MAVERICKS NOTES
Pistons' likely aim is to avenge beating
by DWAIN PRICE

DETROIT -- Mavericks center Erick Dampier knows it won't be difficult for the Detroit Pistons to remember the events of Nov. 19.

The Pistons walked into American Airlines Center on that day armed with an 8-0 record and set on reminding everyone why they were preseason picks by many to win this year's NBA title.

But the Mavs sent the Pistons to their worst loss of the season, 119-82.



The Palace is true proving ground for Mavs
Win in Atlanta restored some defensive pride, but Pistons are real test
by EDDIE SEFKO

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Avery Johnson wanted to see something out of his Mavericks.

Yes, he wanted a victory. But beyond that, he wanted to see how his team responded after a dismal loss Thursday against Golden State that featured probably the limpest defensive effort of the season.

So when the Mavericks came back with a 15-point win at Atlanta on Saturday and held the Hawks to 83 points, they passed the first test.