Also: Dirk's thoughts on DeAndre Jordan, and Carlisle on when Deron Williams will be back from injury.
LOS ANGELES -- Last night, playing their second game in as many days, the Mavericks were missing three starters. They were playing against the Clippers, their free agency rivals of this past summer. What a surprise, then, to see the likes of Dwight Powell and Raymond Felton and Jeremy Evans alongside Dirk, keeping things close for two and a half quarters before the expected blowout finally happened.
What is different about this Mavs team that allowed the preseason Mavs' squad to hang with the likes of Blake Griffin and Chris Paul so well for so long?