This is a series built for slashers and the Mavs’ ultimate slasher is Josh Howard. Oh, he’s also an All-Star. So there’s no shame in J-Ho stepping up into a lead role against G-State with Game 3 tonight in Oaktown.
That doesn’t mean Dirk steps down. It just means this year’s probable MVP tweaks his game a bit, as he’s said and we’ve written since before the series started.
Howard has been the most consistent of the Mavs through the first two games, averaging 21.5 points, 12 rebounds, 2.5 assists and shooting 47 percent. He leads the team in rebounding and steals, and is second to Jason Terry in scoring.
Howard’s 22 points, 11 boards and five steals Wednesday is another example of his ability to impact the game at both ends of the court. “It was more our tempo,” said Josh, the only Maverick with double-doubles in both games. “We forced them to play like we do. We’re going to play our style.”
-- Art
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