The Monday Roundup

Shawn Marion on Mavs-Warriors: 'We have to get this one' | DMN
"We're disappointed with the way we've been playing," Carlisle said after practice Sunday. "We're looking forward to [tonight]. We want to end the first 52 games of the season on a high note." For a coach that has stressed defense since the first day of training camp, Carlisle is left frustrated – but not discouraged – by the Mavericks' recent struggles. "It's been a tough stretch, but I believe in these guys," Carlisle said. "We have to reestablish a lot of the little things that were putting us in position to be a really good defensive team the first 26 to 28 games: attention to detail, all-out commitment to hard play and playing together and helping each other. And we're going to get back there."

Trade talk follows Dallas Mavericks to West Coast | DMN
"It seems like every little thing is backfiring on us right now," he said. "We got to find a way to get out of this." Marion and Jason Kidd have been the Mavericks' best defenders during their slump, but nobody has been able to stop opponents with any consistency. "Everybody has their ups and downs," Marion said. "This is our down time right now. We just got to find a way to stay gritty and work our way out of it."

Dirk dances around trade talk -| Tim MacMahon - ESPNDallas
I don't know exactly what Dirk thinks the Mavs should do in the trade market. But I do know that he will be asked for his input on any major move the Mavs make, as was the case before the Jason Kidd deal. Dirk didn't lobby for that deal, either. He doesn't barge into the offices of Mark Cuban or Donnie Nelson and make demands. He waits until he's asked to weigh in with his opinion. And my hunch is it'll be slightly different than what he said after the Mavs' fourth loss in five games.

The Come Up: 48 hours to show a pulse | Jeff Wade ESPNDallas
We saw Golden State a week ago. Monta Ellis careered but Dallas still won 110-101. The Warriors have only won nine times at home and they’re struggling badly right now having lost their last eight. It’s extremely important that the Mavs put away a bad team early so they can get their key guys some rest before Tuesday night’s match-up against Denver. That game is what is known as a "scheduling loss."

Mavs Monday Morning Donuts: Party Central | DB.com
Damp sat out last week's meeting with the Warriors, of course. He needs the rest. He's a game-time decision for tonight. Eddie Najera started in his place in the last GS meeting and contributed in 14 minutes and Drew Gooden was very good as the center off the bench. Why not sit Damp tonight, save him and his bum knee for the second night of a B-2-B at Denver last night ... and then let him shut it down for All-Star Weekend?