Mavs Moneyball

Game Recap: Denver Ices Dallas, 127-91

2010-02-10T04:33:35Z

More photos » David Zalubowski - AP

George Karl and the Denver Nuggets must be mile high as Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony are both back for tonight’s home game against a mediocre Dallas team. The slumping Mavericks face off against the second best team in the Western conference after needing 127 points just to put the Warriors away.

Do the Mavericks limp to the finish line or power through for a win?

Game as a Whole:

The game was over in the middle of the third when the Nuggets already had five players in double figures. One can’t be all "doom and gloom" as this is just one game, but it is truly disheartening to know that at some point these same Mavericks will find themselves having to match up with the Nuggets if they make an extended playoff run.

Will rest help Dallas regain some of the confidence that they have lost? We can all pretend that this is the case but more than likely it is wishful thinking. Dallas needs to get inspired again on the defensive end and learn to stop giving up 100+ points a game. I am unsure if this is a Mavericks’ team that even knows how to win a game by keep their opponent in check through four quarters.

1st Quarter:

Starting 5: Kidd, Terry, Najera, Nowitzki, Howard
Nuggets win the tip, but the Mavs are able to force a shot clock violation.
Dirk and Josh both miss their first shots.
10:22, Kidd makes a three to get the Mavs on the board.
Dirk takes a rare three, and misses. The Nuggets are up 10-3 already. Carlisle takes a quick time out.
Terry misses his first jumpshot. Maybe we consider taking it to the basket?
8:38, They take my advice and Howard drives to the basket. He is fouled and makes both.
8:14, Kidd makes a characteristic pass down low to Najera who lays it in.
7:37, Dirk makes HIS characteristic contested jumper over Allen.
5:59, Terry makes a slightly wild drive in the lane, but it pays off when he gets fouled. He makes them both. Mavericks are now down 7.
5:32, After a good defensive hustle from Kidd, he sends it to Dirk who puts it in for two.
4:45, Terry is really sacrificing his body and it’s working out well. He gets fouled again and gets another two.
Andersen is in the game for Denver, and their announcers are discussing his lack of hair product.
4:25, Howard makes a quick layup and the Mavericks are on an 8-0 run, bringing them within one.
2:49, The Mavericks are starting to understand the concept… Dirk drives into the lane and gets fouled. These free throws are keeping us in the game, as he makes both.
Will this be another 30-point first quarter for a Mavericks opponent?
1:37, Dirk makes another jumper, keeping them within 6.
Welcome back Carmelo Anthony. Two shots for six points.
The answer is yes, the Nuggets will score 32 in the first.

2nd Quarter:

11:06, Dirk takes an awkward shot and gets fouled, but the announcers call it an "All-Star call". Mavericks are 12 of 12 from behind the line, and they are ranked 1^st in the NBA for free throw percentage.
9:10, Singleton gives the Mavericks their first points in a long while with a pull-up jumper.
The Nuggets are making easy work of the Mavericks’ defense. Mavericks down 14 with over 7 minutes left in the half.
This may be some of the worst basketball I’ve seen them play. There’s nothing good to note. Nuggets are up by 21 points. Mavericks are missing shots, turning over the ball, and weak on defense.
5:37, Terry’s three-pointer is the first score in 4 minutes for Dallas.
4:39, Dirk finally gets one to fall in the second quarter.
4:13, Dirk with a much-needed and-1 with the foul from Andersen.
3:06, Kidd gets a quick steal. We need more ego-boosting plays like that.
Even prayer shots are falling for the Nuggets. On a hard foul from Kidd, NeNe puts in a circus shot.
2:03, Howard puts in a jumper. Keep it up.
1:36, Is this a run? Gooden puts one in close from Terry.
Mavericks end the half looking simply atrocious. Shots aren’t falling, and defense isn’t effective. Let’s hope they get a good talking-to from Carlisle in the locker room.

3rd Quarter:

Josh is attacking the basket but there is nobody under it to rebound or try for a second chance basket.
10:17, Proving my point, Howard misses a shot but then follows up his own miss with a put back.
9:30, Terry’s two-point basket is like a drop in the bucket. Affalo hits a three pointer on the other end due to a poor rotation.
7:42, 8 of 13 from the three point line on the night for the Nuggets. Dallas has come out in the second half with a nonchalant attitude.
7:27, Gooden hits two free throws thanks to a Malik Allen blocking foul. Denver is still up by 30.
6:33, Howard makes Carmelo work harder than he has all night to get a shot off. Shot doesn’t go down and Howard gets a quick basket on the other end.
5:15, Denver announcer says "Kidd isn’t a great shooter" even when his partner just stated that Kidd is shooting 41% from the three point line. That is only 1% less than Beaubois has and good for second best on the team (discounting Dampier and Najera).
3:03, Nowitzki gets the ball poked away. I don’t know how Kidd isn’t calling that out to him as he is trying to back down Andersen. Dallas doesn’t even look like they are trying to win the game.
2:51, Two free throws for Terry and it doesn’t even look like the Maverick side of the scoreboard is moving. Barea is now in the game.
Poor rotation again foils the Dallas attempt to get any closer to the Nuggets.
1:27, The human surrender flag (Matt Carroll) officially comes into the game before the fourth quarter has even begun.

4th Quarter:

It’s time for the bench to get some major minutes.
10:39, Singleton gets the easiest steal of his life. Matt Carroll misses a three badly.
I think this might be great footage for the Mavericks lowlight reel. Everyone agree?
9:22, Barea with a three and it doesn’t even matter.
9:10, Petro comes down the lane and it is like the red sea parting. Nobody contests the shot.
8:02, Barea haphazardly tosses a shot off of the backboard (trying to avoid the contact).
7:32, I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the first offensive rebound of the game for the Mavericks.
6:43, After a made Beaubois basket Denver announcer says "looks like he has a slow trigger". I really don’t like these guys.
5:58, That’s a three for Ross but Lawson negates it with a great lay up.
Every Nugget except for Anthony Carter has scored in the game.
4:28, Najera saves the ball in on a Matt Carroll fumble, it goes right to a Nugget.
3:41, Okay, every Nugget has scored now as Carter makes a basket.
3:21, Carroll grabs a basket on a nice move.
2:44, Singleton with a three pointer. Mavericks aren’t even going to crack 100 in this game.

Some Choice Statistics:

The Mavericks had 8 turnovers in the first half.
Dallas shoots only 32% from the field in the first and second quarter.
The highest point total given up by Dallas this season was 131 (Los Angeles Lakers 01/03).

