While the new year brought hopes of a late surge to the playoffs, the Mavericks are hurtling quickly toward the NBA lottery.
But Monday night at American Airlines Center, at least a little flame flickered during a 98-75 victory over the Washington Wizards in what has been a fairly dim season.
Throw in some good old-fashioned chippiness between the two teams and the AAC had plenty of spirit to go with the mood.
Dallas played complete from start to finish, getting 20 points from Harrison Barnes, 17 from Dennis Smith, Jr. and 14 each from Wesley Matthews and Yogi Ferrell to snap a three-game losing streak and complete a season sweep of the Wizards.