Pistons-Mavericks Preview

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Detroit Pistons (11-21) at Dallas Mavericks (23-11)

The true testament of how successful a team will be is how well they respond to defeat and adversity.

Not making any excuses for the way they played against the Los Angeles Lakers in a 131-96 blowout defeat on the road, the Southwest Division-leading Dallas Mavericks don't intend to hang their heads. Instead the Mavericks can't wait to hit their home court for the first time in 2010 on Tuesday night to do battle with the Detroit Pistons, a team riding a nine-game losing streak.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

"Once we got on that plan ride, it was such a long flight," sixth man Jason Terry said of the team's trip back after losing in L.A. "We're back at home now, it's a new year and hopefully we can get things off to a good note with a win against Detroit tonight.

"No excuse, no excuse...Whether you lose by forty or one, it's still a loss. Tonight's another opportunity for us to get a win. We want to get off to a great start in the new year, so that's how we're approaching things."

What failed the Mavs against L.A. was the balanced team basketball display that has been featured throughout the season. As Dallas found out in a 95-90 win in Detroit on Nov. 15, the Mavericks will be playing against a Pistons team that runs several isolation plays. The Mavericks will due their best to keep from falling into the loll of mano-a-mano play and focus on a more team-oriented effort.

"They're a movement, pin-down team and some of their possessions end up in one-on-one situations," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said of the Pistons squad. "We're not a one-on-one team. We're a movement, pick-and-roll, post-up, fast-break team and if we get into that kind of stuff it's not our game.

"We've got to remember the things that made us an effective team to this point, and that is attention to detail at the defensive end and offensively getting it out and running -- then making sure we have multiple guys touching the ball."

If the Mavericks can return to the balanced play that was so successful before the Lakers loss, then they believe it will lead to improved play at the American Airlines Center. Despite their 11-5 home record, the Mavs admittedly have yet to showcase consistent dominance on their home hardwood. That is is something that must change, the coach said, with four of their next five games at home starting with Tuesday night.

(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

"Anytime is a good time when you're at home. We've played well at times at home but we want to be more consistent and we can. It comes down to the same things I've been repeating over and over and over again -- defense, rebounding and ball movement. Those are the key things and making sure that we're dialed in for 48 minutes," Carlisle said.

"We just need that extra energy here," forward Shawn Marion said of what it will take for better play at home. "We just have to regroup at home tonight and get this thing going."

Dallas returns to the American Airlines Center on Tuesday night to host the Pistons, with the game airing locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.



The Mavericks and the NBA have introduced the official NBA All-Star game ballot, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry. For more on how to vote for your favorite Mavs for the All-Star game, to be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, visit Mavs.com.

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