Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Minnesota Timberwolves (11-38) at Dallas Mavericks (31-18)
When the Dallas Mavericks experienced their first three-game losing streak of the season, they didn't panic. The Mavericks knew it was just as likely that they could run off a streak in the other direction.
After Wednesday night's 110-101 home win over the Golden State Warriors, the Mavericks believe that consecutive tallies in the win column are in their future. The veteran squad tries to take another step in the right direction on Friday night, when they welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves to the American Airlines Center. The matchup with the Timberwolves is the first of Dallas' final three games before the All-Star break.
"It's big," guard J.J. Barea said of his team putting together a winning streak before All-Star Weekend. "We had a good practice (Thursday), we've got to take this game seriously and try to get these three wins before the break."
Taking Minnesota seriously sounds simple, but the Timberwolves hold the Western Conference's worst record, making the rebuilding squad an easy opponent to look over. But the Mavericks do not plan on succumbing to the urge to overlook the Minnesota team, despite their 3-21 road record. Dallas has won 13 straight games (tied for the longest streak in the NBA) against the Timberwolves, including an 89-77 road win on Nov. 13.
(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
"Minnesota is a tough, young team that plays hard," guard Jason Terry said. "I don't expect anything different (from the Timberwolves). We're just going to have to come out again and try to put together a good performance."
Terry poured in a game-winning jumper with .2 ticks remaining the last time the Minnesota team paid a visit to Dallas, a 96-94 win on April 13. He'd prefer that Friday's contest not be so close.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are hopeful that center Erick Dampier will be able to return to the court, after missing the win over Golden State due to complications from a left knee effusion. The nagging injury has sidelined the 7-footer at times this season, but Mavs coach Rick Carlisle doesn't see it as a major concern.
"(Dampier) is doing better. He practiced and we'll see where things are on Friday," the coach said. "He has made progress with it."
Dallas is also trying to get swingman Josh Howard accustom to his new sixth man role. Howard will have to be the catalyst for the Mavericks' bench with Terry inserted at the starting shooting guard spot. Coming off of a 19-point night, the former All-Star appears to be rounding back into his old form."It was good to see. (Howard) was out there in rhythm, making plays, making shots, good strong drives to the basket and that's what he's going to have to continue to do," Terry said of his teammate. "For us to be successful, we need him playing well.
"I talk to him every day. It ain't ever about him being a sixth man, it's just about coming in and doing what you have to do to help the team. He's focused in on it. He's been putting in the extra work, and it's paying off."
The Mavericks hope Howard continues his hot play when the team host the Timberwolves on Friday night. The game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (214) 747-MAVS.
For up to the minute news on the Dallas Mavericks, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EarlKSneed.
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