Mavericks Playbook
"It's December now and it's not really that early anymore. At some point, you've got to have a little sense of urgency. We've made a couple of steps in the right direction."
HOUSTON -- After a recent nine-game stretch that included only three victories, the Mavericks took a look at themselves and saw a dour team.
So they decided to get happy.
They also decided to approach the season in five-game increments. Setting a short term goal with a smile on their collective faces apparently is working, because they finished their first five-game stretch 4-1.
That included consecutive victories on consecutive night in different cities. And nothing makes Avery Johnson happier than winning on the second night. The Mavericks are 3-3 in such games this year. Read more