Break out your Brooms, It's a sweep

By Mo Diaby
Since the formation of the Superfriends (Wade, Lebron, and Bosh), the trip to Florida has been much more terrifying for western teams. The trip has undoubtedly always involved, a matchup against 2 of the leagues' better talents (Wade and Dwight Howard). However both teams in Florida have gone through significant roster upgrades this season. (At least on paper, they have).

Heading into the week, The Mavs knew they were going to see a different effort from both teams on what figured to be one of the more challenging back to back games on their annual calendar. After all, the Heat came in on monday, riding a 12 game winning streak that had them convinced their previous woes were long behind them.

The team the Mavs defeated nearly a month ago, sending them into a 45 minutes player-only meeting, had transformed into a fast pace juggernaut on offense and a stifling defensive team, that won 12 straight games with a point differential of +9.6 points.

The game was a game of runs and it was clear after the first half, that the victor of the game would be the team that was able to impose their defensive will on the other. While the game stayed close, Jason Terry caught fire in the 4th scoring all 19 of his points and putting the Superfriends to rest.

The Mavs however, had little time to pat each other on the backs, as they followed that win with a matchup versus the New Look Magic; Who over the weekend, had executed a blockbuster trade sending out: Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus, Rashard Lewis and Marcin Gortat for an  incoming: Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, Gilbert Arenas and Earl Clark.

Dirk entered the night needing just 10 points to tie Larry Legend himself, Larry Bird, for 25th Most points scored all time in the NBA. The big German wasted little time starting the game hot, and as usual the Mavs took an early lead.

A mini run by the Magic, brought the game closer, but the Mavs kept a steady dose of balanced attack by Caron Butler and Deshawn Stevenson, both of whom combined for 12 made 3pt-shots.

Jason Kidd and Tyson Chandler also contributed to the scoring; Jason Kidd finished the game with his 3rd double-double of the season, and Tyson Chandler consistently rocked the rim with two handed jams.

Much through the night, the buzz was about Dirk closing in on Larry Birds' record. However, it wasn't until the 4th quarter that Dirk hit a 3pt-shot to settle the record breaking watch.

With that settled, the Mavs extended their lead late into the 4th. However, they weren't home-free yet, as the Hot 3pt shooting Magic team had one last run in them. A clutch 3pt shot, with 24.6 seconds to go, brought the game margin to within 2. But as has been the case lately, the Mavs stepped to the Free throw line and iced the game away, and completing the FLA sweep.

Classy move of the Night: Coach Carlisle on Larry Bird reaching out to him:
"I just got a text message from Larry right as the game ended saying to congratulate Dirk and that he's always been a huge fan," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. "They've had a chance to spend some time together. I'm sure he's going to text Dirk and I'm sure that will be very meaningful for Dirk."