Mavericks notes: Collison bounces back against Knicks

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By Dwain Price

DALLAS -- Ever since New York defeated the Dallas Mavericks 104-94 on Nov. 9, Darren Collison couldn't wait to get another crack at the Knicks.

The Mavs' point guard felt embarrassed after he went 1 of 8 from the field with only four points, four turnovers and eight assists.

"I really circled this game on my calendar and I really wanted to get after it this game," Collison said of Wednesday's matchup. "I really took it personal playing against the Knicks the second time around.

"When I played them the last game I felt like I didn't play the way I wanted to play. I wasn't the Darren that I'm capable of playing."

On Wednesday, Collison was 7 of 11 from the floor and finished with 19 points, seven assists and three turnovers as the Mavs beat the Knicks 114-111.

As the Mavs (7-6) prepare to host the Los Angeles Lakers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Collison knows he's been mostly inconsistent this season. Guard O.J. Mayo, however, pointed out that his backcourt mate can't allow himself to carry one bad game into the next.

"You can't let one night that doesn't go well for you linger," Mayo said. "... The next night like [Wednesday] you'll have a terrific game."

Kaman on Knicks

The standings say the New York Knicks went into Wednesday's game at 8-1. But after the Mavs won, center Chris Kaman gave his analysis of the Knicks.

"I didn't know they were the best team, Kaman said. "I don't look at them as the best NBA team. Their record is the best record at that point, but to me I don't think that's the best NBA team, but they're a solid NBA team.

"They play really well together and they have a great lineup coming in off the bench, and they have a lot of experience and they know how to win."

Kaman believes the title of the NBA's best team is shared by Miami, Oklahoma City, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers. And the Mavs?

"I always like the Mavericks, that's my team,'' Kaman said. "But of the top teams right now that I'm looking at, we have too many new guys. I think we're more of a late bloomer than we are ready to roll. But I think we're getting better."

Dwain Price, 817-390-7760

Twitter: @DwainPrice

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