When you are really struggling and desperately seeking an injection of positivity, if the best way to make it happen is to face the most ominous challenge you can imagine, the Mavericks are in luck.
At 0-3, they already are in a hole that will take time to escape from. That they have to start that task with defending NBA champion Golden State visiting Monday night will make the digging process all that much tougher.
What they hope is that they'll get a couple extra shovels to help out.
Dirk Nowitzki sounded like a guy who is hoping the cavalry shows up, but also understanding that, no matter who is available Monday and beyond, the collective will has to get a little stronger.