Closing Thoughts:

Mark Cuban has to be itching for a trade of some sort.

Mavs at Nuggets Open Thread

2010-02-10T01:30:21Z

Denver favored by 7 | Over/Under 210 | Denver Stiffs

Discuss the game here

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Tuesday Morning Roundup

2010-02-09T15:53:29Z

More photos » Ben Margot - AP

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NBA Daily Dime | Tim MacMahon - ESPN
While outscoring the Warriors by a 37-19 margin in the fourth quarter, the Mavs held Golden State to 33 percent shooting. That's quite a feat for a squad that has allowed its past seven foes to shoot at least 49 percent from the floor. The Mavs forced seven turnovers in the quarter, fueling their offense.

Dallas Mavericks come alive late in victory | DMN
Carlisle kept the Mavericks on their toes early in the game, often rotating players in and out. "One thing we've been talking about is everybody being accountable, so you saw a lot of subs being yanked in and out of the game in the first half because if you were messing up and you messed up twice out there, you were coming to sit down," Mavericks forward Drew Gooden said. "We had about 10 guys come in in that first quarter." Added Nowitzki: "I guess you have to try something new every now and then when things are not working."

Donuts: Mavs 127, Warriors 117, And Is This 'Gut-Check' Time Or 'Cash-A-Check' Time? | DB.com
*When Dallas loses a game, it rarely comes back in the ensuing outing and loses again. I know it doesn't feel like that after a streak during which the Mavs lost four of five. But overall, Dallas is 14-4 in games after a loss ... and that's the best such mark in the NBA. *The Mavs never held a lead until the fourth quarter. But by rallying from a double-digit deficit for the win, Dallas did that for the 11th time ... and that mark leads the NBA, too.

Deal or no deal? Mavericks shouldn't compromise future | Kevin Sherrington | DMN
The Mavs could play it safe and continue to play this hand, hoping that it's nothing more than what Dirk Nowitzki calls a "funk." By keeping Josh Howard's contract, they also retain the room to become serious players this summer. But playing it safe now could also mean losing twice. What if they remain in their funk, making an early playoff exit or worse, then aren't able to land the player they like? Talk about civil unrest.

Mark Cuban says rookie guard Beaubois basically off limits for trade | DMN
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said before Monday night's game at Golden State that upstart rookie guard Rodrigue Beaubois is basically off limits right now during trade talks as Dallas approaches the Feb. 18 NBA trade deadline. "I'm not going to trade him. There are maybe one or two guys in the league I'll trade him for. Other than that, he's pretty much untouchable. It'd have to be an incredible player. There are maybe one or two guys that we'd include him in [a trade for]. That's how highly we think of him."

Game Recap: All Sunshine for Mavs in Golden State, 127-117

2010-02-09T06:29:06Z

More photos » Ben Margot - AP

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Dallas must be happy that the All-Star break will soon be upon us. After losing their winning ways in January, the Mavericks are looking to save some face by winning their last two games. The Golden State Warriors welcome the Mavericks to Oracle Arena looking to avenge the nine-point loss they suffered less than a week ago.

Does Monta Ellis go for 40+ again or is it the Mavericks who find a way to play defense?

Game as a Whole

Sure, it was a bit hairy at times but Dallas eventually found the stops it needed to dig out a win. Even with the win, the Maverick team that looked so good early this year is a thing of the past. The defense, which was once stout gave up 117 points and had to play zone for long stretches to actually stay in the game.

On the bright side, Howard helped keep the Mavericks in the game by chipping in 25 points. Terry’s shooting stroke returned as he dropped a season high 36 points with six three pointers on the night. Finally, the Mavericks end up with 41 fast break points against the Warriors, which is amazing when you consider how much Golden State likes to run.

Dallas has its problems but a win is a win. Maybe a long break is all the Mavericks really need.

Let’s look at the quarters…

1st Quarter:

Monta Ellis gets a quick basket to put Golden State on the board. Here we go again.
10:45, Never like to see Kidd taking a contested three. There has to be a better shot on the floor than that.
Dirk Nowitzki has not touched the ball yet.
Najera can’t even stay on the floor for a full two minutes before Drew Gooden replaces him.
How long until Beaubois comes into the game?
9:03, Mavericks show a match up zone. You can’t concede on defense that early. If I were Rick Carlisle, I would bench my starters if they didn’t come out with intensity.
7:01, Jason Terry puts up the first official points for the Mavericks. Golden State answers with a three pointer.
6:32, Gooden gets the roll and the Mavericks might break 15 in this quarter.
5:28, Beaubois comes in and gives up a turnover to Monta Ellis. Not the best way to impress the coach.
4:45, Lane violation and Josh Howard gets another try on his missed free throw (he makes it).
4:04, Two quick fouls and Barea gets a chance to come in after a DNP the other night.
Nowitzki already has two fouls and has to take a seat on the bench.
2:45, Back-to-back buckets by Terry are clawing the Mavericks into the game.
1:41, Howard gets in the paint for two bringing the Mavericks to within 4.
The Warriors have already picked up 9 fouls in the first quarter. On the flip side, they have picked up 30 points.
:00.7, Barea hits the three to end the quarter. The Mavericks are now only down 5.

2nd Quarter:

11:30, Nowitzki grabs his third foul and goes back to the bench. I don’t understand how Monta Ellis is averaging 26 points a game. Seems to get a ton of calls.
Mavericks give the Warriors consecutive shooting fouls.
10:32, Dallas just refuses to play defense anymore. They are already back down by 12 points after only a minute and a half.
10:01, Gooden saves an errant shot allowing Kidd to hit a three pointer.
9:04, Curry makes a bad decision to take an extremely deep three. He looks like he is trying to be Monta Ellis.
7:50, Howard throws it down off of a Kidd bounce pass. He is the only one who looks pretty angry.
6:20, Don Nelson takes a timeout as the Mavericks bring the game to within 8. Gooden seems to do extremely well when he gets to play major minutes.
5:21, Monta Ellis fails on a dunk attempt and Terry gets the leak out basket thanks to the Marion assist.
3:25, Every time the Mavericks make a little run, the Warriors storm back with multiple baskets.
2:49, Kidd hits consecutive baskets to pull the Mavs to within four. Not one Warrior defender tried to contest Kidd’s last three.
1:03, Howard been doing exactly what the Mavericks need all night, taking it to the rim and getting fouled.
Wow, Dallas gets three free throws to end the half. You can’t get a better break than that. Plus Monta Ellis picks up his second foul.

