Not much change in the standings as the Mavs continue to lead the division while the Spurs overtook the Rockets for 2nd place.

Standings

Dallas 12-4
San Antonio 8-6
Houston 8-8
New Orleans 7-9
Memphis 6-10

Dallas Mavericks (12-4)

Nov 24 v GSW L 111-103
Nov 25 @ HOU W 130-99
Nov 27 @ IND W 113-92

Following a puzzling loss to their kryptonite (the Warriors), the Mavs were able to hit the road and start a new win streak with dominating victories over the Rockets and Pacers. The contributions of the bench players was a big part of the team’s success this week, scoring 68 points in the win over the Rockets and 48 points against the Pacers. Having Sixth Man of the Year Jason Terry coming off the bench helps a lot.

Some key numbers

6: players who saw the floor in the Warriors’ win over the Mavs, the fewest number to play and win a game since 1951.
26: consecutive points scored by the Mavs in a run spanning the 1st and 2nd quarters to take control of the game against the Rockets
10,341: career assists for Jason Kidd, good for 2nd all time behind John Stockton
31: points by Dirk in 30 minutes of play against the Pacers

Highlight of the Week

Kris Humphries blocks Anthony Randolph’s shot to the stands

Upcoming games

Nov 28 @ CLE
Nov 30 v PHI
Dec 2 @ NJN
Dec 4 @ MEM

San Antonio Spurs (8-6)

Nov 21 v WSH W 106-84
Nov 23 v MIL W 112-98
Nov 25 v GSW W 118-104
Nov 27 @ HOU W 92-84

It’s been a couple of weeks of extremes for the Spurs, from going winless last week to a 4-game win streak this week. Manu Ginobili is still on the shelf with a strained left groin, but Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, as usual, did their thing in leading the charge this week. The Spurs also got big games this week from guys like Jefferson, Hill, Bonner, Mason and McDyess.

Some key numbers:

12: active Spurs players who scored in win over Wizards
29: rebounds for the Bucks, a season-low allowed by the Spurs
32: points for Tony Parker in 30 minutes against the Warriors
12: points allowed in 3rd quarter of win against the Rockets

Highlight of the Week

George Hill beats the 3rd quarter buzzer with a 3-pointer against the Bucks

Upcoming games

Nov 29 v PHI
Dec 3 v BOS

Houston Rockets (8-8)

Nov 21 v SAC W 113-106
Nov 25 V DAL L 130-99
Nov 27 v SAS L 92-84

The Rockets are now owners of a 2-game losing streak after falling to their Lone Star rivals Mavs and Spurs in consecutive games. Amazingly, this is the first streak, winning or losing, the Rockets have been on since having a 3-game winning streak snapped on November 4th. Houston had played 12 games, beginning with that loss to the Lakers on the 4th, alternating wins and losses until losing to the Spurs Friday night.

Some key numbers:

113: points scored against the Kings, matching a season high
13: largest lead held against the Mavs in the 1st quarter before losing by 31
16.7: field goal percentage in 3rd quarter of loss to Spurs

Highlight of the Week

Trevor Ariza with the steal and slam against the Kings

Upcoming games

Nov 29 @ OKC
Dec 2 @ LAC
Dec 3 @ GSW

New Orleans Hornets (7-9)

Nov 21 v ATL W 96-88
Nov 22 @ MIA L 102-101
Nov 25 v MIL W 102-99

The Hornets just keep chugging along, anxiously awaiting the return of superstar point guard Chris Paul. Rookie Darren Collison, who has done an admirable job filling in for Paul, should make this team that much more dangerous once Chris returns. New Orleans was a last-minute shot away from an unbeaten week.

Some key numbers:

12: made 3-pointers against the Hawks
24: points for rookie Marcus Thornton off the bench in loss to Heat
3: largest lead in game against the Bucks, after trailing by as many as 13

Highlight(s) of the Week

Darren Collison filling in rather nicely for an injured Chris Paul against the Hawks

Upcoming games

Nov 29 @ SAC
Dec 1 @ LAL
Dec 4 @ MIN

Memphis Grizzlies (6-10)

Nov 21 v MIL L 103-98
Nov 23 v SAC W 116-105
Nov 25 @ PHX L 126-111
Nov 27 @ POR W 106-96

The Grizz split their 4 games this week, including a big win in Portland Friday night. This team is playing as if a giant weight has been lifted from their shoulders since AI was jettisoned away, with OJ Mayo saying as much during the week. Let’s see if the Grizz can keep this up and get out of the division cellar.

Some key numbers:

3: games won in a row before loss to Bucks, a season high
18: points allowed to Kings in 1st quarter, a season low in 1st quarter points allowed
61.9: field goal percentage given up in loss to Suns
29: largest lead agaist the Blazers in Portland

Highlight of the Week

Tough call, but going with Rudy Gay with the swipe and slam against the Kings

Upcoming games

Nov 29 @ LAC
Nov 30 @ UTAH
Dec 2 @ MIN
Dec 4 V DAL

Sources: sports.yahoo.com/nba, nba.com

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