This time, it was a 104-97 victory over the Nuggets, with standout play from Juwan Howard that pushed the Mavericks to 31-12 and even more remarkably, 11-1 while Finley has sat with a strained left hamstring.

The Mavericks have won their past six games and 19 of their past 22.

"We're continuing to develop without Michael," guard Steve Nash said, "but I'm certain we would have developed with him."

The Mavericks are finding new ways to win, even if it's interesting every time. This time, it was Howard's turn to play the interchangeable spot in the Mavericks' Big Three Minus One. He had his third consecutive double-double, logging 19 points and 13 rebounds, and helped turn the game's tide toward the Mavericks in the third quarter.