If the Mavericks needed proof that they don't stink, they found it on their 3-0 road trip. Now they can go about the business of acquitting themselves in front of the home folks.
The Mavericks returned home smelling rosy and hope that fragrance will start eliminating the stench that has been wafting through American Airlines Center every time they have taken their home court. This is a situation that calls for drastic action - or a visit by the Memphis Grizzlies, the only team below the Mavericks in the Southwest Division standings.
"We've got to get a home win," said Jason Kidd. "We played some pretty good Basketball on the road. Now we've got to take that home."
With nine of their next 11 games at AAC, the Mavericks had better be good at home.
They are playing better than they were the last time the home crowd had to watch them. They have lost at home to Houston, Cleveland, Orlando and the Los Angeles Lakers. All of those teams are playoff contenders and, perhaps, championship contenders.
The upcoming opponents? Not so much. After Memphis, the Indiana Pacers come in. After a quick trip to play the Lakers and Sacramento, the Mavericks' season-high seven-game homestand begins with the LA Clippers.
Interestingly, the Mavericks are playing consecutive games in the same city for the first time this season. Each of their first four home games were followed by games on the road.
Despite the wear and tear, the Mavericks seem to have recaptured some mojo. They have shot the ball better in the three-game winning streak and are playing with more focus.
That's what a five-game losing streak will do to a team. Winning is a habit, and the Mavericks finally decided it was a habit they didn't want to break.
"Those five losses in a row really seemed like a month," Dirk Nowitzki said. "When you're used to winning so much like we were - and we've been blessed with winning over the last five, six years - it wears on you, coaches and players. The atmosphere is not the same.
"Nothing beats winning. If you lose all the time, it's not fun to be around a losing program. We had to get it turned around quick. That New York win was big. We found a way to get that win.
"And we all know this league is a lot about confidence. If you have confidence down the stretch, you're going to beat some people."
Howard on the mend: X-rays of Josh Howard's left ankle Thursday revealed no structural damage.
Howard still is experiencing some swelling, but team officials said he was improving. He's listed as day-to-day.
Coach Rick Carlisle said Howard has been as vital as any Maverick when he's played.
"He's been doing everything," Carlisle said. "He's been guarding and getting a lot of rebounds. ... He's just been playing great Basketball."
Howard is second on the team with 8.3 rebounds per game.
Briefly: The Mavericks were rewarded for their winning streak with a day off, although several players came to the gym for treatments. ... Jason Terry's second annual Coat Drive Collection Night is tonight from 5:30 p.m. through the end of the first quarter. The first 100 fans to donate three or more coats or blankets get an autographed Terry photo. Donation bins will be set up at each entrance.
