Random thoughts from the Mavericks' season-opening success

 
Some keys to the 101-86 win over Charlotte.
 
By EDDIE SEFKO
 
            **First, it was good to see coach Rick Carlisle
stick Tyson Chandler in the starting linup ahead of Brendan Haywood. Chandler
outplayed Haywood in the preseason and it sends a good message that Chandler
was in the lineup.
 
            **That said, don’t be surprised if Haywood
is the starter at some point as the season moves along.
 
            **Jason Kidd is turning into a freak of nature.
At 37 years old, he shouldn’t be playing like he is some sort of Derrick
Rose or Chris Paul. But there he was, with 15 assists and 12 points after three
quarters, when the Mavericks were up by 13 points. He finished with 18 helpers.
 
            **Shawn Marion didn’t have a lot of big
numbers, but he was active every second he was on the court, which is what the Mavericks
need from him.
 
            **And by the way, did we mention that Dirk
Nowitzki was virtually perfect in the opener. He hit 11 of 13 shots and had 28
points and 13 rebounds.