3rd Quarter:

11:07, Kidd deflects what would have been a fast break dunk, earns the Mavericks a Marion slam.
9:45, Kidd deflects his second pass of the quarter. Active hands can go a long way on defense.
9:07, Terry makes a smart move and forces Ellis to foul him. The way to slow Ellis down on the offensive end is to continue to make him work on defense.
7:40, Nowitzki has missed the two attempts he has taken tonight. Dallas can’t get back into the game without another scorer.
7:09, Nowitzki hard to the basket for his first score.
6:11, Mavericks are now only down six due to the short Nowitzki jumper.
Still surprised we have seen Beaubois again in this game.
4:05, Now it’s a track meet. Both teams are running up and down the floor scoring at will.
Kidd is a game changer just with the way he thinks about the game. Who would have thought of trying a touch pass to get the ball to Terry?
2:18, Dallas gets close, the Warriors go back up by 12. You can’t keep leaving the three point shooters open.
:34.6, Terry hits his fourth three to bring the Mavericks to within six. Unfortunately, Dallas gives up a basket on the other end.

4th Quarter:

11:32, Gooden with basket interference. Sometimes the ball just doesn’t bounce your way.
11:01, Ellis already has more points in the fourth than he had in the third (2 versus 1).
10:18, Gooden looks like Dirk as he hits the basket trailing the play.
9:29, Kidd is giving Golden State a lot of hesitation moves in this quarter.
9:12, Gooden is emerging as Dallas’ second scorer tonight. He is going to have to pour on the points this quarter.
8:24, Gooden and Nowitzki both get the block on Biedrins. That’s team defense.
7:51, Terry hits the three and the Mavericks have cut the lead to one.
Howard is looking a lot better. He already has 23 tonight and there is still seven minutes left in the game.
6:40, In the "what were you thinking" play of the game, Tolliver fouls Nowitzki even though he has an open lay up. Nowitzki gladly takes the bucket plus the foul.
Carlisle chose a very interesting point to call for a time out. The group on the floor seemed to be getting ahead (only down two) with possession.
5:34, Terry with another three, gives the Mavericks the 1-point lead.
5:03, Nowitzki pulls up for a three but instead rifles a pass to Howard for the score.
4:51, The Turiaf foul allows the Mavericks to go up by six.
4:04, The Warriors cannot stop fouling now. Terry goes to the line for two shots as he is fouled while trying to run up the floor.
Ellis goes down with some sort of knee injury. Never want to see a guy go down like that.
2:36, Gooden attacks the glass and picks up a couple of foul shots for his effort.
1:18, Kidd drops in a three pointer and that should do it for the Warriors.

Some Choice Statistics:

Every player in the starting lineup tonight has played at least 10 years. Seems to be the definition of veteran.
Jason Terry is the only Maverick to play every game this year.
Terry’s career high for made three-pointers in a game is seven, which he has done twice.

Closing Thoughts:

Unless the Mavs have a catastrophic meltdown, they will make the playoffs. As everyone knows, it’s a whole different game when you get to the post season and the Mavericks will be right there competing.

Mavs at Warriors Open Thread

2010-02-09T03:00:22Z

Ben Margot - AP

13 days ago: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, right, stands beside his father, Dell Curry, prior to the Warriors' NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, in Oakland, Calif. Dell Curry will broadcast for the Bobcats on Friday night at Golden State. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

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Dallas favored by 5 | Over/Under 217 | Golden State of Mind

Discuss the game here.

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The Monday Roundup

2010-02-08T20:21:42Z

Shawn Marion on Mavs-Warriors: 'We have to get this one' | DMN
"We're disappointed with the way we've been playing," Carlisle said after practice Sunday. "We're looking forward to [tonight]. We want to end the first 52 games of the season on a high note." For a coach that has stressed defense since the first day of training camp, Carlisle is left frustrated – but not discouraged – by the Mavericks' recent struggles. "It's been a tough stretch, but I believe in these guys," Carlisle said. "We have to reestablish a lot of the little things that were putting us in position to be a really good defensive team the first 26 to 28 games: attention to detail, all-out commitment to hard play and playing together and helping each other. And we're going to get back there."

Trade talk follows Dallas Mavericks to West Coast | DMN
"It seems like every little thing is backfiring on us right now," he said. "We got to find a way to get out of this." Marion and Jason Kidd have been the Mavericks' best defenders during their slump, but nobody has been able to stop opponents with any consistency. "Everybody has their ups and downs," Marion said. "This is our down time right now. We just got to find a way to stay gritty and work our way out of it."

Dirk dances around trade talk -| Tim MacMahon - ESPNDallas
I don't know exactly what Dirk thinks the Mavs should do in the trade market. But I do know that he will be asked for his input on any major move the Mavs make, as was the case before the Jason Kidd deal. Dirk didn't lobby for that deal, either. He doesn't barge into the offices of Mark Cuban or Donnie Nelson and make demands. He waits until he's asked to weigh in with his opinion. And my hunch is it'll be slightly different than what he said after the Mavs' fourth loss in five games.

The Come Up: 48 hours to show a pulse | Jeff Wade ESPNDallas
We saw Golden State a week ago. Monta Ellis careered but Dallas still won 110-101. The Warriors have only won nine times at home and they’re struggling badly right now having lost their last eight. It’s extremely important that the Mavs put away a bad team early so they can get their key guys some rest before Tuesday night’s match-up against Denver. That game is what is known as a "scheduling loss."

Mavs Monday Morning Donuts: Party Central | DB.com
Damp sat out last week's meeting with the Warriors, of course. He needs the rest. He's a game-time decision for tonight. Eddie Najera started in his place in the last GS meeting and contributed in 14 minutes and Drew Gooden was very good as the center off the bench. Why not sit Damp tonight, save him and his bum knee for the second night of a B-2-B at Denver last night ... and then let him shut it down for All-Star Weekend?

Saturday Links

2010-02-06T20:32:00Z

More photos » Tony Gutierrez - AP

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T'Wolves 117, Mavs 108: How Low Can They Go? | DB.com
Nowitzki was supposed to be at a team meeting at 5 p.m. From what I gather, he was in the building but somehow managed to show up 25 minutes late. According to team rules – and rules are rules – the tardiness precluded him from starting the game. Too bad; the last time Dirk played in a game that he did not start was on Dec. 14, 1999, in a loss to the Spurs. His rookie year, he came off the bench 23 times. Since then, just twice – counting Friday.

