Took a little break for the holidays but we’re back! The Southwest remains the league’s most competitive division, being the only division in the league with each team above .500 going into Saturday. The Mavs still lead the division, but the Spurs are making their and it should be an entertaining battle the rest of the season in the division race.

Standings
Dallas 25-11 (3-1)
San Antonio 21-13 (2-2)
Houston 20-16 (0-3)
New Orleans 18-16 (4-0)
Memphis 18-17 (3-1)

Dallas Mavericks (25-11)

Jan 2 @ SAC W 99-91
Jan 3 @ LAL L 131-96
Jan 5 v DET W 98-93
Jan 8 @ SAS W 112-103

After a closer than the score indicates win over the Kings, the Mavs sauntered into the Staples Center and received theie most epic beatdown at the hands of the Lakers, ever. Considering the history between the two teams, that’s saying something. However, the Mavs were able to rebound nicely and pick up a couple of wins to close the week, including a big roadie against the hated Spurs. The Mavs need to keep up this momentum, with a tough home stretch coming up, including a rematch with those Lakers.

Some key numbers:
11: steals against the Kings
35: margin of defeat to Lakers, worst loss to Lakers in Mavs history
26: points for Jason Terry against the Pistons, leading the team in scoring
42: points scored in 4th quarter in win over Spurs

Upcoming games
Jan 9 v Utah
Jan 13 v LAL
Jan 15 v OKC

San Antonio Spurs (21-13)

Jan 2 @ WSH W 97-86
Jan 3 @ TOR L 91-86
Jan 6 v DET W 112-92
Jan 8 V DAL L 112-103

Remember what I said about sleeping on the Spurs? Well, here they are, about a month from the All-Star break, 3 games behind Dallas in the division standings. The Spurs may be having their struggles against teams with winning records, but they are dong what good teams are supposed to do, namely take care of business against the dregs of the league. Once the Spurs start figuring out how to beat the better competition in the league, watch out. That season-ending matchup with the Mavs may have some playoff seeding significance.

Some key numbers:
23: points for Tim Duncan, leading the team, in win over Wizards
2: games Duncan hasn’t started out of 929 after not starting against the Raptors
58.1: shooting percentage in win over Pistons
42: points given up to Mavs in 4th quarter, a season-high for a quarter

Upcoming games
Jan 10 v NJN
Jan 12 v LAL
Jan 13 @ OKC
Jan 15 @ CHA

Houston Rockets (20-16)

Jan 2 @ NOH L 99-95
Jan 5 @ LAL L 88-79
Jan 6 @ PHX L 118-110

Oh, dear. The Rockets told Tracy McGrady to take his pleas for more playing time and go home. While the Rox didn’t seem to skip a beat initially after the decision was made, suddenly, the Rockets take a 3-game losing streak into the weekend. I’m not saying McGrady, whom the Rox are actively looking to trade, would be of much help. What I am saying is they better figure this out and soon, because the Rox (currently #7 in the West) could be on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs are concerned with another couple of losses.

Some key numbers:
19: turnovers in loss to Hornets
79: season-low in points scored in loss to Lakers
34: career-high in points for Aaron Brooks in loss to Suns

Upcoming games
Jan 9 v NYK
Jan 12 @ CHA
Jan 13 v MIN
Jan 15 v MIA

New Orleans Hornets (18-16)

Jan 2 v HOU W 99-95
Jan 4 @ Utah W 91-87
Jan 6 @ OKC W 97-92
Jan 8 v NJN W 103-99

The Hornets seem to be figuring things out nicely in the last few weeks since Chris Paul returned from injury. Paul looking more and more healthy with each game help. Emeka Okafor playing the role of Tyson Chandler on those Paul alley-oops helps too. New Orleans is currently riding a 5-game win streak and with a relatively weak schedule for their next week of games, it’s not inconceivable to assume the Hornets putting some pressure on the Rockets in the standings.

Some key numbers:
14: double-doubles on the season for Emeka Okafor, after posting 14 points and a season-high 16 rebounds in win over Rockets
30: career-high in points for Devin Brown in win over Jazz
11: points allowed in 4th quarter in win over Thunder
18: assists for Chris Paul in win over Nets

Upcoming games
Jan 10 @ WSH
Jan 11 @ PHI
Jan 13 v LAC
Jan 15 @ DET

Memphis Grizzlies (18-17)

Jan 2 @ PHX W 128-103
Jan 5 @ POR W 109-105
Jan 6 @ Utah L 117-94
Jan 8 v Utah W 91-89

Raise your hand if you thought the Grizz would be over .500 at this point of the season. One of the real surprises of the season, especially after the Allen Iverson fiasco, Memphis is just 1 game back of the final playoff spot in the West. Zach Randolph has been a walking double-double (20.5 points, 11.5 rebounds this season), Mike Conley is coming into his own at the point, while OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay are capable of lighting it up each night. I really like this team and wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the playoffs. Beware the Grizz.

