Seven weeks and 22 games later, Van Exel and LaFrentz have figured out their roles ? just in time for the playoffs.

In a 108-96 victory over Portland on Tuesday night, Van Exel scored 21 points, his third straight game with 20 or more. LaFrentz showed signs of breaking out of a recent slump with 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.

"We were numb for a long time," LaFrentz said. "You're not happy, not disappointed, just shocked. My whole life changed. But once you get your feet down, there's no question that this was a change for the better. We're now winning games and thinking about the playoffs, about the division championship."

The Mavericks were 37-17, a .685 winning percentage, the day they sent Juwan Howard, Tim Hardaway and Donnell Harvey to the Nuggets for Van Exel, LaFrentz, Avery Johnson and Tariq Abdul-Wahad. Since they arrived, Dallas is 16-6, a .727 winning percentage, with wins in five of the past six games.