Nowitzki's at fault, but it's a rare slip-up | DMN
"I was late, so it was my fault and I came off the bench," Nowitzki said. "We all got to be accountable. I got to take it like a man."

Mavs Morning Donuts: Where's Tim Thomas? | DB.com
As Dallas had beaten Minny 13 straight times, and as Dallas just lost to Minny 117-108, the longest active streak of one team kicking another team’s ass is over. The Mavs’ streak that lives on: Really weird losses at home under really weird circumstances.

Dirk doesn't start, Mavericks can't finish in loss to Wolves | DMN
"I think this team has more pride than it's showing," Carlisle said. "We need to dig down and find some pride." ... Nowitzki, by the way, had no desire to get into a discussion about whether the Mavericks have what it takes as the roster stands now. "It's just that right now we're in a little funk, a little hole," he said. "I'm not looking for any help anywhere else but in this locker room."

Mavs fall victim to the Wolves in Beaubois' coming out party | NBA.com
"(Beaubois) was active. We all know he's made progress. Finishing a game like that is something he hasn't quite done...He certainly came up and made some plays. A couple times, he got in tough situations. But his intentions were very good and his effort was good. There were a few rookie mistakes in the fourth quarter that were costly, but he definitely played aggressively," the coach said of the young guard. "It makes me feel comfortable, because he's showing that he is trusting me," Beaubois said of the confidence Carlisle is giving the budding star. "I have to keep working to show him that he's right, and to help the team win games."

Game Recap: Timberwolves Take a Bite Out of Mavs, 117-108

2010-02-06T04:26:36Z

More photos » Glenn James - NBAE/Getty Images

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The 4 and 21 (away) Minnesota Timberwolves come into Dallas looking to extend their two game win streak that was started by the Clippers and Knicks. The Mavericks have been up and down lately, looking okay in short spurts but seemingly unable to put together a complete game.

Does youth outclass veteran cunning?

Game as a Whole:

The Mavericks are who we though they were. They return to their losing ways as they crash and burn in the fourth after battling valiantly to get back into the game. Where did it all go wrong for the Mavericks? Starting at the end of the third where the Timberwolves made a three at the buzzer, the Dallas Mavericks couldn’t seem to slow Minnesota or figure out how to put the ball in the basket.

Dallas made it a game with the help of Beaubois and the three-guard line up (expect to see more of that in the future). Unfortunately for the Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki fouls Corey Brewer on a three, which essentially gift-wraps the game for the Timberwolves. In the end, veteran teams should never let it get that close but this a different Mavericks team.

Let’s look at the quarters…

1st Quarter:

Dirk isn’t starting?! He was late to shoot around. Tsk Tsk.
Dallas controls the tip.
Kidd starts with a midrange jumper that doesn’t fall.
11:04, Howard drives and makes an awkward layup. We’ll take it.
We’re taking jump shots that aren’t going in. Hint: try something else.
8:52, Marion with the assist to Dampier who hammers it home. The Mavs get it back when the Wolves mess up the inbounds pass.
8:38, Kidd takes advantage of the extra possession by getting his 93^rd 3-pointer of the year.
Corey Brewer has made two threes already in the game. That means the Mavericks should guard him out there.
Marion gets back-to-back offensive rebounds. He then scores on the 3^rd chance, showing that hustle pays off!
Dirk makes his first appearance at 6:48. Consider his wrists appropriately slapped.
6:30, Terry gets an unassisted basket.
5:56, When Kidd gets his feet set, those 3-pointers are a sure thing. He’s now 5^th all time in NBA history.
4:47, Dirk gets on the board with a pretty little jumper.
4:11, When Damp can’t find a way to score under the basket, he passes out to Howard who makes a short two.
3:46, Roddy comes in for Kidd. Beaubois is now the backup point guard. Sorry, Barea.
2:29, Gooden makes an excellent shot fake, and then drives in for a nice layup to get some points on the board.
2:02, Terry drives hard to the basket and gets fouled. He makes both free throws.
1:15, Terry brings the ball down on a fast break, but when the ball doesn’t drop, Roddy is right behind him to tip it in. Excellent teamwork.
:31.0, Beaubois is fast. He speeds into the lane for a quick layup.

2nd Quarter:

Roddy still in as PG to start the 2^nd quarter. He makes a lovely three at 11:36.
10:12, Gooden makes a nice little running jumper after the T-Wolves commit a turnover on the Dallas end.
9:11, Gooden is fouled by Al Jefferson. He makes both shots.
9:09, Beaubois forces a turnover by the T-Wolves on the inbounds play. Excellent hustle.
8:18, Dirk drives to the basket and earns a trip to the line. He makes them both.
7:55, Dirk gives Dallas their first lead of the game with his specialty shot. Minnesota quickly takes the lead back.
6:54, Marion takes it to the hoop strong. The lead is seesawing!
5:18, Dampier misses his first shot but gets his own rebound and puts it in.  
3:15, Dampier picks up his third foul on the Mavericks’ 11-0 run. Dallas is currently up by eight.
2:22, Terry throws a pretty great behind the back pass to Howard (first behind the back pass I have ever seen Terry execute). Howard misses but gets his own rebound and scores.
As for Ryan Hollins, he was definitely a spark for the Mavericks but he seems to fit much better with the Timberwolves.
Howard already has 11 for tonight and has been aggressive. One can hope all this negative talk would inspire him to prove something.

3rd Quarter:

As Howard gets to play more minutes with Marion they will establish more of a chemistry that will pay off in spades. Everyone needs to give them time.
The Mavericks have started the quarter 0 for 3. Timberwolves have gone ahead on a three.
9:24, Marion tries to pass before gathering in the ball (he was a bit out of control to begin with) and it ends up sailing way out of bounds.
Terry and Dirk are currently the only two Mavericks to score this quarter.
7:19, Back-to-back Maverick offensive sequences have ended with turnovers. The ball has been going to Terry in both cases.
6:18, Kidd realizes that since nobody else wants to score he is going to have to do it himself. Misses a three, misses a layup and finally gets a put back bucket plus the foul.
5:21, Worst sequence in the game for both teams. We see a no call on Nowitzki, a turnover by the Timberwolves, a turnover by Dallas, and then a throw-away by the Timberwolves just for good measure.
It is surprising that the Timberwolves aren’t up by more than six as they shoot 10 for 14 from the three-point line.
2:37, Beaubois comes in as the shooting guard to hopefully give the Mavericks some spark.
The Mavericks get booed on their home floor, classy.
:28.9, Beaubois shows why you need to have the behind the back pass in your arsenal.

