"The loss of small forward Caron Butler for the remainder of this season Tuesday wasn't met well by the Dallas Mavericks' organization.

Yet the Mavs tried to put a positive spin on what had to be some sobering news.

"It's unfortunate, but we know how to deal with it,'' guard Jason Terry said. "He's a big scorer -- we've got to fill the void out there -- and he's one of our leaders, but I think we can get it done.''

Butler, who averaged 15 points and 4.1 rebounds, underwent season-ending surgery Tuesday to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. The injury occurred last Saturday in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said he texted Butler and the nine-year veteran appeared to be handling this difficult period in his life as well as can be expected.

"I saw him (Monday), and he is in unbelievably great spirits,'' Carlisle said. "He'll do really well with this rehab."