Jason Kidd: Enjoying the ride However, that one was a big one.
The Dallas Mavericks halted its second 12-game win streak by beating the Miami Heat (in Miami ... a city of so many ghosts) 98-96 last night.
I think you can pencil the Mavericks into the top rung of teams for 2010-11. We talk as if the Mavericks have stunk the last decade or something. The Mavericks are really good every year. However, there's a different buzz this season.
I think it's a lot of Tyson Chandler, by far the most significant addition to this team since Jason Kidd. Some is Dirk Nowitzki's silly season despite apparently entering the "twilight" of his career.
I think some credit is due to Shawn Marion. Every game he brings something. It's typically a little of a lot of things. Last night it was 13 rebounds in a game where only Chandler hit double-digits and the Mavericks narrowly outrebounded the Heat 48-44. I'd love the 2000-01 Marion, but he no longer exists. I'll deal with the 2010-11 Marion.
The biggest reason the Mavericks are a team of note is defense. They held the Heat to 40 percent shooting. Dwayne Wade and Lebron James were a collective 14-34. The Miami bench went 7-25 from the field.
You will win 99 percent of all games where you hold an opponent to 40 percent shooting.
Welcome to the stage, Mavericks. It's fascinating to see what the next 50-odd games will bring.