Some key numbers:
9: season-low in turnovers in win over Suns
4: consecutive victories after win over Blazers, putting the Grizzlies over .500 for the first time since late in the 2005-2006 season
22: points for Sam Young in loss to Jazz, tying a career-high
11: consecutive losses to Jazz before win at home over Utah

Upcoming games
Jan 9 @ CHA
Jan 12 v LAC
Jan 15 v MIN

Sources: mavs.com, rockets.com, spurs.com, hornets.com, grizzlies.com, sports.yahoo.com/nba

A special two-week edition of the NBA’s most competitive division, where the Mavs still rule the roost. Just how competitive is this division? Going into this weekend, the Southwest Division is the only one in which each team has reached double-digits in victories (each team has at least 11) and has seen each team play at least .500 ball for their past 10 games.

Standings

Dallas 19-8 (5-2)
Houston 15-11 (4-3)
San Antonio 13-10 (4-3)
New Orleans 12-13 (4-2)
Memphis 11-15 (3-3)

Dallas Mavericks (19-8)

Dec 5 v ATL L 80-75
Dec 8 v PHX W 102-101
Dec 11 @ MIA W 106-83
Dec 12 v CHA W 98-97
Dec 14 v NOH W 94-90
Dec 16 @ OKC W 100-86
Dec 18 v HOU L 116-108

The Mavs were finally at full strength for the first time this season going into the game against the Suns. Perhaps, not coincidentally, that game was the beginning of a five game winning streak, matching a season high. That streak came to an end Friday night in a hotly contested game with the Rockets that saw Dirk leave the game after getting Carl Landry’s teeth lodged in his elbow and Erick Dampier and Rick Carlisle ejected due to technical fouls. The Mavs have are beginning a treacherous part of their schedule and will need Dirk in there to navigate through it. Let’s all hope he and Landry are able to recover from their injuries soon.

Some key numbers:
14: blocked shots for the Mavs against the Hawks, a season high
13: games missed by Josh Howard before returning to the lineup against the Suns
30: total assists by the Mavs against the Heat
11: consecutive wins against the Bobcats (Mavs the only franchise the Bobcats have failed to beat)
23: turnovers for the Mavs against the Hornets
12: points for Thunder’s Kevin Durant, breaking a streak of 9 games of 25+ points
6: technical fouls called against the Mavs in loss to Rockets

Upcoming games
Dec 20 v CLE
Dec 22 v POR

Houston Rockets (15-11)

Dec 5 @ POR L 90-89
Dec 9 v CLE W 95-85
Dec 11 @ PHI W 96-91
Dec 13 @ TOR L 101-88
Dec 15 v DET W 107-96
Dec 16 @ DEN L 111-101
Dec 18 @ DAL W 116-108

The Rockets had been playing respectable ball since the beginning of the season, so much so that they were good playoff position. Then Tracy McGrady came back. Houston is 2-1 since McGrady’s return, which is seeing him play about 10 minutes a night so far. If McGrady is able to round into anywhere near the shape he was in before his knee surgery and acclimate himself to the way the Rockets are currently playing, the Rockets could be one of the surprise teams in the league as the season progresses. Especially if Yao is able to return from his foot surgery before the end of the season.

Some key numbers:
46: bench points scored against the Trail Blazers
2: fast break points allowed by the Rockets against the Cavaliers
13: points allowed to the Sixers in the 3rd quarter, an opponent season-low for the Rockets
3: 20-15 performances this season for Luis Scola, after posting 21 points and 15 rebounds against the Raptors
7:44: amount of playing time for Tracy McGrady against the Pistons, his first game back following microfracture knee surgery in February
21: turnovers committed in loss to Nuggets
26: points for Kyle Lowry against the Mavs, a career-high

Upcoming games
Dec 19 v OKC
Dec 22 v LAC
Dec 23 @ ORL

San Antonio Spurs (13-10)

Dec 5 v DEN L 106-99
Dec 7 @ UTAH L 104-101
Dec 9 v SAC W 118-106
Dec 11 v CHA W 104-85
Dec 13 @ LAC W 115-90
Dec 15 @ PHX L 116-104
Dec 16 @ GSW W 103-91

Write off the Spurs at your own peril. I know they’re struggling against the better competition in the league, but isn’t this what they do every year? Start off slow out of the gate then make a furious charge in the second half of the season to get into prime playoff position? I think I’ll wait until after the “Rodeo Trip” to make any official judgements. In the meantime, if the Spurs are going to stay in the thick of things, they need to get consistent contributions from their summer acquisitions, especially Richard Jefferson. They also need to figure out a way to take some of the load off of Tim Duncan’s shoulders, er, knees. It will be interesting to see how Greg Popovich handles Duncan’s minutes as the season progresses in order to keep him as fresh as possible for the stretch run.

