Mavericks come back strongly for the win after being down by 17.

DALLAS -- The Mavericks are now 5-2, thanks to their strong second half play. ESPN has a short game recap.

The Mavericks scared me a little in the first half. Their defense was lacking, they could not find the basket very much, and Brooks was running circles around them. They dug themselves in the 17 point deficit pretty early. But towards the end of the second quarter, they picked it up and started looking the postseason contender I dream for every season. They ended the first half strongly, and although they were still down, they had the Rockets on their heels.

Shawn Marion was not all himself in the first half. Yes he was doing well, but not the level I'm used to seeing (like when he was a Sun). The starting five did well as well our bench. I saw some players I was unfamiliar with.

The second half was a completely different story. The Mavericks came alive. They started hitting more shots, driving to the basket, smothering the Rockets offense, and slowly pulled away. Eventually they were up so much (and the game so close to being over), coach emptied the bench and we got a look at some other players that we usually don't see; i.e. the ones who only play when there's a huge lead.

All in the all, the game minus the first half, was very well played. The Rockets started strongly, then started to wane. The Mavs didn't let up and kept making plays and scoring. Dampier played very well and I was impressed. Usually he has me yelling at the screen, but his 20 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 14 points made me smile.

Mavericks play the Spurs tomorrow night on channel 21. If this game against the Rockets had me nervous in the beginning, I can't imagine what this Spurs match-up will do. Till then.

bTb