Order restored

Need a reminder why it's silly to get worked up about the first month of the season? Try the Mavericks.

Three weeks ago they were 0-4, the worst start in franchise history. Three weeks later all is well again in Big D. Their defending Western Conference champs entered Friday's game against Sacramento with an 11-game winning streak, three off the franchise record. Just like that, the Mavs are back atop the West.

What happened?

Basically, the Mavs needed something fans and media don't want to give these days: time. With several new bench players on a team that was bound to be feeling some hangover effect from its Finals collapse, it's really no surprise the Mavs struggled a bit while coach Avery Johnson figured out his rotation. The real shocker might be that they turned it around so quickly.

Will the Mavs be able to keep it going? There's no reason to believe they won't. They return most of the key players from the team that won 60 games a year ago. So far newcomers Devean George, Greg Buckner, Austin Croshere and Anthony Johnson seem to be fitting in. The one caveat for the Mavs is that the schedule has been soft during the win streak, with the only real quality win coming against the Spurs (the Suns were struggling at the time of their meeting, while the Hornets were missing Peja Stojakovic and David West). Still, 11 wins is impressive -- and it sure beats what they were going through at the start.

What has gotten into Erick Dampier? He seems to be playing better than ever. Can the Mavs count on him to keep playing like this? -- Ed McDonough, Dallas

Dampier has been a major part of Dallas' resurgence. The 6-foot-11 center is leading the NBA in field goal percentage while defending and hitting the boards. He's a big reason the Mavs have given up more than 100 points just once in the last 10 games (after doing so once in the first four) and outrebounded foes by an average of 43.9 to 36.1 during their win streak. It's also no coincidence that the Mavs were 11-2 after Devin Harris replaced Buckner in the starting lineup. With the speedy Harris in the lineup, Jason Terry can slide over to his more natural shooting guard spot and the Mavs are a much more dangerous offensive team. Dallas has scored 30 or more points in the first quarter in each of the past four games, and has had a lead of at least 10 points in each of its last 12 games. Like we said, maybe Johnson just needed a little time.

Will the Clippers trade Corey Maggette? How about dealing him to the Nuggets for one of their extra big men? -- S. Scott, Merrillville, Ind.

It's no secret the Clippers are dangling Maggette, who has chafed at times about his bench role. The Nuggets, Heat and Bulls are among the teams mentioned as possible destinations. Denver could really use a scoring shooting guard (sorry, but J.R. Smith is still too young to rely on in the playoffs). But that raises the question of why the Clippers would help out a fellow Western Conference rival. The Heat, who could offer Antoine Walker or James Posey, seem like a more realistic fit. As for Maggette returning to his native Chicago, it isn't likely. The Bulls need a big man who can score in the low post more than they need another perimeter guy.

Is there any truth to the rumor about the Blazers trading Jamaal Magloire to the Raptors for Morris Peterson? Both players are unhappy about their reduced roles. It seems to make sense for both teams. -- Alex Elliott, Toronto