One consistent force that we are seeing is Shawn Marion, who had 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists last night. He is also the only player to have played every game this season. He wasn’t the only one with double figures. Marion led five others with double digits as well; Vince Carter had 15 points, Lamar Odom scored 14, Jason Kidd 13, Dirk Nowitzki 12 and Brandan Wright 10.

Feb 15, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks small forward Shawn Marion (0) keeps the ball away from Denver Nuggets small forward Corey Brewer (13) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

They didn’t have the fourth quarter scramble we have been seeing here lately with this team. You know, where every Mav fan is staring at the TV holding their breath trying to figure out what happen to the 15-point lead they’ve had the entire game, because now they are going point for point trying to regain their lead? Yes, that one.

Jason Terry was out with a reoccurring quad-strain, that has apparently been bothering him recently, although it doesn’t appear to be too serious. Only time will tell. Roddy B. was also out last night and will be away for an undetermined amount of time due to the sudden passing of his father.

Delonte West was injured during the game and will be out for an unknown amount of time. He has a gruesome, painful-looking finger injury that had the bone exposed and was gushing blood. He  fractured and dislocated the ring finger on his non-shooting hand during the second quarter of last night’s game against the Nuggets. He has been a key player for the Mavs this season, averaging 8.5 points, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 23 minutes per game while playing a significant amount of time at both guard spots. *Will continue to update you as we learn more on Delonte West’s injury.

With the injuries and absences, Dominique Jones is the only other guard to fill in. He had a season high of 31-minutes, with four points and six assists in his game against the Nuggets. This is Jones’ second year with the Dallas Mavericks. He will undoubtedly be playing in Friday nights game. He has worked hard and I am looking forward to see what he can do.

Jan 27, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks power forward Lamar Odom (7) celebrates a three point shot against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Jazz 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

The starting lineup at the American Airlines Center on Friday night against the Utah Jazz was

• Jason Kidd-2 (G)
• Rodrigue Beaubois-3(G)
• Shawn Marion-0 (O)
• Brendan Haywood-33 (C)
• Lamar Odom-7 (F)

Injuries are taking a toll on our boys in blue and white.

Dirk Nowitzki was still out with a sore knee.

West out with a hamstring strain.

Carter sprained left foot but he did play.

Jason Kidd started the game but was out shortly after with reportedly a right calf strain, apparently occurring early in the game.

The Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz on the road last week (1-19/94-91) and we can say many thanks to Marvelous Marion. He has been on fire and at the top of his game. With Dirk being hampered and Odom struggling, Marion has taking charge and been magnificent offensively. Over the last five games (stats prior to last nights game) he is  averaging about 18 points per game, is shooting 54% from the floor, and averaging a very good 8 rebounds per game.

What I am loving about this Dallas team is seeing all these guys step up and take the lead. Not just one guy, like Marion did with the Suns, scoring his season high of 29 points with a 93-87 win.

Last night our leaders were Beaubois and Odom; Beaubois had a season-high 22 points and Odom added 19 points, his most since joining the Mavericks, to lead Dallas to a 116-101 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

Beaubois lead the team Friday, which was nice to see, 9 for 15 from the floor and also had seven assists, six rebounds and four blocked shots.

Odom was much more aggressive on the floor, offensively and did a great job stepping up his game, he converted three 3-pointers and went 7 for 12 from the floor.

Exactly what this Dallas team needed.

No doubt.

Touching back on Jason Kidd, who did start the game, but was out and into the locker room very early on in the first quarter with reportedly a strained right calf, which prompted Beaubois in and he did not disappoint.

Also contributing was Jason Terry with 18 points, Shawn Marion had 16 points and Brendan Haywood added 12 points and 12 rebounds for Dallas.

Love reporting a victory!

Chat with me on Twitter before, during and after game times @amberseymoretx, #LetsGoMavs.