Some key numbers:
19: turnovers against the Nuggets
18: points Spurs were outscored by against the Jazz in the 3rd quarter after leading by 8 at halftime
28: fast break points against the Kings, a season high
59: field-goal percentage against the Bobcats, a season-best
34: field-goal percentage for Clippers in 2nd half against the Spurs, an opponent season-low
34: points for Tim Duncan against the Suns, a season-high
87: team free-throw percentage against the Warriors, a season high

Upcoming games
Dec 19 v IND
Dec 21 v LAC
Dec 23 v POR

New Orleans Hornets (12-13)

Dec 8 v SAC W 96-94
Dec 9 @ MIN W 97-96
Dec 11 v NYK L 113-96
Dec 14 @ DAL L 94-90
Dec 16 v DET W 95-87
Dec 18 v DEN W 98-92

Like I said before, Chris Paul is back! The Hornets are 5-2 since Paul’s return and his presence on the floor makes this team as dangerous as any in the league. Can the Hornets get back to the level of a couple of years ago, when they were a game away from the Western Conference Finals? For a chance of that happening, the Hornets need to start winning on the road, as they are just 2-10 away from New Orleans Arena.

Some key numbers:
6: consecutive home wins after victory over Kings
13: points allowed in 4th quarter against the Timberwolves
62: points in the 1st half against the Knicks, a season-high
30: points scored off turnovers in loss to Mavericks
5: wins, with zero losses, when David West posts 20 points and 10 rebounds in a game, following his 32-12 effort against the Pistons
1: rebound away from a Chris Paul triple-double against the Nuggets (30 points, 19 assists, 9 rebounds)

Upcoming games
Dec 20 @ TOR
Dec 23 v GSW

Memphis Grizzlies (11-15)

Dec 8 v CLE W 111-109
Dec 11 v OKC L 102-94
Dec 13 @ MIA W 118-90
Dec 14 v BOS L 110-105
Dec 16 @ ATL L 110-97
Dec 18 v IND W 107-94

The Grizz? Just when you thought this division couldn’t get any tougher, now the Grizzlies are starting to play to their potential. I’m really liking what I’m starting to see from this team, and it honestly scares me. There are long, athletic, rangy guys on this team that can make plays, but are also learning how to play together as a team. I really admire the job Lionel Hollins is doing in Memphis, especially in the aftermath of the Allen Iverson fiasco. If they keep rounding into shape, it won’t be long before this team is competing for a playoff spot.

Some key numbers:
16: points overcome to beat the Cavaliers, the Grizzlies’ largest come from behind win this season
11: offensive rebounds by Zach Randolph against the Thunder, a new Grizzlies team record
41: points for Rudy Gay against the Heat, a new career high
8: rebounds for Hasheem Thabeet against the Celtics, a career high
20: turnovers committed in loss to Hawks, leading to 33 points
14.3: 3-point field goal percentage allowed by Grizzlies against the Pacers

Upcoming games
Dec 20 v DEN
Dec 22 v GSW

Sources: mavs.com, rockets.com, spurs.com, hornets.com, grizzlies.com, sports.yahoo.com/nba

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

Standings

Dallas 14-6 (2-2)
Houston 11-8 (3-0)
San Antonio 9-7 (1-1)
New Orleans 8-11 (1-2)
Memphis 8-12 (2-2)

Dallas Mavericks (14-6)

Nov 28 @ CLE L 111-95
Nov 30 v PHI W 104-102
Dec 2 @ NJN W 117-101
Dec 4 @ MEM L 98-82

A rather lackluster week for the Mavs, the highlight of which may be avoiding being the first team to lose to the Nets this season (congrats Bobcats!). What’s been missing the last few games that was seen with regularity earlier in the season is the bench production. That, along with the Mavs seeming to be playing to the level of their competition (or, as was seen in the game against the Cavs, not so much) has the team in a rather treacherous spot as they prepare to league 3 of the league’s best this week.