4th Quarter:

Beaubois starts the quarter off with a nice assist to Dirk.
Terry has been a turnover machine in the second half. I find it strange how no one has asked for Terry to be traded.
Every time the Mavericks start to make a surge they make a mistake on the defensive end to give Minnesota the game.
Wilkins, who has been playing out of his mind, picks up his fifth foul.
9:28, Two clutch three-pointers for Beaubois. He is keeping the Mavericks in the game.
7:10, Kevin Love leans into an offensive foul that Beaubois picks up.
6:36, Beaubois is making a strong case for more minutes on this team. Barea hasn’t played a minute tonight, but can he even really make a case for being on the floor?
Kidd, Terry and Beaubois are all on the floor now. Mavericks come out with a zone defense on the Timberwolves.
5:13, Kidd gets all the way to the cup and is fouled. Mavericks shoot foul shots the rest of the way.
4:02, Hollins tries the flop on a Nowitzki spin move, the refs don’t buy it.
2:35, Jason Terry with a steal and then Hollins fouls out on a Kidd foul.
1:51, Veteran move by Nowitzki to take it to the basket and draw the foul. Makes one of two to tie the game.
1:25, Dampier makes 1 of 2 and the Mavericks are still down 1.
Nowitzki makes what could be the costliest mistake of the game, fouling Corey Brewer on a three.

Some Choice Statistics:

This is the first time since 1999 that Dirk hasn’t started in a game in which he is available to play.
The Mavericks scored 14-second chance points in the second half.
In the last seven games the Mavericks have given up over 100 points six times.

Closing Thoughts:

Beaubois could be the savior of this Maverick team if he continues to get the same amount of playing time. Dallas is in need of someone who will take the ball hard to the basket and who can stay in front of the opposing teams’ point guard. Howard also should be inserted back into the starting line up as he has begun showing signs that his slump is coming to an end.

Timberwolves at Mavs Open Thread

2010-02-06T01:00:22Z

Jim Mone - AP

2 months ago: Minnesota Timberwolves' Nathan Jawai, left, of Australia, Al Jefferson, center, Ryan Hollins, second from right, Jonny Flynn, right, sit on the bench in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves set a record with their worst start in their 124-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets. They are 1-14. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

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Dallas favored by 10 | Over/Under 206 | Canis Hoopus

Discuss the game here

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The Friday Roundup

2010-02-05T15:26:42Z

More photos » Tony Gutierrez - AP

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Beaubois to back up Kidd; Barea moving to shooting guard | DMN
"He's earned them because he's worked to get better," Carlisle said of the rookie. "I feel he's earned the opportunity to get into the rotation. It's meaningful because he's played mostly off the ball this year. In practices, he's played a fair amount of point and he's studying the position very diligently and we feel like it's another situation where he can help give us an advantage with his quickness, length and speed." Carlisle added that he sees point guard as Beaubois' eventual full-time position.

Friday Morning Mavs Donuts: Morganna The Kissing Bandit Edition! | DB.com
I know he's "young" and he's "learning" and he "makes rookie mistakes," but ... Steve Nash's 19/11 and Andre Miller's 52 and Deron Williams' 18/15 and Monta Ellis' 46 ... How are Roddy Beaubois' youthful mistakes going to inflate opposing PGs' numbers any more than they already are?

Bottom line - Mavericks are closer to the top in West | DMN
Still, the closeness of the eight teams at the top so far gives everybody hope. "That's the beauty of the NBA," said Eduardo Najera. "There's not a whole lot of separation. If the best team is up here, the worst team is not that far away. We just have to get serious every night and make it count so we can get a good seeding, and when we go against these [top] teams, we can have the home-court advantage."

Dirk adds All-Star duties; no invite for Terry | ESPN Dallas
Nowitzki will be part of the Texas team in the Saturday night Shooting Stars competition. He's joined by ex-Rocket/current TNT analyst Kenny Smith and Becky Hammon of the San Antonio Silver Stars in the competition, which has a current NBA player, retired NBA player and WNBA player on each team.

Dealing Josh Howard | Kelly Dwyer - Ball Don't Lie
And the Mavs? Despite having the third-best record in the league's best conference and the seventh overall, they come across as supremely above-average in all areas. They are 13th in effective field goal percentage, fourth in turnover rate (yay!), 22nd in grabbing offensive rebounds (boo!). They are 19th in free throws made per field goal taken, and 11th in offense. The opposite side of that? Eleventh in defending that effective field goal percentage, 10th in defensive rebounds, tied for 16th in causing turnovers, sixth in limiting teams to get to the line. Eleventh overall.

Sixers' Iguodala To The Mavs? A $108-Mil Question -- And It's About Brand, Not Dalembert
No, the handicap to a Mavs-Sixers deal -- and this comes straight from Mavs HQ -- is that Dallas believes it will have to consider taking on Elton Brand. When Brand is healthy, he's a powerful force. And he's been resurgent in some recent games; he's scored 26 twice in the last four outings. But NBA scouts who watch him regularly tell me they don't see Brand doing much of that into the future ... and for the future, he's still owed $52 million.

Debunking More Myths | Doug Smith's Toronto Star Raptors blog
Yes, that means Toronto has no interest in Howard, have no chats going with Dallas and it’s not going to happen. And another one bites the dust.

Thursday AM Roundup

2010-02-04T16:41:34Z

More photos » Tony Gutierrez - AP

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Frustrated Howard puts trade talk aside, provides spark off bench | DMN
On Wednesday, however, Howard had seven points late in the first quarter and played perhaps his best game of the season (19 points), igniting the Mavericks to an early double-figure lead. Is Howard frustrated? "If he wasn't," owner Mark Cuban said, "you guys would be saying he doesn't care. He's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't."

Mark Cuban will listen to trades, rips Mavericks before win over Warriors | DMN
"We suck right now," Mark Cuban said.

Dallas Basketball - Mavs 110, Warriors 101: Your All-Access Pass
After Tuesday's practice, Drew Gooden issued an assessment of Dallas' recent problems. Take it away, Drew: "In the first quarter, we play loose. "In the second quarter, we play loose. "In the third quarter, we play loose. "And then in the fourth quarter, we play tight." The bad news? Even in the win, that trend didn't change much.

