Dallas Mavericks Team Report - March 21

(Basketball News) - The Dallas Mavericks go for their third straight victory, as they play their second straight game under new head coach Avery Johnson against the New Orleans Hornets on Monday at American Airlines Center.

It will be the fourth and final meeting of the season between the clubs. Dallas won the three previous contests, winning twice at New Orleans Arena and on February 28th in front of its home crowd.

The Mavericks have dominated this series, as they have won 12 straight contests. The last time the Hornets defeated the Mavericks was on November 17, 1999.

The Hornets have lost six straight and seven of their last eight at Dallas.

Dallas, which is 6 1/2 games behind the San Antonio Spurs for the lead in the Southwest Division, is currently the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoff race.

The Mavericks finish a three-game homestand tonight. On Saturday, All-Star Dirk Nowitzki scored 11 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter and the Mavericks began life without Don Nelson by downing the Charlotte Bobcats, 104-93, at American Airlines Center. Nelson stepped down as the Mavericks head coach earlier Saturday. Nelson, who has coached in the NBA for 26-plus seasons, cited family reasons for the decision, but will remain with the team as a consultant.

Jason Terry posted 18 points and nine assists and Marquis Daniels added 17 points and seven rebounds in Saturday’s victory for the Mavericks, who have won five of their last seven games overall. Josh Howard also collected 13 points and nine rebounds in the win over Charlotte.

Dallas is 28-8 when it allows under 100 points this season. The Mavericks have scored at least 100 points in 10 of their last 16 games.

The Mavericks are 22-12 as the host this season. Dallas is 6-4 in its last 10 at home.

Nowitzki has scored in double-digits in all 62 of the games he has played in this season and has registered 34 double-doubles. He leads the team in scoring (26.6 ppg) and rebounding (10.1 rpg).

After Monday’s game, Dallas embarks on a brief two-game road trip that consists of games against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings on Wednesday and Thursday. The Mavericks return home on Saturday to host the Cleveland Cavaliers.