The Mavericks shot 51.7% from the floor tonight and they got off to a great start as they led 66-44 at the half before cruising to a really easy victory. Dirk Nowitzki led the way for the Mavericks with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Josh Howard also had a nice game with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Devin Harris did a good job of running the show with 17 points, 2 rebounds and 8 assists. The Mavericks improved to 27-12 on the season with this win.

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If Austin Croshere played better the Mavericks could give Nowitzki more rest in the dog days of March and early April. In his last five games Croshere has only shot 34.6% from the floor and he’s only averaged 4.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game.

The Mavericks figured they were getting a decent player that could give them quality minutes off the bench for them when they acquired him in a trade from the Pacers. Croshere has only really had one good game this season for the Mavericks and they expected more from him. He’s been terrible at shooting the ball (36.3% from the floor) and is only averaging 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds this season. As the season goes on they may need him to give them some decent minutes so Josh Howard and Dirk Nowitzki are fresh for the playoffs.

I know that this is nitpicking because of the Mavericks record, but they need more offense from Devin Harris. In his last 6 games he has disappeared from the offense. In those 6 games he’s only averaging 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game and that is simply not enough despite his good defense.

The Mavericks need more from Anthony Johnson off the bench to support Jason Terry and Devin Harris. If Johnson were playing better they could give the starting guards a little break. Johnson has played in 32 games and is averaging 4.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season. He needs to improve his shooting from the floor too as he’s only hitting 41.1%.