It was only fitting that I was mining Maverick first half fools gold against the Nuggets.

Josh Howard scores 20 points in the first half, the Mavs are pushing the tempo, moving the ball, slashing to the hoop, and making shots. Maybe they can hang in there until Dirk gets back. Maybe they can put some distance between themselves and the Nuggets and release some of the pressure they're no doubt feeling. Maybe they can score half as many points in the second half as the first...MAYBE NOT!!!

Once the Nuggets shots began falling in the second half, and the Mavericks couldn't push the ball as much in transition the offense simply grinded to a halt. And here's the lesson to learn. Unless this team (without Dirk) is trying to penetrate and get the ball in the lane and toward the rack, they will struggle. When things tighten up in the 3rd and 4th quarters, they don't have that consistent scoring option. Josh Howard is a nice player, but when the drive is not there and he's one on one having to settle for a jumpshot - its a crap shoot. And with the competition level in the Western conference, I'm not sure if the odds are in your favor, if that's what your gambling on.

The Mavericks have 10 games left (here's the schedule) and after what I saw against the Nuggets, I'm afraid it could get ugly.

What do you think?

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