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Tersk · 01-17-2005, 11:24 PM

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By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

Don Nelson didn't have to think long when asked about the Mavericks' defense the last three games.

"It's a lot better," he said, "when Josh Howard is out there."

The three games Howard missed with sinus and respiratory infections gave a clear indication of his value on the defensive end. All three opponents scored above their season averages, and the shooting percentages for two of the three were abnormally high.
Mavericks/NBA

The Mavericks hope those trends start reversing tonight, when Howard is expected to return to action against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Center.

Howard went through part of Monday's practice and though he hasn't licked his ailments, he's on the downhill side. He said this illness was similar to one that knocked him out for 10 days as a sophomore at Wake Forest.

"I feel a lot better," he said. "We'll see how I am at the shootaround."

His return won't come soon enough for the Mavericks, who were blistered for 124 points by offensively challenged Houston and allowed San Antonio to shoot 50 percent. In addition, New Jersey, the lowest-scoring team in the league, had 93 points Saturday.

"He's our best defender," said Dirk Nowitzki. "And he's one of the best rebounders in the league at his position. We've missed him the past couple games. He's always making plays for us."

Howard's impact defensively is so great because he can guard anybody on the opposing team except centers. He normally starts games against the opponent's best player. But he is not a Bruce Bowen-type defensive specialist. His offense and his rebounding have turned him into the Mavericks' second-best player.

After the last three games, they know that Howard-less is no way to go through any extended stretch.

Mavs Dude · 01-18-2005, 04:26 AM

If he isn't on a all-defensive team this year, I'll be outraged.

Tersk · 01-18-2005, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mavs Dude!
If he isn't on a all-defensive team this year, I'll be outraged.

Lets think about it, unless he's placed as SG he probably won't make it

This year's competion
Tim Duncan
Kevin Garnett
Bruce Bowen
James Posey
Rasheed Wallace
Tyson Chandler

I think he should be first reserve

Next year's
Tim Duncan
Kevin Garnett
Bruce Bowen
James Posey
Rasheed Wallace
Andrei Kirilenko
Ron Artest
Tyson Chandler

**Dre™** · 01-18-2005, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Theo!!

Lets think about it, unless he's placed as SG he probably won't make it

This year's competion
Tim Duncan
Kevin Garnett
Bruce Bowen
James Posey
Rasheed Wallace
Tyson Chandler

I think he should be first reserve

Next year's
Tim Duncan
Kevin Garnett
Bruce Bowen
James Posey
Rasheed Wallace
Andrei Kirilenko
Ron Artest
Tyson Chandler

Kirilenko might still get enough games to be in the running also.