The Mavericks haven't gotten much of a good-karma carryover from last night's emotional victory. Mostly, they've just been a step slow. They fell behind quickly and still are down 31-22 after a Jason Kidd 3-pointer with 8:43 to go in the first half. On the one occasion when the Mavs played really solid, hustling defense, the Hornets kept moving the ball and were stuck with Devin Brown hoisting a 28-foot shot as the shot-clock was expiring. Naturally, it went in. The Mavericks are staying close. But this is going to have to be a grind-out win if they are going to come back. --Eddie Sefko