More photos » Tim Sharp - AP

3 months ago: Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh (4) is fouled by Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier, right, as he drives toward the basket during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

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Howard returns to Mavs, finds motivation from critics | Art Garcia
"No, if anything he needs to come say something to me," Howard said. "I heard Jeff Van Gundy tried to stick up for me. [Jackson] don't know what it's like in my shoes. I had two major surgeries. I don't give a [flip] if he was Mark Jackson back in the day. "Stuff like that is just extra motivation. I just go out and play ball. I guess he's trying to live through me."

Defense makes the difference for Dallas Mavericks this season | DMN
They addressed defense in the off-season, adding Marion and his far-reaching wingspan and SMU-ex Quinton Ross, whose strength is being a perimeter pest. "Just by adding those two players, we're already a better defensive team," Dirk Nowitzki said. "We've made a conscious effort to be better defensively. We're doing well defensively, and we're rotating for each other and scrambling and the defense has been fun to watch."

DB.com |Mavs Monday Donuts: J-Ho, Nellie & 'Balls'
We're not finished with The Josh Watch, you know. Dallas will have to monitor pain and swelling and the medical team will have to listen to J-Ho, who, remember, following his successful debut Saturday in the win over Toronto, said he still "isn't 100 percent."