--F Dirk Nowitzki's grit seeped into the most of the team, which was trying to extend the series to Game 6 back in Dallas on Thursday. Other than winning Game 3 in Dallas, the focus and tenacity had never been better. It was what Avery Johnson hoped to see and the players hoped to show after running their own practice Monday.

"The effort was great," Nowitzki said. "We just didn't play well enough to win. In Game 4 when we lost at home, we needed that effort."

--F Brandon Bass and his broad-shoulder stubbornness helped give the Mavs a fighting chance in Game 5. The backup power forward refused to quit on any rebound or any chance to score in the post. Saying the former Hornet took it up strong is putting it mildly.

"I wanted to win," Bass said. "We wanted to win. But I wish the Hornets the best. I've still got a lot of friends over there. They're pretty good. I thought we could win it every night, but every night they kind of got the edge on us. Chris Paul and all the supporting cast, they made plays."

--G Jason Kidd was not suspended for Game 5 Tuesday night. He was ejected in the fourth quarter of Game 4 for a Flagrant 2 against Hornets guard Jannero Pargo.

Attempting to stop Pargo on the break, Kidd pulled down the diminutive guard by the back of the neck. Pargo caught himself before hitting the floor and was not hurt.

The league office reviews all flagrant fouls and reserves the right to impose additional punishment.