Mavericks show old playoff form thanks to Nowitzki's early return (AP)

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, of Germany, stretches before a basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Wednesday, April 2, 2008, in Dallas. Nowitzki returned from his injury sooner than expected, providing the inspiration for a blowout of Golden State that significantly improved the Mavericks playoff outlook.

The unexpected return of Dirk Nowitzki helped the stumbling Dallas Mavericks find the swagger that made them an NBA finalist last year. The 111-89 blowout of Golden State on Wednesday night was a stunning reversal for a squad that had gone 0-10 against winning teams since acquiring Jason Kidd and slid down the playoff standings in March.



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