Back in training camp, Jason Kidd and several of his players emphasized how important it would be to get off to a faster start than they have in recent seasons.
They didn’t want to put themselves behind any 8-balls that would require leapfrogging a bunch of teams for playoff positioning later in the season.
After Monday’s 132-108 blowout of the Portland Trail Blazers, the Mavericks can look at their 19-10 record and smile about the way they have taken care of business as the season reaches Christmas Day on Wednesday.
The latest success came as Luka Donu010diu0107 returned after missing two games with a left heel contusion.