Where It's At? Anybody Wanna Stop That Dude? | Jeff Wade - ESPN Dallas
Against the Warriors, he [Beaubois] received all of the available backup point guard minutes in the second half. I’m fascinated to know what the plan had been had he not gotten hurt against Utah. As the Mavericks try to find ways to keep opposing guards from enjoying career nights against them, will Roddy B at point guard be a factor for his defensive spark as much as the potential for him to get some offense going coming off the bench?

Dirk's thumb sore, but not seriously injured | ESPNDallas
"You know something significant happened because he usually doesn't come out of the game for anything like that," coach Rick Carlisle said. "His pain tolerance and will to finish and play through pain is really unusual." How long will the injury sideline Nowitzki? No games, but ... "Probably practice tomorrow, I hope," he joked.

Behind the Box Score, where the Armadillo Cowboy is killin' it | Kelly Dwyer - Ball Don't Lie
Dirk sat out for a spell, then came back a few minutes into the fourth quarter of what was a somewhat close contest, and just went to work. Nine points, on three shots, with no three-pointers. Just embarrassed the Warriors on three looks, and got to the line four times (making three, Poindexters). Just looked a right beast. Love that guy.

Game Recap: Mavs Ride to Victory Against Warriors, 110-101

2010-02-04T04:31:13Z

More photos » Tony Gutierrez - AP

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As the Dallas Mavericks come in to tonight’s game against the Golden State Warriors one can only hope that they learned their lesson from the last time these two teams met. In November the Warriors only dressed the minimum six players but still managed to pull out an eight-point win.

Try as he might that game, Dirk couldn’t save Dallas even as he poured in 28 points (Ellis finished with 37). Do the Mavericks learn from past mistakes are they doomed to repeat history?

Game as a Whole:

Welcome back Josh Howard. After a handful of trade rumors and constant blogging about how Howard has not been helping the team, we see the Mavericks’ swingman go for 19 on 9 for 15 shooting. Howard was also one of five Dallas players to reach double figures, which the Mavericks needed to overcome a Warriors surge late.

The other big story of the night was Beaubois soaking up a majority of the minutes usually reserved for Barea. During Beaubois’ sixteen-minute stint we got to watch as he ran the offense for a majority of the 4^th quarter before seeing Kidd return to finish out the game. Was he spectacular? Definitely not, but he played solid enough for a rookie who has not logged a ton of minutes in the NBA.

Another interesting note, Najera got the start in place of Gooden. I do like that Carlisle is trying to work Najera into the lineup and keeping Gooden coming off the bench to energize the second unit (which he did effectively tonight).

Let’s look at the quarters…

1st Quarter:

Dampier is back out of the lineup. Should allow him to rest that knee.
11:45, Dirk hits his first shot of the night. Looks like he has a different shooting sleeve on.
11:20, Marion starts his night with a dunk, we need more of that.
8:34, Najera already has two fouls. Why wouldn’t Gooden get the start?
7:42, Terry is looking for his shot early and often. Gets the basket and a foul.
Jason Terry negates a great steal by Kidd when he throws the ball away in the lane.
Kidd should continue to take advantage of his size against Curry. Would be nice to see Dallas run some more post up action for him.
6:15, Gooden enters the game for the first time tonight. Nails his first shot of the night from the baseline.
Gooden seems to be trying to poke the ball away from Biedrins rather than playing him straight up and making him work.
4:10, Howard on the floor, Beaubois gets to come in for Terry.
3:48, Marion is the recipient of an excellent pass from Howard. Howard just needs to relax and let his game come back to him.
Maggette gives up on a lay up because he thinks he got fouled (he did not) and Gooden hits on the other end.
The Mavericks’ bench has brought energy tonight.
1:15, Another trip to the free throw line for Gooden. That was a textbook use of the shot fake.

2nd Quarter:

Nowitzki gets an easy basket due to the fact that Beaubois raced the ball up the floor.
10:50, Barea also pushes the ball up the floor with a long outlet pass to Gooden for the dunk.
10:24, Beaubois loves to start his offensive game off with a three.
The Mavericks are just looking to bury the Warriors (who play absolutely no defense). I would be extremely worried if this game was even remotely close.
Dallas has more ball movement on one possession tonight than they have had in their last three games.
7:44, Gooden’s go-to move tonight is the shot fake at the top of the key and then charging through the lane.
No way Singleton can cover Turiaf for more than a few minutes tonight.
5:02, Terry answers an Ellis basket with a three. Mavericks are up 15.
The rest of the Warriors (minus Ellis) look utterly inept on offense.
3:00, Marion looks like his old self as he slices to the basket without the ball and gets a lay up. Marion really should be moving without the ball a lot more in the Dallas offense.
Howard has 13 as he heads back to the bench for a rest. He seems to have taken the recent criticism to heart.
Curry makes his first shot with 2 minutes left in the second.
The Mavericks have gone into full on paint-attack-mode. They haven’t taken a jumpshot in the last two minutes.

3rd Quarter:

The Warriors are allowing the Mavericks to run up and down the floor due to all the quick shots they are taking and missing.
Jason Terry thus far has only taken one three pointer on the night. He works a lot better in the offensive when he is attacking the paint.
7:50, Najera picks up the charge on Ellis. Someone needs to start tracking how many charges Najera draws this season.
Golden State has racked up six turnovers in the 3^rd quarter; they only had seven turnovers in the first half.
Najera has drawn two charges on Ellis this quarter. That seems to be the best game plan for playing Ellis.
Rick Carlisle hasn’t taken a lot of timeouts in the game (probably due to the Mavericks play) nor has he made many substitutions. Each unit is getting to play major minutes together which can only help their timing/chemistry.
3:25, Dallas dusts off the 2/3 zone even though they have no need for it. Warriors still score but at least this time it isn’t Ellis.
Gooden misses a shot on one end but almost gets a block on the other end as he hustles back down the floor.
2:12, Shawn Marion picks up the foul while guarding Ellis. He seems to think that there was no foul (looked pretty close on the replay).
1:12, Monta Ellis has picked up three offensive fouls in the third quarter alone. If he goes out of the game the Warriors have no hope.
The Dallas lead has been cut to six and that’s where it stays to end the third.

