Reality check.
the Mavs haven't beat a team with a winning record in almost two weeks. Only the LA Lakers had a winning record of the Mavs opponents during this seven game winning streak. The last upper tier team the Mavs played was the Utah Jazz and that resulted in a 22 point loss for the Mavs. Dallas better be ready for 19-7 Phoenix, winners of nine of their last 10, tonight.
Of course, the Suns have that topped. They've played just one team with a winning record the entire month, Washington, and they lost.
Stackhouse thinks the Mavs will be ready to play an elite team.
"We're judged by who we play in this league, and obviously these next few games are against teams everybody is considering to be playoff teams," Stackhouse said. "We need to step it up and show that we are who we are. Every year we're having to prove this or prove that. We take that as a challenge, and hopefully we'll come out with passion."
And that's good because Sefko points out the Mavs upcoming schedule.
Over the next 16 days, Dallas will play 10 games, seven of them against teams above .500 and four against teams that consider themselves legitimate title contenders, including today's 7 p.m. tip against Steve Nash and the Suns.
--------------------Injury Update: Jerry Stackhouse's ankle is healing slowly - he's officially a game-time decision, but he's doubtful to play.
Dirk apparently has a bit of a cold, but you know he'll play.
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Around the League: Jason Kidd was fined $20,000 for trashing the refs.
Dwyane Wade sprained his wrist last night.
And the Knicks beat Detroit in a wild triple overtime game.