--G Antoine Wright opened the season as the starter at shooting guard and says it's primarily because of his defense. And while he knows he won't be the first option offensively, the 6-7 Wright says he knows he has to make the opponent work on both ends of the floor.

"A lot of times when we're playing against those teams with the Kobes and Tracy McGradys of the world, we're going to have to make those guys play on both ends of the floor," Wright said. "Hopefully that will wear them down a little bit, but I think that's going to be a key to games like that."

Wright didn't fare well in the season opener against the Rockets. He had two points on 1-of-6 shooting and two turnovers in 17 minutes.

--F Brandon Bass says coach Rick Carlisle has gained more and more confidence in his ability to play not only power forward but center, two vastly different set of responsibilities in Carlisle's motion offense.

"He hasn't said anything particular, but I have a feel that he's confident in certain things I do," Bass said. "Those are the things I want to come out and be consistent and do positively and try to add other things."

Bass, 6-8, saw a good chunk of time defending Rockets center Yao Ming in Thursday's opener, with mixed results. At the other end, Bass was determined to battle Yao at the rim. Twice Yao recorded blocks while Bass won one battle with a hard-fought dunk. --F Dirk Nowitzki says he was surprised last season when he was the only player who significantly benefited from Jason Kidd's presence. It appears that combination is still working fine. Nowitzki poured in 36 points in the opener against Houston on 11-of-19 shooting.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G/F Devean George (left hand) will miss at least two games with an injury that has no specific diagnosis. He's been wearing a splint wrapped in an ace bandage.