main reason fan-favorite Rodrigue Beaubois only played in garbage time. If J.J.B is going to play like this, its going to be even harder to find minutes for Roddy B.
Kidd Shines, Vows To Work On Missed Lay-Ups
Jason Kidd continued to do what he does best: get another players involved using his basketball intelligence and amazing passing ability. Kidd had 10 assists on the night and only one turnover, thanks to a situation where Eduardo Najera zigged when he should have zagged on a quick-pass to the corner where Eddie was open for three. For the season, Kidd is fourth in the NBA is assist/turnover ratio at 3.76 (9.1 assists per game to 2.4 turnovers). Of the top-5 assist leaders per game in the NBA, Kidd has the lowest turnover-per-game average.
"I've got some talented guys around me," said Kidd, his unquestionable unselfishness coming to the forefront. "I just make the simple play. Somebody's open, get them the ball. It makes the game so much easier."
Kidd made 4-9 shots from the field for the game, including 4-5 on 3's, for 12 points. However, the 16-year veteran did miss a couple of bunnies right at the basket - so I had to ask him how he could be so good at 3's, but misfire on easy lay-ins from time-to-time.
"I've got to work on that next summer," Kidd said, smiling wryly. "I'll work on lay-ups."
Shortly after, Kidd answered seriously.
"The bunnies I have to work on," Kidd said. "I've got to concentrate more on finishing those."
What's Next
Dallas starts a three-game west-coast road trip, beginning at the Portland Trail Blazers Friday night.
"We've got our hands full on this road trip," Kidd said.
The Blazers have beaten Dallas in all three meeting this season, including the last meeting at the Rose Garden, 101-89. Portland is 48-30 overall this season, sixth in the Western Conference, and 25-13 at home. The Blazers have been on a tear as of late as they're 14-3 in their last 17 games and 6-0 at home during this span.
"Portland's playing really, really well," Nowitzki said.
Portland seems to be as healthy as they are going to be and the addition of a veteran presence in Marcus Camby has propelled the Blazers into playing their best basketball of the season.
News and Notes:
- With 12 points and 10 assists, Jason Kidd registered his 23rd double-double of the season. Kidd is tied for fourth amongst point guard in this category, with Russell Westbrook of the OKC Thunder.
- After scoring only 11 points on 5-18 shooting in last week's game against Dallas, Rudy Gay made 9 of 16 shots for 23 points. This could be attributed largely to the fact that Shawn Marion was in street clothes, in my opinion.
- Jason Terry scored 16 points and dished out five assists. JET had the highest +/- rating of any player at +32 - so you know he was a major + when he was on the court (commence awkward laughter).
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