That work ethic has helped Mason become one of the NBA's top bench players. Mason, a swingman for the Seattle SuperSonics, is averaging more than 12 points per game in 31 minutes of work a game. He scored a career-high 36 points against the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this week. And he has helped the Sonics, who host the Mavericks on Saturday, clinch a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Mason's improved second season in the NBA has everything to do with his ability to get in the gym and practice. Mason worked with several coaches and former Mavericks player Dale Ellis to get more consistent on the offensive end of the floor.

"He told me to just slow down," Mason said of Ellis. "Everybody is fast and athletic in this league. You have to outsmart people. And you can practice doing that."
Mason practiced enough to make himself a contender for the NBA's Sixth Man Award, given to the top bench player in the league. He worked on creating space between himself and the defender to attempt good jump shots. And he worked off the dribble to get to the basket quicker. Mainly, Mason said he recognized the need to be just as good mentally as physically.