Dallas Mavericks Roundtable: Week Five

What do you think is the key difference in the Mavericks winning these games?

Blake: The Mavs have been playing more of a team game on offense, and are creating more turnovers on the defensive end. Those have been the two major differences during their last seven games.

Janet: Jason Terry staying hot the whole week and the coaching by Carlisle & Crew.  Personally I think they must be hitting J-HO's stash, because the lineup combos have been crazy and aggressive.

But I like it! They need to still be trying to get Gerald Green minutes. Cupcake has got to make the most of his chances; other guys are hungry for those minutes too.

Waleed: Better defense and the fact that Jason Terry is shooting lights out. Also, the bench has played far better. But I'm just worried if the bench can be consistent. Can Barea play the way he did again? The same goes for George, Wright, etc.

Alex: While Wright is finally giving them production at the two, Jason Terry is the reason that they've been winning.

He's always been a great character guy, he gets the crowd and the team fired up, and he's been great about having his minutes moved around to help the team.

But when he's hitting jumpers, he's got one of the best strokes in the league. The last time he was the legit No. 2 guy, Dallas went to the Finals.

I think J.J. Barea has been phenomenal during the win streak. Barea is really benefiting from watching someone like Kidd. He's passing well, he's driving to the lane, he's also playing pretty good defense for a guy that's barely 5'10".

The bench as a whole is making good strides, which is taking the pressure off of Kidd and Dirk. During the losing streak, especially when Kidd was out, the offense would cease to exist, leading to holes that the starters struggled to overcome.

This week's games:

Clippers @ Mavs

Blake: The Mavs need to start defending their home court. It would be a great way to start the seven-game home stand with a win. I think the Mavs can do it, and also get a look at Chris Kaman (a potential Mav before the trade deadline). Mavericks win by 10.

Janet: Revenge against the Clippers will be sweet, streak to two wins easy.

Waleed: Mavericks beat the Clippers up 105-88.

Alex: While Baron Davis was never intimidated by the AAC crowd, he can't do it himself. Hopefully Chris Kaman likes what he sees in Dallas (and vice-versa), but the Mavs win relatively easily. Mavericks win: 95-80.

Suns @ Mavs

Blake: This rivalry will still be heated, and it will be an exciting game to watch. The Suns have been hot and cold so far this season, so it will all depend if Damp, Singleton, and Diop can play above their potential and stop the inside game of the Suns. I don't think they can do it, and the Mavericks lose by 12.

Janet: The biggest challenge is the Suns. Dirk usually has big games against them.  Close game, win streak at three.

Waleed: Jason Terry scores 40+ for the win (like Wade and Harris) 102-98

Alex: The Suns scare me the least out of the "contenders." While Shaq is a shadow of his former self, something tells me that Dampier/Diop won't be able to stop him on the inside. If Terry keeps it up, and the bench can outplay Phoenix's bench, Dallas should win this one at home. Mavericks win again 104-100.

Hawks @ Mavs

Blake: After the loss to the Suns, the Mavs come out focused against the Hawks. It will be a close game, but the Mavericks prevail after coming from behind. Dallas wins by three.

Janet: Another big win takes the new streak to four.

Waleed: Dirk's line: 33 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists. Mavs win 93-89

Alex: A young Hawks team comes out and punches the Mavs in the mouth. While Dallas wakes up after a slow first quarter, they struggle to get within six, and the Hawks steal the game. Dallas drops this one: 93-100.

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