The Dallas Mavericks made a daring team decision. They're either getting back to .500, or they're going to look like ZZ Top by season's end.
Earlier this week, numerous players confirmed they agreed to stop shaving until the team got it's record back up to at least even. So far, that declaration seems to be working, as they've won their last two games since making the pledge.
Such hairy declarations aren't uncommon in some sports. One tradition for many NHL teams is to get a full shave just as the playoffs start and then not shave again until they are over for that team.
This time, it appears to be the Mavs' attempt to prove to themselves and the public that this season is not over just yet.
Dallas was 20-28 going into last Wednesday's game going into the first of five straight home games, and they so far have taken advantage.
It started with a 105-99 win against Portland that gave Rick Carlisle his 500th win as an NBA head coach.
OJ Mayo scored 28 in the win, but it was the Mavs' tremendous improvement on defense that carried them, holding the Blazers to 38 points after falling behind 33-27 to start the game.
A 25-17 fourth quarter helped put the game away, with Roddy Beaubois' three pointer giving them the lead a minute into the period. Beaubois had seven points in the fourth, including the last free throws of the night.
Dallas then came back on Saturday to get some vengeance on a struggling Golden State team, winning their first game against the Warriors this year 116-91.
This time, the Mavs charged forward at the start and never looked back, leading 30-16 after one period. Taking advantage of a Golden State team playing four road games in five nights, they pushed the ball as often as they could, outscoring them 29-8 on the fast break.
Shawn Marion scored a season-high 26, all while deflecting the rumors that he may be gone by the approaching trade deadline.
The Mavs are now just four games away from being able to break out the razors, as the Atlanta Hawks come into the American Airlines Center on Monday.
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