Making Do Through Injuries

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Injuries are a part of the NBA. Just ask the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat.

The Mavericks aren't immune. Jerry Stackhouse has yet to play this season, and Josh Howard and Jason Terry have been injured in the past two weeks. And don't forget Doug Christie, even if the Mavs have.

But through the manpower losses, the Mavs have avoided a decline with whatever lineup coach Avery Johnson pieces together.

"We're really holding our head above water here because we're missing key guys," Keith Van Horn said. "People don't realize how much we miss Jerry and Jason and Josh. You're talking about 45 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists a game. That's a big part of our team."

The one part the Mavs can't afford to lose for an extended period is Dirk Nowitzki. The All-NBA power forward is playing at his best during the current three-game winning streak, averaging 32 points on 55 percent shooting and 8.3 rebounds per game.

Knowing he has to shoulder the offensive load, Nowitzki scored 31 of the Mavs' 84 points in their grinding nine-point win Tuesday at Indiana. The Mavs (13-5) also won Monday at Chicago and are 7-3 on the road.

"We're just holding the fort down until everybody gets back," Nowitzki said. "It's good to know that even with the injuries we have, we can go out on the road and win some big games. We all buckled down defensively and fought for each other."

Nowitzki might be doing the heavy lifting, but certainly isn't doing it alone.

Marquis Daniels is averaging 15 points, and nearly six rebounds and four assists since Howard sprained his ankle. Before injuring his hamstring, Terry was averaging 25 points over the previous four games.

Erick Dampier is displaying some spunk inside, averaging 8.7 rebounds in the past 11 games. Adrian Griffin is providing a physical presence at small forward.

Harris has responded to Terry's absence with 28 points and 15 assists in the past two games. Van Horn continues to score off the bench. And then there's guard Darrell Armstrong, the ultimate change of pace.

"I know what my role is here. I'm an energy player for this team," he said. "Avery likes to go to me when we're not playing well or behind. He's going to throw me in.

"I just have to stay ready and keep the motor running. He's done that a couple times this year. I don't have to shoot the basketball to be effective."

Finding other ways to contribute had been the model for several role players.

"Everybody has their nicks throughout the season, we're just catching ours at the beginning," Harris said. "We just have to fight through it. We're still winning games. Hopefully when we get healthy, it will make us that much better."</div>

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