Western conference. (NBA).

Midwest Division

DALLAS MAVERICKS PG Steve Nash spent a week working out with the Canadian national team in the summer, then skipped the World Championship in an effort to avoid burning out again. Nash says the break has left him fresher mentally and physically. Bringing PG Nick Van Exel off the bench should lighten Nash's workload.... The team's new commitment to defense remains a work in progress, as evidenced by the 108 points it gave up to the Grizzlies on opening night.... Mavericks coaches would like to see PF Dirk Nowitzki do a better job of making opponents pay for double-teaming him. Learning how to react to a double-team is one of the most difficult ...