Lessons learned by the Mavericks in their first clashing of the week against the LA Lakers:

1. Coming close still isn't a win, but if there is a mental block to overcome, it is shrinking even as their frustration is growing. And,

2. The outshoot-them theory has enough merit that the Mavericks want to give it a try again ... but not quite so far away from the basket, this time.

Game 2 in the short home-and-home series against the LA Lakers comes Tuesday at American Airlines Center, giving the Mavericks one final chance to topple the champion they simply cannot budge. They will try it one more time with a slight adjustment in strategy and a belief that they are closer than ever to beating the Lakers.