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Despite missing Kidd, Mavs down Hornets

Jan 8, 2012 - 7:37 AM Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Missing Jason Kidd, the Mavericks used a balanced effort to down the equally depleted Hornets, 96-81, on Saturday.

Vince Carter and Ian Mahinmi led six Mavs in double figures with 13 points apiece, as the team rebounded from Thursday's setback in San Antonio. Jason Terry and Delonte West both added 12 points, while Rodrigue Beaubois had 11 and Dirk Nowitzki finished with 10.

"Ian is a great example of what is important this year," said Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle. "He is energetic and involved in every play. He is extremely valuable for us."

The Hornets, who continue to play without starting guard Eric Gordon, dropped their sixth straight. Al-Farouq Aminu paced the team with 15 points and 12 rebounds and Jarrett Jack added 13 points.

Dallas has won three of its last four, with its lone loss in that span coming at the hands of the Spurs. The Mavericks struggled on the offensive end in the defeat, shooting just 35 percent from the floor and going just 1-for-19 from beyond the arc. The game also claimed the health of Kidd, who departed with a lower back strain.

On Saturday, West started at the point in place of Kidd and Carter moved into West's spot as shooting guard. Both players delivered. West went 8-for-8 from the charity stripe and handed out four assists, while Carter knocked down 5- of-11 from the field.

Nowitzki, meanwhile, has struggled. He was limited to six points on 3-of-11 shooting against San Antonio and went just 2-for-11 against the Hornets. Still, the Mavs were not tested. They held a 52-41 advantage at the break, as every player but Dominique Jones contributed a point.

Dallas wasn't tested in the second half and led by as many as 18 in the game. In all, the team knocked down 8-of-19 three-pointers and handed out 22 assists.

"The defining characteristic of the season is that depth is huge, depth is king," said Carlisle. "Energy triumphs everything."

Game Notes

Gordon is expected to miss up to three weeks due to swelling in his knee...The Mavericks have won four straight at home...Dallas forward Lamar Odom had nine points in 20 minutes...Aminu notched a season-high in points and a career-high in rebounds.