Dirk Nowitzki had 27 points to once again lead the team in scoring. Caron Butler and Rob Beaubois both scored 24, and Shawn Marion chipped in with 18 points. Jason Kidd fell 4 points short of a triple double with 15 assists, 11 rebounds.

It has been said that if opportunity doesn’t knock, to build a door. Beaubois has been given an incredible opportunity with Terry being out for an undetermined time, Rod has walked through that door of opportunity.

Beaubois’ scoring has increased the last three games. On Wednesday it was 17 points, last night it was 22 points, and tonight it was 24. Beaubois got the start alongside Kidd, and set the tone from the beginning.

It’s no coincidence that the opponent’s points per game have gone up in Haywood’s absence. Opponents were averaging 94.1 ppg going into last night’s games, with no Haywood in the middle to control the paint, last night and tonight opponents have scored in triple digits.

The Mavericks fought through the adversity and won their 11th straight game, which ties them for the second longest streak in the NBA this season. They will need to win 3 more games for longest win streak this year, and 8 more if they want to set a club record for consecutive wins in a row.

The Mavericks are winning as a team, playing as a team, and growing closer with every game.

Whether you watch them from press row, cheap seats, or from your couch, the Mavericks look good.

The Mavericks beat the Indiana Pacers handedly 91-82.

The Mavericks were able to provide their starters with a half night’s workload. Jason Kidd was able to get some well deserved rest, as Rod Beaubois was able to get some experience. Monday night also was a night that the Dallas crowd was able to see DeShawn Stevenson play quality minutes.

Both looked good.

Brendan Haywood was outstanding, grabbing a career high 20 boards in really only two quarters of play. Who would have guessed that Haywood would come to Dallas and make such a quick impression? Haywood looks extremely comfortable in a Mavericks jersey.

Dampier is still weeks away from coming back, and even then he will be limited for awhile. Yet one has to get excited watching Haywood play, and fantasizing about if and when Eric Dampier comes back healthy. They could provide a powerful duo.

The crowd saw a lot of Najera, Beaubois, Carroll, Barea, and Stevenson. Carlisle sprinkled in some starters with the second team, and it was obvious that he wanted to give Jason Kidd most of the night off.

One thing this game provided was a look at the back-up point guard position. Rod Beaubois and J.J. Barea both got some court time, and neither one really impressed. The Mavericks are not going to be able to rely so heavily on Kidd night in and night out. There has to be more production from either Barea or Beaubois.

The Mavericks have won 4 straight, and are looking healthy (outside of Dampier), and coming together as a team. These light games are always helpful down the stretch.

The Mavericks will be well rested come Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers come to town.

No sparkle, no shine, no flash. A win is a win though.