Van Exel, LaFrentz to return

Eddir Sefko of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Dallas Mavericks won’t have to play short handed any longer. Even though they have sprinted to a 14-0 record before finally losing to the Pacers, they have only been playing with an 8-man rotation.

With the return of Raef LaFrentz and Nick Van Exel from the injured list, the Mavs will have more options off the bench. Both players will be in uniform on Saturday against Chicago. "We're playing at a real high level right now, and I expect that to continue," coach Don Nelson said. "But we need some help. It'll be good to have those guys back. We need them."

Nelson will probably start both players on the bench and work them gradually into their regular roles. Their return means that Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley and Steve Nash can finally have their playing time reduced a bit. Nowitzki has played 42 minutes or more in three of the past four games. Finley has averaged 41.4 minutes in the past six games, and Nash also has put in more than 35 minutes in four of the past five.

"It certainly should help those guys get a little more rest," Nelson said. "But they're always going to play quite a bit."

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Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls

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Mavericks flawed

The Pacers had a point to prove, so what better opportunity than on national TV? Hey, it works for Jerry Springer!

Mark Montieth of the Indianapolis Star writes that the Pacers felt that they wanted to push the point across that they are for real and that they can beat any team. They proved it last night by handing the Dallas Mavericks their first loss of the season, denying Dallas the opportunity becoming the third team in NBA history to start a season 15-0. The Pacers now sit in second place in the NBA with a 12-2 record.

"There are only so many statement games throughout the year, and this was one of them," Reggie Miller said. "Everybody contributed."

It certainly was a team effort for the Pacers, with different players dominating at different points in the game. 'Ron Artest scored the game's first 10 points. Al Harrington had 15 in the second quarter, when he solved the Mavericks' zone by getting into the foul lane. And Jermaine O'Neal scored 13 in the final period, capping off a second consecutive standout game,' writes Montieth.

"I wanted to win the game, not only for my team and the city but for my family," O'Neal said. "You can barely understand what she's saying because she's only 3. I'll try to get her to write more letters."

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Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks

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Mavericks make it look easy

Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Dallas Mavericks are one win away from tying the NBA record for the best record to start a season. After their 102-82 win against the Pistons last night, they are 14-0. The record is 15-0.

The Mavericks go for that record Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers. A victory at Conseco Fieldhouse will tie them with the 1993-94 Houston Rockets and 1948-49 Washington Capitols for the best start. The Mavericks also improved to 7-0 on the road. The franchise record for consecutive road wins is eight.

Last nights’ win was even more impressive because the Mavericks carved up one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference on their own court. The Mavs demolished the Pistons by 39 points in Dallas 18 days ago. After last night’s win in Detroit, the Mavs swept the season series by a combined 59 points.

Right now, the Mavericks can't get any better in one regard. The only way to improve on 14-0 is to reach 15-0.

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Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers

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