Strength in Numbers

By Mo Diaby
With the holiday hangover done, the Mavs looked to regain the intensity they had going into the break. A break which allowed the team, mostly comprised of veterans, a 5-day break from action as well as time off with their families.

The Mavs head coach, Rick Carlisle, didn't make the trip to Oklahoma after having Arthroscopic sugery on his knee. Another Mavs player missing was Brian Cardinal, who was out with an illness.

With that said, the Mavs started this out slow, but went on a big run immediately after that. Dirk, jumped out with a 11 points  performance with a little over 9 minutes left in the 2nd Quarter. However, in a very scary moments for the Mavs, Dirk came down awkwardly after being fouled by Serge Ibaka. After shooting his free throws, the Mavs superstar was led to the locker room to examine his injury, which was thought to be a knee injury.

As they have shown all season, the Mavs saddled up their defense and looked at Caron Butler, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry to lead their offense. As the Coaches and players have preached all season long, their bench proved to be more than enough to supplement the scoring output, they lost with Nowitzki out.

Six players scored in double figures, led by 21 point from Caron Butler and 20 from Shawn Marion. As has been the case recently, with the game tight during the 4th Quarter, Mr. 4th quarter himself, Jason Terry, closed the game out by pouring in 11 points in the 4th to close the game out.

Notable Contributions:
Alexis Ajinca - stepped in briefly at the PF position and made a contested 3pt shot to keep the Mavs in the game(79-80) during the 3rd Quarter.

Tyson Chandler - had a quiet 7pts and 10rebs but altered many shots including a late attack at the basket attempt by Russell westbrook which sent the young PG out of the game. (He was alright after the game)

Tweets after game:

Caron Butler:  "That was a huge win for us coming off the break let's keep it going 2marr... Another challenge"

Shawn Marion: "great team win get that knee right @swish41 (Dirk)that's whats up"


Dirk: "Thx for askin everybody. I will be ok. Got an mri 2mor mornin. Great win. guys came through bigtime and defense down the stretch was sick"

Great note from Eddie sefko from DMN about Dirk's evening after he took off for the locker room found here