Full-Court Press

Sharp start for Wright

Antoine Wright was looking pretty good through his time in the first quarter, which ended with him diving all over the place to secure a loose ball. But he was strong in a few facets: 9 points, two rebounds, three assists and two offensive fouls drawn.

Not a bad quarter's worth of work.

-- Tracey Myers

Who steps up tonight?

Since Jason Terry went down, it's been interesting to see which Maverick steps out of his shell and takes more of the burden on his shoulders. Antoine Wright's done it in two games, and although it was in a losing effort last night, you had to be impressed with J.J. Barea's career-high 26 points against the Rockets last night. He certainly did his part.

Now obviously the Mavs are playing a rough Sacramento Kings team that's last in the West, not a No. 5 seed. But I'm asking this, anyway, well enough ahead of time to get opinions (not five minutes before tip like usual): Who's the man tonight?

-- Tracey Myers

Wright again, and other tidbits

Antoine Wright had another impressive outing tonight, scoring 20 points (including 4 for 4 from 3-point range). When Wright was told he outscored former teammate Vince Carter 13-0 in the third quarter, Wright was amused:
    "That’s what it was? I’m going to remind him of that. Vince is great. I just wanted to come out and meet the challenge. Once a guy like that gets going, he can have a 50-point game. It was important to try to attack him and make him guard me a little bit, too."
    Wright and Jason Kidd's relationship has been a beneficial one to the young Wright, as the two noted.
    Wright: "It's just fun playing with him, practicing every day. He makes the game easier for you, and you can’t help but play off him. I just tried to make open shots, cut to the basket."
    Kidd: "He’s working hard. This gives guys opportunities -- with Jet out and with Dirk having maybe a slow start -- to knock down shots and us taking advantage of that."

Oh, and as far as Kidd, who had 23 points, being extra motivated to play his old team, he deflected all of it: "No, tonight I’m rested. I've been in that situation coming out of All-Star break and being a little tired, but I was well-rested and felt great. This is an important part of the season. We've put ourselves in position, and we have to do our job and hopefully we get a high seed. I just tried to make baskets tonight when they presented themselves."

Elsewhere, Jason Terry told reporters pregame that he still probably has about five weeks before he's back. Then he later said in a TV interview that he's ahead of schedule. I'm guessing the first diagnosis is most likely.

-- Tracey Myers

Wright does right

On this night, Antoine Wright responded to the call... and the text. Wright said he got a text from Jason Terry this afternoon, urging him to be a factor.

"He sent me a text and said 'We need you right now, play big,'" Wright said. "I just tried to play aggressive and play to my strengths and it worked out."

Indeed. Wright was stellar, especially in the third when the Mavs started pulling away. I loved how he was a threat inside and out, going into the paint to score and draw fouls, and going just as easily out for a quick jumper.

"Antoine Wright gave us a lot tonight, both defensively, offensively and in the post," Carlisle said.

Wright, too

Antoine Wright up to 21 points in this one, the most for him since Nov. 25 against Indiana (24 points). He was impressive in the third, when he scored 11 of those points. He was inside and outside, drawing attention (and fouls).