--Coach Rick Carlisle is finding it difficult to put his trust in guard Gerald Green, mostly because of defensive deficiencies. The young swingman played just 4:39. Green did not play in Tuesday's game against Indiana.
Before then, Green had started five consecutive games at shooting guard, although he never played more than 14 minutes in any of the starts. Green's downfall Friday was two turnovers and two fouls in his brief time in the first quarter. --The Mavs' five-game win streak was stopped at Los Angeles Friday, but the team still feels as if it's headed in the right direction after the disappointing 2-7 start.
Perhaps the adjustment period from previous coach Avery Johnson's isolation-based offense to an up-tempo attack and motion offense in the half court took longer than expected. Dirk Nowitzki said the players are becoming more accustomed to Rick Carlisle's style and tendencies -- and vice versa.
"I think it's just a comfort level with what we're doing. That's really it," Nowitzki said. "We didn't really know what to run, what we were comfortable with in the first couple of games. We know what to do out there a little more.
"When you're comfortable on the court, it shows a lot more. We were able to put ourselves in position where we can make plays and make shots."
--The Mavs were outrebounded for the second consecutive game after winning the board battle in 10 straight games by an average of 7.4 rebounds. The Lakers dominated the offensive glass with 17 rebounds compared to the Mavs' eight offensive rebounds.
"There's a huge rebound differential," coach Rick Carlisle said of Friday's rebounding.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I feel like our guys are gaining confidence that we're becoming a dangerous team." -- Coach Rick Carlisle, on the Mavericks' improving play after a 2-7 start.
