NBA Roundup: Dallas A Perfect Ten

Notes from Monday's games in the National Basketball Association:

• Wolf Trap. The Mavericks (10-4) record looks pretty good until you realize they began 0-4. Then it looks great, which must delight owner Mark Cuban beyond imagination. If we were anywhere close, we'd hang around him in hotel lobbies just to see if he's tossing expensive stuff to fans. Josh Howard ended a sluggish start with a short jumper, as the Mavericks won their 10th straight, 93-87, over the Timberwolves. And Cuban is even blogging about his team again! Of course, next will come the antics.

• Howard's End. Dwight Howard finally took it upon himself to stop the runaway Jazz locomotive, scoring 21 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in the Magic's 88-75 win on Monday. Orlando is now 11-4 — really? — Utah 12-3.

• Warriors, Come Out And Play! You have to give Don Nelson credit. It seems he's really got the Warriors turned around; and if you're still skeptical, how about wins over the past three days over Utah and San Antonio (combined records 23-7). Jason Richardson scored a season-high 26 points to lead Golden State over San Antonio 111-102; the Spurs' first road loss of the season.

• Miami Nice. Allen Iverson, 45 points. Dwyane Wade, 33 points, 13 assists. Heat 103, 76ers 91.