Some key numbers:
18: largest lead hed by Cavs against Mavs
8: games missed by Erick Dampier before returning to the lineup against the 76ers
81: Mavs shooting percentage in 1st half against the Nets, a new franchise high
0: number of free throws attempted by the Mavs in the 2nd half against the Grizzlies

Upcoming games
Dec 5 v ATL
Dec 8 v PHX
Dec 11 @ MIA

Houston Rockets (11-8)

Nov 29 @ OKC W 100-91
Dec 2 @ LAC W 102-85
Dec 3 @ GSW W 111-109

The Rockets took advantage of some lesser quality opponents to sweep their 3 games of the week. It’s rumored that Tracy McGrady is closer to returning, but I don’t think they should bring him back. Houston is getting a lot of production from the cast they have now and adding to it would only mess with the chemistry.

Some key numbers:
12: consecutive victories over the Thunder after Sunday’s win
29: bench scoring advantage for the Rockets against the Clippers (46-17)
13: blocked shots against the Warriors, a season high

Upcoming games
Dec 5 @ POR
Dec 9 v CLE
Dec 11 @ PHI

San Antonio Spurs (9-7)

Nov 29 v PHI W 97-89
Dec 3 v BOS L 90-83

Is the end nigh for the Spurs? Their 3 best players have injury issues, their offseason acquisitions have yet to make a consistent impact and the Western Conference is as strong as it’s been for some time. Until they go on the Rodeo Trip that seems to bring things together, the Spurs hae some work to do.

Some key numbers:
1: more points scored by the Spurs bench than the starters in the win against the 76ers (49-48)
18: offensive rebounding advantage for the Spurs against the Celtics

Upcoming games
Dec 5 v DEN
Dec 7 @ UTAH
Dec 9 v SAC
Dec 11 v CHA

New Orleans Hornets (8-11)

Nov 29 @ SAC L 112-96
Dec 1 @ LAL L 110-99
Dec 4 @ MIN W 98-89

Chris Paul is back! Will his presence be enough to lift this team out of its current funk? Darren Collison filled in admirably for Paul, but there is no denying Paul’s impact when he is on the floor

Some key numbers:
4: games won minus Chris Paul in 8 tries
13: points scored by Emeka Okafor in 3rd quarter of loss to Kings
19: percentage of 3-pointers made by the Hornets against the Lakers
38: minutes played by Chris Paul against the Timberwolves in his 1st game back from a sprained ankle

Upcoming games
Dec 8 v SAC
Dec 9 @ MIN
Dec 11 v NYK

Memphis Grizzlies (8-12)

Nov 29 @ LAC L 98-88
Nov 30 @ UTAH L 120-93
Dec 2 @ MIN W 97-95
Dec 4 V DAL W 98-82

The Grizz look like your typical young team with oodles of talent: inexperienced enough to lose to the likes of the Clippers on the road but dangerous enough to beat the division-leading Mavericks at home. This team has shown improvement since Allen Iverson was shown the door, but is still going through the growing pains every young team goes through. Assuming the main players for the Grizz stay together, this team will be a force to be reckoned with sooner rather than later.

Some key numbers:
15: lead held by the Grizzlies entering the 4th quarter against the Clippers
30: rebounds for the Grizzlies against the Jazz, tying a season low
3: road wins on the season, following the win over the Timberwolves
3: consecutive home wins for the Grizzlies over the Mavs, after last winning at home in the series in 2004

Upcoming games
Dec 8 v CLE
Dec 11 v OKC

Sources: nba.com, mavs.com, rockets.com, spurs.com, hornets.com, grizzlies.com

In this space each week will be a report on the goings on in the NBA’s Southwest Division.

Standings W-L

Dallas 10-3
Houston 7-6
San Antonio 4-6
New Orleans 5-8
Memphis 4-8

Dallas Mavericks (10-3)

Nov 15 @ DET W 95-90
Nov 16 @ MIL W 115-113 OT
Nov 18 v SAS W 99-94 OT
Nov 20 V SAC W 104-102

The Mavs wrapped up an unbeaten week with a not as close as it looked 104-102 win against a young, scrappy Kings squad. The win put Dallas in a tie with the Phoenix Suns for the best record in the Western Conference going into the weekend. The win was the Mavs’ 5th in a row, matching their longest win streak from last season.

