MyDallasMavs: Mavs Get Their 8th Straight Win

Last night, the Mavericks returned to the AAC to play the Indiana Pacers, beating them 116-108. This is now their 8th straight win and they have won 18 of their last 19 games.

Once again the Mavs couldn't have done it without Dirk or Jason Terry. Dirk, who had what was almost a perfect game, shot 10-12 from the field with 29 points. Terry had 21 points and 6 assists off the bench. They both worked together to pull away in the final minutes of the game.

Tyson Chandler sat out again due to his sprained right ankle that he hurt in Tuesday night's game in Philadelphia. Brendan Haywood started in his place.

Corey Brewer played his first game as a Maverick but missed his only two free throws and fouled out quickly.

The first quarter ended in close quarters as Dallas was only up 35-33, but their outstanding defense played a key role in the first half, ending it with the Mavs up 68-57. They put up a season high for points in any half on 63% shooting from the floor. Nowitzki had 16 points in the first half, Beaubois racked up 13 and Kidd added 9, hitting three of four 3-pointers.

The Mavs' lead was as big as 14 points in the third quarter but they couldn't hold off the Pacers as they pulled within 101-98 when Collison hit a 3-pointer with 3:24 left.

Terry hit back-to-back 15-foot jumpers with 2:29 left. Kidd then hit two free throws to push Dallas' lead to 107-98.

The Mavs' offense was exceptional but their defense was not consistent until the fourth quarter, where the Pacers missed 13 of 22 from the field and had four turnovers.

Of the Mavs' 26 fourth quarter points, Terry had 8 and Dirk had 7. Down the stretch, they both hit some big shots and Indiana was not able to stop either of them.

The Mavs played an aggressive fourth quarter, holding off the Pacers, and winning it 116-108.

Once again, five Dallas players scored in double figures. Aside from Dirk and Terry, Kidd had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, Roddy had 13 points, and Haywood had 10 points and 5 rebounds.

For the Pacers, Granger led the team with 22 points. Collison had 17, McRoberts had 15, Hansbrough had 13, Hibbert had 11 and Rush had 10.

Next, the Mavs will face the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday night at the AAC.