Blast Off!

Texas is truly the NBA mecca of basketball. If you haven’t checked ESPN’s NBA power rankings lately, there are three Texas teams in the top four. On top are the Mavericks, followed by the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs in third and fourth respectably. The Suns' ten-game win streak is the only thing that is keeping the Lone Star State trio of Dallas, Houston and San Antonio from occupying the first three slots.

Last night was redemption time for the Mavericks as they lost to their Houston rivals by 30+ points earlier in the season. The Mavs needed to make a statement by showing the Rockets who the king of Texas really was.

Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard played their usual starring roles, combined 58 points, and Devean George made some big plays off the bench. Devean George slowed McGrady in the second half and he also hit the consecutive 3-pointers that sent the Mavs rolling toward a 109-96 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.

George was 4-of-5 on 3-pointers, including a pair that started a 15-2 spurt that helped the Mavericks tie it. The Rockets hardly challenged him as they could keep up with the fast paced game of Dallas’.

The Mavericks have won five straight games and 18 of 19. The Rockets had won four straight and nine of 10.

Nowitzki, who was named the conference player of the week earlier in the day, cracked 30 points for the sixth time in nine games. Ever since switching back to the leather ball, Dirk has been shooting a lights out 50% from the field. Guess that whole ball thing really was bothering the players? Just another reason why David Stern hates the Mavericks! I was just joking Mr. Stern.

Dallas DID avenge that 31-point loss at Houston earlier this season and tightened its claim as the hottest team in Texas.

This Maverick team is playing playoff energy basketball and nothing right now will stop them. Could another thirteen game winning streak be in the question, well with this team any height can be achieved.