Western conference.(National Basketball Association)(Brief Article)

Midwest Division

DALLAS MAVERICKS: The team proved it can win without SG Michael Finley (hamstring). SF Dirk Nowitzki and PG Steve Hash increased their scoring, and SGs Adrian Griffin, Johnny Newman and Greg Buckner plugged the gap in other areas while playing Finley's shooting guard role as the team won 11 of its first 12 without Finley. C Shawn Bradley still can serve a function even after a horrendous start due to injuries and indifferent play. The team must depend on more of a halfcourt game in the playoffs and needs better interior defense against opponents with big front lines. That style is better suited to Bradley's abilities, so he must begin rounding ...