Game Details

  • Tip Off: 5:30 p.m. (PT)
  • Television: CSN-BA

Dallas Mavericks Team Profile

  • Offensive Efficiency: 101.9 (15th in NBA)
  • Defensive Efficiency: 104.4 (22nd in NBA)

Leaders

  • Points: O.J. Mayo, 18 PPG
  • Rebounds: Shawn Marion, 8.3 RPG
  • Assists: Darren Collison, 5.3 APG
  • Steals: Darren Collison, 1.4 SPG
  • Blocks: Elton Brand, 1.3 BPG
  • Field Goal Percentage: Brandan Wright, 61.6% FG
  • 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: O.J. Mayo, 42.5% 3PT FG

Scope the Opposition: The Two Man Game.

Preview: The Dallas Mavericks have morphed this season into an all-name team and none of us are better for it.

There are a multitude of players on the roster whose name once had a huge significance across the NBA landscape because of how great these talents once were.

Dirk Nowitzki is coming from back from injury, thus we can’t say he’s washed up, but he has yet to recapture the level he attained two seasons ago when he led the Mavericks to a title. At present time, as harsh as it may sound, he’s living off his own reputation as the best shooting big man in the game, although that hasn’t been apparent this season.

Vince Carter was once upon a time dubbed Half-Man, Half-Amazing because of his incredible exploits on the basketball court. Whether it was using a Shawty Lo voice and saying Hello to Frederic Weis when jumping over him for an incredible dunk or a barrage of ridiculous game-winning shots, VC was supposed to be the face of the league at some point or another; it just seemed inevitable and yet, it never really happened.

Elton Brand was once the Association’s best offensive rebounder as well as a murderous pick-and-pop player because of his lethal jump shot, but injuries have since changed his effectiveness as well as his game. At present time, he is a role player and really nothing more.

Shawn Marion was at one point the ultimate Swiss army knife when he played alongside Steve Nash; the ultimate security blanket if you will. He snuck in for put backs, cut hard to the basket for terrific finishes, never had plays run for him, rebounded the ball and would defend literally anyone on the court whether a guard or center and did so quite well. Those skills are still present this season, but they are also somewhat diminished given his age.

And lastly there’s Chris Kaman. A big man that often flashed awesome back-to-the-basket skills. He could convert right or left-handed hook shots, had a decent jumper and was at least above average as far as protecting the paint. Many assumed he would make multiple All-Star Game appearances as opposed to his lone selection in 2010.

In a nutshell, the 2012-13 Dallas Mavericks are a team of guys that were once great or really good but that can no longer play as such on a consistent basis. On the occasionally night, anyone one of them can have a huge throwback night, but for the most part what they give on a nightly basis is as good as it gets.

The wildcard in all of this is obviously Dirk. If he regains his form and starts making jumpers rain from all over, watch out. But that hasn’t been the case as of yet this season and that’s one of the biggest reasons that Dallas has a sub-.500 record at this point in the season.

They still have a chance to come back and right the ship, but that one chance rests on Nowitzki’s shoulders.

Hopefully they can make things interesting tonight and for the rest of the season.

Questions or comments? Feel free to leave them in the comments section or you can contact me by email at [email protected].