Shawn Marion: The Mavericks' savior

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Matrix-y

All of last season, I felt that Shawn Marion was the most underrated Dallas Maverick.

At this point in this abbreviated season, he's just rated. Meaning, now everyone's noticing just what Marion brings to the table. All at the age of 33. When everyone thought he was pretty washed up.

Last night was vintage Matrix scoring 29 beating the Phoenix Suns 93-87. With Lamar Odom pouting, Dirk Nowitzki trying to catch his breath, Jason Kidd crapping the sheets, Jason Terry remaining inconsistent and the team in general trying to find a rotation, Marion's been really good, or, at least, really consistent. He's not going to score 29 a night, but he buoys the ship when needed. It's nothing spectacular. It's just good.

Ironically, or not, Marion's shooting percentage is at its lowest in three seasons as a Maverick, still at a respectable 46 percent. The reason is probably he's shooting three times as many three pointers. It's not such a bad thing. He's hitting them at a 42 percent clip. At his peak with the Suns a decade ago, he was attempting 4.5 three-pointers a game. He's averaging 1.1 per game this season.

Marion will never go back to his full Matrix days. But as long as he maintains his current efficiency and effectiveness on both sides of the ball, mind you, the Mavericks will be relevant this season.

Notes:
1. Jason Kidd is shooting 26 percent. He's got 24 steals and 19 field goals. It's to the point that he needs to quit shooting. And the Mavericks will not be the same team if he's not a threat to shoot.

2. Typically, minutes for Ian Mahinmi would have raised eyebrows. Now you can't imagine him not on the floor. He's going from eight minutes a game to 20 (28 last night) and shooting 64 percent. Biggest boost are his ability to get to the free-throw line and make them.

3. The Mavs are 2-6 against winning teams. Are 9-1 against losing teams.

4. Why would the Mavericks label Dirk Nowitzki's hiatus as being out of shape when they would get all the credit in the world for just resting him four games?

5. Yes, Brendan Haywood had his career high with 10 points last night. Ten points.

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