It seems as if Dirk Nowitzki’s words fired the Hornets up and they stung the Mavericks on Saturday. The Mavericks only shot 33.3% from the floor and they were outscored 64-40 in the 2nd half which explains the loss. Dirk Nowitzki backed up his talk with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. Josh Howard was only 4 of 16 from the floor and he finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Jason Kidd finished with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals, but, he didn’t play any defense as Chris Paul finished with 35 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals. Paul also shot 15 of 23 from the floor and if Kidd doesn’t man up on defense against Paul this could be a very short series.