The Dallas Mavericks finally got that elusive home win on Friday against Memphis, making them 1-4 at the American Airlines Center, but more importantly it extended their winning streak to four games.
Now with three days to rest before Indiana comes to town, the Mavs feel as though they're building some chemistry and consistency, although in waves. Their performances might start to level out with a favorable schedule ahead. Considering the entire Southwest Division is struggling, the Mavs find themselves one game under .500, but just two games out of the division lead.
"It's all beginning to come together for this," said backup guard J.J. Barea is starting to get more traction in the rotation. "We're working hard and really playing together as a team."
Friday's game started a stretch of nine of 11 games are at home. Back-to-back games at the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento after Thanksgiving precedes a string of eight in a row at home from Dec. 2 -- Dec. 15.
Three of those games are against the Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Bobcats and Oklahoma City Thunder.
MAVERICKS 91, GRIZZLIES 76: Jason Kidd scored eight of his 21 points in third quarter and Dirk Nowitzki scored 11 of his game-high 25 points in the decisive period that saw the Mavs break open a 44-41 lead at halftime. Jason Terry added 20 points, including 15 in the first half. The Mavs didn't score more than 24 points in any quarter, but they defense was there again, holding Memphis to 37.3 percent shooting, the third straight opponent held to less than 40 percent.