4th Quarter:

10:47, Mavericks get a fast break bucket for their first score of the quarter.
9:42, Beaubois hits the basket as he gets into the lane, picks up the foul as well.
9:02, Marion grabs his first basket of the second half.
8:18, Marion equals his season high as his second consecutive basket falls.
7:49, Nowitzki comes back in the game and immediately gets fouled.
7:20, Beaubois drops a pass off to Gooden who gets an uncontested dunk. Beaubois seems to be executing the offense pretty well.
Rick Carlisle is still calling the plays from the bench. Interesting to see Beaubois on the floor without Kidd or Barea.
So in the past three games the Mavericks have given up 52 to Andre Miller and have already given up 39 to Monta Ellis. What is it with point guards versus the Mavericks?
4:02, Howard grabs a huge offensive rebound and Nowitzki hits back-to-back jumpers to put Dallas up by 9.
1:25, Kidd ices the game with the dagger three. Also can’t ignore the two steals he has had this quarter.

Some Choice Statistics:

The Mavericks shot 59% from the floor in the first half.
Monta Ellis scored almost half of the Warriors total points in the first half (20 of the Warriors 48).
The Mavericks season low on turnovers this year was 4. It happened in a loss to the Utah Jazz on 1/09/10.

Closing Thoughts:

Although the Mavericks got the "W" it was still a little bit disconcerting to watch as Monta Ellis went for 46 and the Mavericks only pull out a nine point win against a team that plays no defense. While a lot of things went right this time, things could always be better

Warriors at Mavs Open Thread

2010-02-04T01:00:28Z

Ben Margot - AP

25 days ago: More Golden State Warriors watch the NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in street clothes than are suited up during the start of the second period Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, in Oakland, Calif. Warriors seen from left, Ronny Turiaf, Brandan Wright, C.J. Watson, Vladimir Radmanovic, Devean George (19), and Andris Biedrins. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

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Dallas favored by 12 | Over/Under 217 | Beaubois in - Dampier Out | Golden State of Mind

Discuss the game here.

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Howard has become a fashionable whipping boy among fans and media in and around Dallas, despite...

2010-02-03T17:24:12Z

Howard has become a fashionable whipping boy among fans and media in and around Dallas, despite once being among the area's more popular players. His production this season, injury woes over the last two years and the team's recent struggles get tied together, leaving Howard in knots.
"I never said I don't want to be here," Howard told NBA.com. "It's as much a shock to me. I've only played [27] games. I haven't even got to two months [worth of games] yet. I don't know why everybody is ganging up on me."

NBA.com: Frustrated Howard trying to find where he fits with Mavs

Tuesday Morning Roundup

2010-02-02T15:18:38Z

More photos » Steve C Wilson - AP

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Dirk, Jet battle for the blame | ESPNDallas
"The other day against Portland, at least I had my chances in the fourth," said Nowitzki, referring to a misses he had in the final seconds of regulation and last minute of overtime in the loss to the Trail Blazers. "I probably should have won the game myself. At least I got the ball in the fourth. "The last two road games, it didn’t happen, but I take it all on me always. I’ve got to be aggressive. If I don’t get the ball, just run to it and make something happen."

Dirk Nowitzki: 'You got to be worried' after latest Mavericks loss | DMN
It's the first time all season they have dropped three consecutive. "You got to be worried," said Dirk Nowitzki, who had 28 points, but who didn't get a shot in the fourth period. "We haven't really played well for a month, and lost some games we should have won. But you can't hang your head. You got to keep working and stay positive and stay together. We are a veteran team and we need to respond."

Jazz 104, Mavs 92: Down The Rabbit Hole (And Into The Toilet?) | DB.com
In between -- nine minutes and two seconds -- here's what the Mavs were able to accomplish: *Two Jason Kidd turnovers, two Jason Kidd turnovers, two J.J. Barea turnovers and a Drew Gooden turnovers. Seven turnovers in nine minutes! ""I think we threw the ball all over the gym," Dirk said. *Missed free throws by Kidd and Jason Terry. *Two blocked-shot victimizations. *A 25-10 scoring deficit. *Just 10 shots attempts

Beaubois day-to-day with bruised back | ESPNDallas
Coach Rick Carlisle said Beaubois might have been able to return in the first half, but the rookie's back stiffened up during halftime. He'll spend Tuesday getting treatment in Dallas. "Hopefully by Wednesday, he’ll be OK," Carlisle said.

Jeff Wade
First three-game losing streak of the season...but more concerned about 11-11 since that great OKC win back in mid-December

Game Recap: Jazz Out Work Mavericks, 104-92

2010-02-02T05:05:49Z

More photos » Steve C Wilson - AP

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The road-tested Dallas Mavericks must be looking forward to heading out on the road, escaping the American Airlines center and their lackluster home record (14-8). The Utah Jazz are definitely in a groove right now after winning 9 of their last ten and currently in the middle of a five game winning streak.

Tonight the Mavericks will live and die by how fast their rotations are.

Can the Dallas defense rise to the occasion or will the Jazz run them out of the gym?

Game as a Whole:

One could argue that the Mavericks just met a hot team on the wrong night but that would be ignoring most of the evidence pointing to a Mavericks decline. Since November when the Mavericks went 11 and 4, they have seen their wins and losses draw ever closer (December 9-5, January 8-7). To end January the Mavericks were giving up 101.5 points on the defensive end and getting blocked 4.5 times on the offensive end.

Watching the first half, the Mavericks looked like they were in for a long night before the contest really even ramped up. While the rest of the Jazz were largely subdued, Paul Millsap went crazy on the boards and in the paint (he ended with 25). The 2^nd half was a nightmare as the Mavericks got consistently out-hustled on every play that mattered (Jazz had over a +10 rebounding advantage).

I have a few answers to these problems but first,

Let’s look at the quarters…

1st Quarter:

Mavericks look a little timid on defense. The Jazz miss their first bucket and each team is feeling the other one out.

Erick Dampier’s first trip to the bucket is a jump ball as he gets tied up. Come on Dampier, dunk the ball.

10:45, Can we start the long jump shot stat sheet for Jason Kidd?

Mavericks come out on the third possession in a zone. Not a good sign when you have to bring that out in the 1^st.

9:30, Jason Terry gets a steal and gives the ball up to Dirk Nowitzki running the floor. Fast break looked good.

Shawn Marion fails to get two hands on the ball, leads to the easiest rebound Andrei Kirilenko has even gotten (he also gets an assist on the play).

Dampier has a really bad match up tonight facing Paul Millsap. Drew Gooden should have started tonight’s game.

7:23, The Jazz are running the floor too easily.

5:32, Kirilenko thinks he has a block but the ref gives Terry the basket.

Mehmet Okur bricks two free throws.

Kidd hits consecutive three pointers (the Jazz announcers were complaining that it was a 2).

4:10, Beaubois, Gooden, and Howard all come in. Let’s see if they bring the energy Terry asked for.

