Vince Carter may no longer be the explosive driver and dunker that he was back when he entered the NBA in 1997. What he has done is compensate with an outside game that can sometimes be unstoppable, and that is what's carried the Mavericks these last two games.
Carter has scored at least 22 in the last two games as the Mavericks took the first two games of their current road trip, winning 100-77 at Minnesota and 115-108 at Milwaukee.
With a four game winning streak, the Mavericks stayed just within striking distance of the final playoff spot in the West at three games. But they still are dealing with tough competition from those spots, particularly the Lakers, who have all of a sudden grabbed the eighth playoff spot.
If they're going to pull anything off in the end, they'll need more performances rom people like Carter.
Carter has shot 8 of 11 from three point range in these last two games, starting with 4 of 5 shooting in Minnesota. Ten of his 22 in the game came in the second quarter, when a 35-24 performance helped the Mavs pull away from the Timberwolves early.
Tuesday's game against the Bucks was quite similar. With Carter going 4 for 6 on three pointers, the Mavs set some distance from the Bucks with a 35-20 second quarter.
What's more, the Mavs have been able to win these games with Shawn Marion sitting out with a thogh contusion.
Mario will continue to be evaluated as the Mavericks head back into the state to complete their road trip in San Antonio on Thursday.
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