an eighth consecutive game Tuesday at Charlotte.

Four players are averaging at least 7.0 rebounds a game, including

leading rebounder Josh Howard (8.8 a game), who has four games of

double-digit rebounds. He's on pace to eclipse last season's career

high of 7.0 rebounds. The Mavericks out-rebounded Charlotte Tuesday,

50-34.

"We are showing signs in recent games of getting better on the

boards," coach Rick Carlisle said.

--The Mavericks are getting strong play from Josh Howard since

returning from a sprained left wrist. In his last four games, he's

averaging 24.5 points and 9.5 rebounds.

"I'm really trying to stay focused, play hard and help my team

win," Howard said. "I'm not used to the losing so I just need to make

sure that I'm doing my part."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Every guy wants to play. And for a guy to be able

to say, 'You know what, I'll take one for the team,' you know how hard

that is for a guy?" -- Mark Cuban, on Jerry Stackhouse's reluctance to

accept a reduced role with the Mavs.