NBA Roundup: We Welcome Our Dallas Mavericks Overlords

Notes from Thursday's games in the National Basketball Association ...

• Devin Help Us. Well, the Mavericks have won 12 straight. So why do we have the feeling that they'll bow out again after a brief playoff run? They still carry that vibe, sorry. Devin Harris scored 13 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to help Dallas extend the league's longest winning streak this season with a 100-91 win over the Pacers. The Mavericks, who began the season 0-4, also had a 12-game streak earlier this season.

• I've Got A Smush On You, Sweetie Pie. Kobe Bryant scored 42 points, but it was his pass to Smush Parker with four seconds left in regulation that saved the Lakers. Parker tied the game with a lay-in, and LA went on to beat the Kings 132-128 in overtime. The term "game-tying layup" always baffled us ... shouldn't you foul him in that situation? Hard?

• Come On, Give Is A NOOCH. Richard Hamilton is one of the few people anywhere who can say that he was the leading scorer (27 points) for the Detroit Pistons in a win over the New Orleans Hornets in Oklahoma City.

• For Pete's Sake. TrueHoop has an interesting take on the dueling Pistol Pete Maravich books that's worth a look, if you're up for such matters.