With starting center Tyson Chandler missing the morning shootaround because of a stomach bug, third-stringer Ian Mahinmi was told to be ready because the Dallas Mavericks were going to need his athleticism to keep pace with the Golden State Warriors. Fourth-stringer Alexis Ajinca? He was just hoping to pitch in. The pair of French big men ended up playing a huge role in the Mavericks' 105-100 victory Tuesday night. Mahinmi had 12 points and a career-high 10 rebounds and Ajinca had three points and a career-high six rebounds to lift Dallas to its 10th straight victory. "Hard work pays," Mahinmi said. "We're going to keep doing that. It's great for both of us." Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points, Jason Terry had 20 and Caron Butler 19 for the Mavericks, but that's expected. Coach Rick Carlisle couldn't have predicted how active, energetic and productive the two deep reserves were, especially considering how little they had played. Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=301207006
