Ever since the February 18th NBA trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks have not lost a game. Their last loss came on the 16th of February in a 13 point loss to Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Durants.
Could this be because Dirk Nowitzki is putting up MVP-like numbers (29 ppg during this streak), like he always does? Or maybe the fact that Jason Kidd, at 36 years of age, is playing like he is 25 again, averaging 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists per game during this win streak. Don’t forget the key addition of two-time All-Star Caron Butler, who is a living hell for any defender, and big-man Brendan Haywood. Since their arrival at the trade-deadline, the Mavericks are 10-1, and riding a 10-game win streak.
Whatever it is that is surging the Mavericks, they could not be defeated, Friday night against the Sacramento Kings, even with the loss of probable 6th Man of the Year and team’s second leading scorer (OFF THE BENCH) Jason Terry, and Haywood, who is averaging a 10 points and 10 rebounds per game since arriving in Big D. Both were out due to injury.
They were also without head coach Rick Carlisle, who was ejected after his second technical foul, in the second quarter while arguing numerous non-calls on Nowitzki. You tell ‘em Rick.
Friday night, Nowitzki, who cashed in for 31 points and 12 boards was the hero along with rookie Roddy Beuabois. Beaubois, who averages a mere 11 minutes per game, had to fill in for Terry and scored 22 points in 24 minutes off the bench. This ignited the Mavs to a 108-100 scrappy win over the Tyreke Evans and the Kings.
R-BB’s* performance proved pivotal in the Mavs’ success. The promising young-gun energized the team.
With R-BB having the game of his life/career, their line-up was extremely altered. Getting significant playing time at the shooting-guard position, this caused the Mavs to play small. One of their best combinations they found was when they had back-up point-guard JJ Barea playing point-guard, R-BB at the two, and Kidd playing small-forward. This also caused starting small-forward Shawn Marion to switch between small-forward and center.
The game came down to the wire, as it was within two points, with 1:36 left to go, but the Mavs snuck away with their 10th straight, leading the NBA in active win streaks.
R-BB had 17 points in 30 minutes of play the game prior to this against the Minnesota Timberwolves, so as the Mavs continue to roll, look for R-BB to get some serious playing time, with the two-week absence of Terry.
As long as the Mavs topple the Chicago Bulls tonight, which shouldn’t be too hard, I see a potential 15-game win streak for the Mavs. Chicago being 11, then Minnesota again, and then they play host to the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Bulls once again. These should all be easy wins, but reality will kick in on the 20th when they match up against the Boston Celtics. Enjoy it while it lasts Big D.
*I’m referring to Roddy Beaubois as R-BB from now on. Nobody wants to type “Beaubois” ten times in one column. Nobody.
And1 is the best of all time. Sucks that they broke up.
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