THREE POINTS

BIG TROUBLE IN BIG D

In getting off to the franchise’s worst start at 0-4 before finally winning Thursday at Phoenix, the Dallas Mavericks have been hurt most notably by their defense after reaching last season’s NBA Finals.

Dallas has given up 105.2 points per game while allowing opponents to shoot 50.9%. Making matters worse, their usually more prolific offense is averaging 95.0 points on 44.7% shooting.

It all adds up to a whopping average margin of defeat of 10.2 points, the second largest in the NBA.

Dirk Nowitzki, however, isn’t panicking, saying, “If you go through this stretch in January, it doesn’t look as bad.”

THE NEW KING

Shooting guard Kevin Martin is making the Sacramento Kings look good for not re-signing last year’s incumbent Bonzi Wells.

Martin, the 26th pick in the 2004 draft out of Western Carolina, is averaging a team-leading 23.4 points on 54.2% shooting, including a career-high tying 30-point effort in Wednesday’s 99-86 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Martin, who has an odd-looking jumper, averaged 8.4 points before this season.

NIGHT AND DAY

Washington Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas is averaging 37.6 points this season at home, where the Wizards are 3-0. On the road, however, Arenas is averaging 15.5 points and the Wizards are 0-2.

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-- PAUL NETTER