The Mavericks came close to breaking a couple of dubious franchise playoff defensive records. The Mavericks came a basket away from equaling a franchise record for points allowed in the first half of a playoff game. The Hornets scored 67 points in the first half, two short of the 69 the Mavericks allowed in a 2003 loss to San Antonio and a 1986 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Hornets shot 60.8 percent from the floor (48-of-79). The highest allowed in a playoff game by the Mavs was 61.5 percent in a 1988 loss to the Lakers.

Tim MacMahon

The Mavericks have a 13-game home winning streak against the Hornets. Chris Paul and his teammates are well aware of that fact.

"I'm sure Muggsy [Bogues] was probably running the point the last time we won in Dallas," Paul said. "We understand that we have a great opportunity to go in there and go up 3-0. We just have to accept the challenge."

Actually, Corey Beck was the Charlotte Hornets' starting point guard in their 94-92 victory in Dallas on Jan. 24, 1998.

Tim MacMahon

Coach Avery Johnson said Monday afternoon he would become alarmed if Josh Howard's shooting troubles became a trend. There is reason for concern. Howard scored 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting in Game 2. He's shooting 26.9 percent (7-of-26) during the series.

Howard has struggled offensively since aggravating a bruise on his right knee during an April 10 win over Utah. He is 18-of-67 from the floor in the last five games.

Tim MacMahon

Tuesday's loss to New Orleans wasn't the worst in Mavericks playoff history, but it was close. Of the Mavs' four worst postseason losses, two have come in their last four playoff games.

David Moore

The Mavericks were left without backup point guard Tyronn Lue when he experienced lower back tightness before the game. Lue had played only 1:17 in Game 1 as Avery Johnson elected to go with Jason Terry and Devean George behind Jason Kidd.

Eddie Sefko

With the Mavericks intent on not allowing the Hornets to push them around in Game 2, there were concerns that things could get out of hand. Not to worry, said Hornets coach Byron Scott.

"It won't get too physical if Joey's reffing," said Scott.

That's Joey Crawford, widely regarded as the game's best referee. Scott admitted that, while his team did not want to get caught up in any extracurricular activities, he also didn't want his team to change what it does best.

"Keep your cool," he said. "Keep playing hard. Keep playing a physical brand of basketball. We're not going to back down from anybody anyway, but hopefully it doesn't get out of hand."

There were no significant incidents.

Eddie Sefko

According to Hornets coach Byron Scott, there can be no question about some of the elbows the Hornets claim Dirk Nowitzki is flinging.

"I got a chance to rewind that a few times," Scott said. "There was nothing inadvertent about it. He felt that he was getting kind of pushed around and [he took] a pretty good swing with the elbow on that one.

"I think Tyson [Chandler] pushed him a little bit. He definitely pushed him, but he didn't push him where he shoved him almost into the photo guys down there."

Eddie Sefko