The Mavericks cannot continue to get into shootouts.

Once again the Mavericks were playing without Brendan Haywood, Erick Dampier, and Jason Terry. To add insult to injury, less than two minutes into the game Dirk Nowitzki picked up his second foul and had to take a seat on the bench for most of the first half.

Through it all, the Mavericks deserve some credit for doing what it takes to win ballgames.

The most interesting part of the winning streak is watching players filling voids. With Dirk on the bench, the rest of the team’s shots not falling, Shawn Marion filled the scoring void scoring a career high 29 points and 14 rebounds.

The Mavericks adapted their style of play to the players on their nine man bench. An up tempo, quick outlets, and drive the lane style of play got the Mavericks their 12th straight game.

J.J. Barea limped off the court a few minutes left in the game after rolling his ankle. With the injury woes the Mavericks are currently going through, it’s tough not to think positive. Early indications though are it’s simply a rolled ankle.

Nowitzki had 24 points in limited minutes due to his foul trouble, and Caron Butler continued to be a contributor with 23 points as the Mavericks beat the Timberwolves 125-112 in front of a half full Target Center.

The schedule makers have done the Mavericks a huge favor. The Mavericks will get some time off in a long stretched out home stand against sub .500 teams.

New Jersey at the AA Center on Wednesday night is the next opponent. Its also Jason Kidd bobble head night.

The Mavericks won, 112-109, and that’s all that counts.

The Timberwolves were playing their second straight game without their star Al Jefferson, who is currently suspended for his DUI arrest. Despite being without Jefferson, the Timberwolves were tough to shake. Corey Brewster led the Wolves with 24 points.

Rod Beaubois was called on to provide a spark, and he lit a fire. “Coach told J.J. and I to be ready to step up not only tonight, but the rest of the way. I wanted to prove I’m able to be counted on.”

With a tight game down the stretch, Beaubois was the guy Carlisle went with. “I went with my gut. It could have easily been J.J. out there, but Roddy’s energy was outstanding.” Beaubois proved Carlisle’s gut feeling was the right choice as Beaubois finished with 17 points, 11 in the first half.

Jason Terry paced the Mavericks with 26 points, followed by Dirk’s 22 and Shawn Marion’s 17. A true team wide effort led to the win.

Dirk summed up the feeling in the locker room after a physical game. “We’re probably one of the deepest teams in the league right now. We love to be play together and hopefully we can continue to improve and be right there in the playoffs.”

The Mavericks stayed a half game ahead of the Denver Nuggets for the second position in the playoff race.

Mavericks staying put

Despite being a Maverick favorite, the Mavericks have no intention of signing the recent released Michael Finley. “We like our team right now, and do not want to screw anything up,” Donnie Nelson said.