The Oklahoma City Thunder needed some misfires from a red-hot Dirk Nowitzki to hold on to a critical win over the reigning NBA champions. They got it, and topped the Dallas Mavericks 95-91 in Oklahoma City.
Mavericks Vs. Thunder: Oklahoma City Survives Dirk Nowitzki For 95-91 Win
Nowitzki had 27 points to lead all scorers, and had a personal 9-0 run on three straight three-pointers to give the Mavs a 91-87 lead. But Nowitzki took and missed just one more shot, and both he and Dallas wouldn’t score again, giving the Thunder an opening.
Russell Westbrook responded with a three of his own, and he, Serge Ibaka, and Kevin Durant all hit free throws down the stretch to seal Oklahoma City's victory.
Neither Westbrook nor Durant had a particularly good night — they combined to shoot 12-for-38 from the field, with Westbrook scoring 24 points and Durant getting just 22.
Shawn Marion was the only other Mavericks starter in double figures, scoring 10 points, but Jason Terry and Ian Mahinmi added 18 and 13 off the bench.
For more on the Thunder, head to Welcome to Loud City. For more on the Mavericks, visit Mavs Moneyball.
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