Adam Bremner
Staff Writer

No team in the NBA is quite as hot as the Dallas Mavericks, who are holding on to a 9-game win streak heading into tonight’s match-up.

After back-to-back losses to the Bulls and Hornets, the Mavs have been flawless, extending their record to 16-4, which is slightly better than the last few years. This team, however, has been gaining the advantage on the defensive end and letting the offense come to him, unlike teams in the past.

This Mavs squad has held opponents to less than 100 points 7 out of the 9 games in the current streak and have created a recurring trend to hold teams under 40% shooting. Much of this stout defense trails back to center Tyson Chandler, who the Mavs acquired in the offseason. Chandler has provided a force in the lane, which they have lacked with the likes of Eric Dampier, attaining 1.4 blocks per game and giving Dirk alleviated responsibility in stopping dribble drivers.

This self-proclaimed new “identity” by Jason Terry is what Coach Carlisle and the other players contribute to their new found consistency. On the other hand, the offense has also been clicking on all cylinders. Dirk and Terry have led the 98.1 points per game attack, accounting for 24.9 and 16 PPG respectively. The role players, nonetheless, are what keeps this team on this streak, by making big plays in big moments to gain close victories.

The Mavericks take on the Warriors at home tonight, searchong for their 10th straight without Chandler in the lineup due to an illness.