Some key numbers:

14: career 40+ point games for Dirk Nowitzki, after a 41 point effort in the win over the Spurs
1: point needed for a Jason Kidd triple-double against the Bucks (9 points, 10 rebounds, 17 assists). Kidd has 103 t-d’s for his career.
3: number of double-doubles for Drew Gooden this week (was one point away from a 4th against the Kings)
25: points allowed to Bucks rookie point guard Brandon Jennings in his first game after his 55 point outburst against the Warriors
0: points scored by Tim Duncan in the overtime period of the Spurs loss to the Mavs.
1: number field goals made by the Pistons’ Ben Gordon in loss to the Mavs (in 16 attempts)
3: rebounds needed for a triple-double by Kings rookie point guard Tyreke Evans in loss to Mavs (29 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists)

Highlight of the Week:

Isn’t it obvious?
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pphZxPiCfk]

Upcoming games:

Nov 24 v GSW
Nov 25 @ HOU
Nov 27 @ IND

Houston Rockets (7-6)

Nov 15 @ LAL W 101-91
Nov 17 v PHX L 111-105
Nov 18 @ MIN W 97-84
Nov 20 @ ATL L 105-103

The Rockets wrapped up a yo-yo week with a last-second loss to the current Beast of the East, Atlanta Hawks. The rumors of Tracy McGrady returning to the lineup this week didn’t materialize, which is beginning to cause some tension between player and coach. The question that must be asked is: do the Rockets really need him back?

Some key numbers:

33: points scored by Aaron Brooks against the Lakers
12: number of 3-pointers made against the Timberwolves, matching a season-high
15: number of points the Rockets led the Suns by in the first half before losing by 5
52: points scored in the paint against the Hawks

Highlight of the Weak:

Yeah they lost, but it’s still an awesome play.
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QaFkTByVmg]

Upcoming games:

Nov 21 v SAC
Nov 25 V DAL
Nov 27 v SAS

San Antonio Spurs (4-6)

Nov 14 v OKC L 101-98
Nov 18 @ DAL L 99-94 OT
Nov 19 v UTAH L 90-83

Rough week for the Spurs, as they end the week on a 3-game losing streak. Injuries have simply wreaked havoc on this team as Tony Parker (ankle) and Manu Ginobili (groin) have not been able to stay healthy. This has put most of the burden on Tim Duncan and while he seems to be up for the challenge, his body is starting to fail him as well (notice the giant knee brace he wears each game).

Some key numbers:

12: games the Spurs are in the midst of playing in the state of Texas, which began with the Raptors on November 9th. The Spurs won’t leave the state for a game until a road trip to Utah on December 7th.
20: consecutive wins the Spurs had against the Jazz in San Antonio until Thursday night
7:28: amount of time Manu Ginobili played against the Mavericks before leaving with a groin injury
10: shots blocked by Thunder players, a season high in blocked shots allowed

Highlight(s) of the Weak:

Not to kick a wounded dog while its down, but…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRi6RdbB6M8

Upcoming games:

Nov 21 v WSH
Nov 23 v MIL
Nov 25 v GSW
Nov 27 @ HOU

New Orleans Hornets (5-8)

Nov 14 @ ATL L 121-98
Nov 17 v LAC W 110-102
Nov 19 v PHX W 110-103

No Chris Paul, no problem? Doesn’t seem so as the Hornets have won 2 in a row after getting smacked around by the Hawks (who hasn’t that happened to lately?). New Orleans is 2-2 since the firing of Byron Scott and look to be pulling things together until Paul is able to return.

Some key numbers:

70: points in the paint allowed to the Hawks
24: points scored by David West against the Clippers
7: 3-pointers made by Peja Stojakovic in win over the Suns

Highlight of the Week:

Umm…hey the Hornets have new Mardi Gras uniforms for this season!

Upcoming games

Nov 21 v ATL
Nov 22 @ MIA
Nov 25 v MIL

Memphis Grizzlies (4-8)

Nov 14 v MIN W 97-87
Nov 18 v LAC W 106-91
Nov 20 @ PHI W 102-97

Well lookie here, a winning week for the Grizz! Yeah, they beat the Wolves, Clippers and Sixers but Memphis will take the wins when they can get them. Maybe getting rid of AI was The Answer.

Some key numbers:

7: consecutive losses before win in Minnesota
31: points scored by Grizz bench in win over Clippers, a season high
20: rebounding advantage for Grizz over Sixers

Highlight(s) of the Week:

It’s not often the Grizz win 3 in a row, so here are the highlights of that 3rd straight win:
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3keguXH7Rr8]

Upcoming games:

Nov 21 v MIL
Nov 23 v SAC
Nov 25 @ PHX
Nov 27 @ POR

Sources: nba.com, sports.yahoo.com/nba, mavs.com, rockets.com, spurs.com, hornets.com, grizzlies.com, youtube.com

The Houston Chronicle broke the story tonight that the Houston Rockets are trading Bobby Jackson and another player to Sacramento for Ron Artest. MavsUpdate has more on the story.