Source: http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/1178198.html
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Dallas Mavericks look forward to six-game challenge
Posted on Mon, Feb. 02, 2009 / By DAVID MOORE
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Rick Carlisle called his team together before the first game
of this Florida getaway. His message was concise.
Seven games remained until the All-Star break. He challenged the Mavericks to
finish on a positive note and strive for consistency.
One down, six to go.
As the Mavericks conclude a two-game road trip tonight against the Orlando
Magic, they will try to build on their performance against Miami.
The Heat faced what coach Erik Spoelstra called "a highly motivated,
inspired" team in its 111-96 loss. The Mavericks shot 60.3 percent from the
field and never trailed after the game’s first four minutes.
Miami’s Dwyane Wade said it was the best he’s ever seen an NBA team shoot
the ball.
A schedule with two games in the last seven days has afforded the Mavericks
additional practice time. The defensive focus has been on containing the
ball. The offensive focus has been on the team’s transition offense.
"Most teams in this league are going to play better when you have quality
practice time," Carlisle said. "We’re no different.
"It’s not a cure-all by any stretch, but it allows us to address things that
have been problematic."
Here’s something else that’s problematic: The six opponents the Mavericks
face before the All-Star break are a combined 39 games over .500.
"There are a lot of great challenges out there for us," forward Dirk Nowitzki
said. "We’ve got to respond."
An offensive rush
The Mavericks have averaged 114 points and shot 54.5 percent from the field
in their last two games. That’s nearly 14 points above their season average.
The numbers coincide with Rick Carlisle’s decision to turn the play-calling
duties over to Jason Kidd.
"Him and coach got together and figured out that’s the best way for us to
play," guard Antoine Wright said. "Sometimes we have a tendency to just force
it into Dirk.
"J-Kidd is doing a better job of keeping our offense balanced. He puts
everyone in the right position to get easy baskets."
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