Morning Hardwood: Leaders of the New School

A quick look back at Tuesday night in The Association ...

Bow Down, Apolis Pt. 1. In Minneapolis, the Mavericks absolutely, positively, unconditionally crushed the Timberwolves 91-65. The Mavs, who improved to an amazing 11-0 on the second night of back-to-back games, finished 10-0 in February. It is the first time in franchise history that they've swept a month. Dirk Nowitzki had 23 points and 14 rebounds. Jerry Stackhouse had three points and one kick-ass coat.

Bow Down, Apolis Pt. 2. In Indianapolis, the Suns rallied from 18 points down to beat the Pacers 103-92. Indiana led 77-59 with 5 minutes left in the third period but managed only one more basket the rest of that quarter and just five baskets in the first 10 minutes of the fourth quarter. The Black Jesus had 23 points and 18 rebounds, Apostle Steve had 25 points and 11 assists and Maiden Marion added 22. (Hat tip: Mark.)

This Is What It Sounds Like, When LeBron Tries. LeBron James nailed two clutch 3-pointers in the final minute of regulation to help the Cavs to a 97-89 win over the NOOCH. James, who finished with 35 points and eight assists, has been playing some of his best ball of the season, averaging 30.5 in his last six games. Oh, 30.5 points. Not chewed fingernails.

Chicks Dig The Long-Ball. The Nets hit a franchise-record 16 3-pointers in a 113-101 win over The Wiz Kids. Hey, speaking of kids, Jason Kidd -- oh, that was nice -- had 26 points, nine assists, eight boards and six said 3s. Bostjan Nachbar and Eddie House added three 3s apiece and Vince Carter and Clifford Robinson each had two. The Wiz played without Caron Butler (back spasms) and Antawn Jamison (knee) again.

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