The Dallas Mavericks get treated with a four-game homestand after their first overtime win in eight tries this season. The Mavs battled through an impossible bank-in 3-point shot from Isaiah Thomas to send the game into the extra frame. In the end a Demarcus Cousins flagrant 2 foul on Vince Carter sealed the 117-112 win.

Tonight the Memphis Grizzlies visit the American Airlines Center, following an OT game and win of their own last night at home against the San Antonio Spurs.

It was a much need victory for the Mavericks on Thursday night. Already sliding swiftly down the Western conference standings, the OT win prevented them from setting the NBA record for consecutive losses in overtime games.

Despite their 14-23 record, the Mavs have a winning mark at home. That however will be tested with some quality opponents making their way through town this week. The 24-10 Grizzlies start the homestand and will seek their second victory over the Mavs, defeating them earlier this season in Memphis 105-95.

Dallas’ focus in this game needs to be one game at a time. Build on the win in Sacramento.

“It’s a baby step in the right direction. We just got to keep crawling.”

Those words from Mavs forward Shawn Marion after he and his team were confident they’d win the game on Thursday as it entered OT. Marion has been voicing his frustrations to the media without filter and it’s about time the Mavs turned around and got a W.

The Grizzlies present a unique challenge for the guys tonight because of their incredibly talented front court of Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Gay has the athleticism and length that thrives at the SF spot while big men Z-Bo and Gasol lack the athleticism, but make up for it with rebounding, hustle and crafty skills to score the ball.

Dallas is watching their star Dirk Nowitzki ease back into his usual form each and every game. The shooting percentages aren’t pretty, but his effectiveness is. The game changes for both teams when Dirk is on the floor. His presence means everything.

Dirk has gotten help from his teammates though which will be much needed tonight. Vince Carter poured in 23 points against the Kings, making 16 trips to the free throw line. O.J. Mayo added his first double-double of the year with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Marion chipped in his own double-double of 19 and 10.

A win tonight surely would provide even more confidence for the Mavs who have been looking to turn grueling efforts in wins.

They go for two straight wins for the first time since Dec. 8th and 10th, wins over Houston and Sacramento.

The action starts at 8:00 p.m. CT and airs on FSSW/SPSO.

Let’s Go Mavs!