Mavs 110 Sonics 91 Grades: ?Lot of Energy There? The Mavs played the Sonics to a tie at 12-all tonight before Avery called his first timeout. Avery got their attention as the Mavs went on a 20-2 run before the Sonics woke up again. Unfortunately, the Mavs attention didn?t extend into the second period where the Sonics turned the tables on the Mavs to close within 3 points at the half. The Mavs started out the third period in trouble with DeSagana picking up his fourth foul on the first play, but Erick came in and had one of his best games of the year as the Mavs never looked back. For the fourth game in a row, the Mavs were led, not by Dirk, but by Josh Howard. Dirk wasn?t even the second leading scorer tonight as Jason took that honor. Then again, the Mavs had six in double figures tonight. Bring on the PWT! Johnson: A, Avery may finally be getting through to some of his players. The Mavs out rebounded the Sonics 50-37 thanks mainly to 17 offensive rebounds. Dirk even had 2 offensive boards (of course they were tips of his own missed tips). Even Jerry was playing defense tonight. Howard: A-, Josh has led the Mavs in scoring for the last four games, tonight with 23 points (10-18 FG, 1-2 treys, 2-3 FT) to go with 8 rebounds. +23 Nowitzki: B, Dirk scored 17 points (8-19 FG, 0-0 treys, 1-2 FT) in 36 minutes combined with 8 rebounds. +14 Diop: B+, DeSagana was limited with foul trouble, but no fear, Erick more than made up it. DeSagana had 6 rebounds, 3 of them offensive. Zero turnovers. +9 Griffin: B; Adrian once again didn?t fill up his box, but Griffin still had a major impact in slowing down the Sonics. +10 Terry: A-, Jason was money in the first half, as Jerry loves playing against his hometown team, the Sonics. +20 Stackhouse: A, I had to replay the DVR several times, but there it was in front of me. Yes, Jerry was playing amazing defense. Yes, Jerry was passing the ball, even the no-look variety. Jerry led the team with 7 assists and still managed to score 17 points off the bench?and did I mention Jerry played defense too? +17 Van Horn: B, Keith only scored 4 points, but definitely fit Avery?s model of hustle tonight. +3 Dampier: A+, Erick played like the second best center in the league tonight on his way to 11 points and 14 rebounds. Erick was truly pumped tonight, grabbing a game high 8 offensive rebounds. Erick was the featured post game interview as well as getting props from Avery. Here?s hoping Damp doesn?t get a big head. Zero turnovers. +31 Harris: B+, Devin must be feeling better as this was one of his better outings since injuring his shoulder. Devin knocked down 11 points (3-5 FG, 3-3 FT). +12 Armstrong : B, Darrell got a few minutes to help out at point with Devin struggling so much. +0 M?Benga: C, Essentially a DNP with only a minute at the end of the game. +0 Daniels: DNP-CD. Powell: DNP-CD. Marshall : DNP-Inactive, Rawle has been sent to the Fort Worth Flyers (NBDL) to get playing time. Podkolzin: DNP-Inactive, Pavel had surgery to repair his right foot. Typical Chef Ed Type