3:42, Williams blows by Beaubois, not a good start on defense.

3:12, Roddy hits the floor hard on a block. The block was clean and the energy was good, unfortunately, it seems like he was injured.

2:47, Great awareness from Gooden to spin his head around and attempt to grab the rebound.

2:09, Two handed jam for Dirk facilitated by Terry. It was a pretty good execution of the pick and roll.

Nowitzki already has two fouls.

1:22, Mathews picks up a frustration foul as he feels that he got fouled on the offensive end.

:44.6, Jump hook bank shot for Marion. Lucky that went in.

:31.3, Barea catches the Jazz sleeping on the next possession as he gets all the way to the bucket.

2nd Quarter:

11:30, Barea hits another bucket to put the Mavericks back up by 4. Jazz second unit isn’t looking so great tonight.
11:03, How’s this for a role reversal: Gooden misses a jump shot and Howard gathers the offensive rebound for the put back.
Blown rotation on a C.J. Miles three and the Jazz go back up by one.
The Mavericks seem to have a problem containing Millsap. Please don’t turn this into an Andre Miller night.
8:39, Barea gets a layup on the fast break, Kidd is pushing the ball hard up the floor.
7:21, Williams picks up his first foul of the night on a push-off.
6:20, Kirilenko goes up for an uncontested dunk on a broken play. Nowitzki got screened out of the play.
Barea picks up a technical, unsure of the reason.
5:48, Quinton Ross comes in for the first time tonight and picks up Kirilenko.
4:28, Dampier blows a dunk. He is starting to do that at least once a game now.
1:54, Nowitzki is forcing the refs to make a call every time he is on the offensive end.
1:07, Three missed shots on one trip. What was the best miss? Quinton Ross couldn’t jump high enough to get the ball into the basket.
The Mavericks get out-hustled to close the second quarter. The big question is: who can Carlisle look to for energy off the bench? Humphries comes to mind but we traded him away.
Mavericks are currently down by double digits in assists.

3rd Quarter:

11:45, Nowitzki starts off the quarter with a basket.
11:05, Back-to-back buckets for Dirk. He needs to continue to look for his shot.
9:35, Shawn Marion hits the short jumper before the shot clock expires. Ball is rolling the Mavericks’ way.
So, Nobody else can seem to get anything else done on the offensive end beside Nowitzki.
7:20, Terry with his first three of the night. Williams gets a blow by to the basket.
6:02, Terry hits another three and the Mavericks are now up by one.
5:28, I have to retract my earlier statement, Terry has now turned his game up.
4:34, Brewer scores because Marion looks lost in the zone rotation.
1:33, Kidd falls for a ball fake from Okur forcing Nowitzki to try to rotate. He doesn’t make it in time.
:27.0, I know they wanted a two-for-one, but couldn’t you get an easier shot?

4th Quarter:

10:43, The Mavericks are getting out-worked on the board in the fourth. The Jazz have had multiple tip-ins.
9:45, After Kidd loses the handle on a spin move but miraculously gets the ball to a Maverick, Howard can’t convert the jumper.
7:07, The Mavericks are imploding in the fourth. They have let the crowd come back into the game and Barea makes a bad decision to foul Kirilenko as he goes to the basket.
6:49, Dallas gives up another really soft foul, this time from Jason Kidd, leading to another "and-1". Can you gift-wrap the game for them any more, guys?
5:58, Dallas seems like they don’t even want to try anymore. They benefit from a Jazz foul.
5:00, This was a possession full of sloppy passes. Mavericks lose the ball without even getting off a shot attempt.
3:28, Terry compounds the Mavericks problems by trying to force a pass in between three defenders.
There is no need to even watch the rest of the game as the Mavericks have already given up.
Najera comes in and brings some energy. That would have been nice a few quarters ago.
Why do the Jazz shoot streamers for a regular season win against the Mavericks?

Some Choice Statistics:

The Mavericks are currently giving up 98 points per game (14^th in the league).
Dallas has given up over 100 points in their last four games.
Against the West, the Mavericks are only 16-13.

Closing Thoughts:

In the month of January Terry started six games, and what was his record? Terry and the Mavericks were decidedly mediocre only managing 3 wins and 3 loses. Now, let’s look at Beaubois record when he starts (9-4). It’s pretty apparent to this casual observer that you go back and try what worked. Shake up your starting lineup by putting Terry back on the bench and start Beaubois. I would also argue in favor of putting Ross back into the starting lineup and bringing Marion off the bench to make the second unit much more solid.

Mavs at Jazz Open Thread

2010-02-02T01:30:14Z

Francisco Kjolseth - AP

9 months ago: Utah Jazz's Andrei Kirilenko clears out his locker at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, April 28, 2009, after the Jazz was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. (AP Photo/The Salt Lake Tribune, Francisco Kjolseth)

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Utah favored by 4 | Over/Under 200 | SLC Dunk

Discuss the game here.

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Monday Morning Roundup

2010-02-01T15:40:26Z

More photos » Ralph Lauer - AP

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Dallas Mavericks need to rediscover defensive presence | DMN
"We can't be adrenaline junkies and take it down to the last possession every night," coach Rick Carlisle said. "We should be a better basketball team than that. If this is continuing to happen, maybe we aren't. "The tough-mindedness we exhibited the first portion of the season, I happen to believe is still there. I don't believe it was fool's gold. We put the work in during training camp. The team was energized by defense. Repeatedly, on nights we weren't shooting it well, we were hanging around and finding ways to win."

Monday Mavs Donuts: Avoiding A Trade Strikeout | DB.com
among the reasons the Mavs will spend the next two weeks closely analyzing Howard�s trade value is because he has some trade value. Barea will be evaluated the same way. So will Gooden. Their talents AND their contracts will cause their inclusion in discussions. Very real discussions.

The Come Up: Of Trade Deadlines and Hard Caps... | Jeff Wade - ESPNDallas
So if the trade deadline comes and goes without a major deal for the Mavs, remember this while you’re sharpening your sticks to storm the castle. The guy you do get when you make your major move better be the one to put you over the top. Because if he ain’t, you’re probably going to be stuck with him -- stuck between a rock and a hard cap.

New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul will have arthroscopic knee surgery and could be sidelined...

2010-02-01T07:03:23Z

New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul will have arthroscopic knee surgery and could be sidelined for one to two months, Yahoo! Sports reported Sunday night.

NBA.com: Report: Hornets' Paul to undergo left knee surgery

Dallas Mavs Roster Flowchart

2010-02-01T00:49:48Z