I guess the Mavericks really, really don't want to play the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.

The last three games, we've seen Dallas play with more urgency and passion on both ends of the court than at any other time this season. Obviously, coach Rick Carlisle has stressed the importance of finishing above 8th in the West.

His players have heard him loud and clear.

It's a lot of fun to watch this team right now. Everything is "extra crispy"- passing, rebounding, high-fiving.

This is a team that finally seems to "get it."

Of course, this could all end very soon. The Mavs remain a streak-shooting team centered around the jump shot. But when they're on...they're on. Perhaps more than any other team in the West not named the Los Angeles Lakers.

Josh Howard is playing at a very high level, surprising because of his nagging ankle injury. The Mavs are holding their collective breath with him, because it could all come crashing down. But give Josh credit for stepping up big, regardless of injury. That's what the Mavs need, in the worst way.

Now, their playoff goals are suddenly in sight. A first-round victory is certainly not unrealistic. A week ago, that didn't appear to be the case.

But the Mavs can't take their foot off the throttle. They've escaped from 8...but could easily drop right back there in the next couple of days. They know they've got a fighting chance to postpone their offseason if they finish above 8th.

And in this torrid Western Conference, can you really ask for anything more?

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