HOUSTON — Wesley Matthews made sure the Mavericks defense made a statement in the second half against Houston on Sunday night.
It wasn't enough to steal a victory. But it showed something that the Mavericks needed to see about themselves.
When they have to, they can get down and dirty.
Matthews played what Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle called one of the most competitive games he's ever seen, defending James Harden about as well as he can be defended -- right up until the last play.
Matthews was called for his sixth foul on Harden with 0.