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 second half tickets might just sell out.

The intensity, the excitement, the hustle, the defense, the rhythm, and the physicality increase in the second half of recent Maverick games.

It is an exciting time to watch the Mavericks, yet judging by the attendance, the jury is still out on this team.

Let’s not start designing rings.

The Heat played without their star Dwayne Wade, yet managed to stay with the Mavericks all game long. They came in with the league’s second longest active winning streak though, after winning in overtime the previous night for their fifth straight win.

Less than a week into the second half of the season, I’m struggling coming up with a point guard that is playing better than Jason Kidd. His play has simply been incredible.

There is no doubt that Kidd is the heartbeat of the Mavericks, and right now that heart looks young and healthy.

J.J. Barea needs to become someone that Carlisle can count on to be more than simply a two minute space eater while Kidd gets a quick rest. The lack of a back-up point guard that Carlisle has faith in is very evident. Some one is going to need to rise to the opportunity.

If Kidd is the heart of the team, no question Butler and Haywood are the lungs. Together Butler and Haywood have breathed new life into the Mavericks. Haywood collected his first double-double as a Maverick, and Butler scored 20 points.

Dirk had 28 to lead the Mavericks, and Kidd ended up with 21 points and 11 assists leading the Mavericks to a 97-91 win.

A familiar picture of Jason Kidd with a ball in his hand, yet can't blame him for looking for help off the bench to give him a rest