Good things

The Matrix, rebooted

I've been very cautiously impressed with the Dallas Mavericks of late. They've turned their inauspicious start (in my view) and tightened some bolts, made some changes and played better. They played like a true contender in this league.

A thrilling win at home against the Boston Celtics and then taking things out on the Memphis Grizzles, 106-91 last night , has settled things down a bit.

Some good things:

1-8
That was O.J. Mayo's shooting line. Ray Allen went 4-11 Monday night. Both games, Rick Carlisle made a substantial change starting DeShawn Stevenson in place of Jason Terry. A move long overdue in my book because A) I like Stevenson and B) Terry's offense off the bench is vital. Stevenson is an edgy defender, who can shoot. Nothing wrong with that.

2
Turnovers from Jason Kidd against Memphis against 12 assists. He had three turnovers and 10 assists against Boston. that's five turnovers and 22 assists. Eliminating turnovers is important. Dallas is a team that needs some blowouts and keeping the ball helps keep bad teams out of games. Plus, if Kidd is taking care of the ball the entire team will make a pointed effort to do the same.

20
Points from Shawn Marion, who looks borderline reborn compared to last season when he looked old and hurt. This year, he's still a step behind his 2001 self, but he seems healthier and rejuvenated. As if things have kind of clicked with him. He's not always shocking you with insane games, but his minutes have been very efficient.

20
Minutes from Brian Cardinal. This in of itself is not very impressive, but if Cardinal's getting 20 minutes, Dirk Nowitzki's not playing. Dirk hurt his ankle, but returned. Still, his absence was not really noticed as the Mavs played well and kept the Grizz out of it.

14
Finally! Brendan Haywood's turnovers and fouls (6) was outnumbered by his points and rebounds (14). I kid. Slightly.

54
Percent shooting from Jason Terry. He's 50 percent behind the three-point line.