The Mavs will see if they can overcome a tough loss last night to the Spurs with a short trip home. They will play one game at the AAC, then will travel to the West coast for two games. First, they must get past the Kings, who are finishing up a five-game road trip. They have split their previous two meetings this season and the Mavs have won six of their last seven against the Kings.
No more Bibby
Franchise cornerstone and long-time point guard Mike Bibby is a King no more. He was traded near the deadline to the Hawks for a youngster and expiring contracts. Although Bibby was an important part of the franchise for 6 1/2 years, the Kings were likely ready to move on from a player who had become increasingly injury prone and inconsistent. The only player they received in return for Bibby whose contract won't be expiring after this season is PF Shelden Williams.
Miller renaissance continues
Much like Bibby, many had written center Brad Miller off going into this season. With a big decline and some costly injuries last year, Miller looked to be starting on the down swing of his career. This season, he has roundly shut those rumblings up. He is just short of 32 years old and is playing his best ball since 2004-05. On the season, he is averaging 14.6 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Also, for whatever reason, his three-point shooting is improving with age. He has made 24 threes this year (which puts him on pace for a career high) and is shooting a reasonably respectable 32 percent.
Beno is a gas
The Spurs set Beno Udrih adrift early this season in a weird trade with the Timberwolves. When Minnesota cut him, the Kings quickly snatched him up. With Bibby missing a large chunk of the first part of the season, Beno got his chance to shine and made the best of it. Now that Bibby is gone again, he has the starting job back. In his last five games he is averaging 13.2 points, 6.6 assists and 4 rebounds.
Burning question
What will they use their large amount of salary cap space for this off season?
-Scooter Hendon, Hoops Nerd
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