With Dirk Nowitzki struggling with another leg injury, the Mavericks are dropping even further in the Western Conference standings.
Dirk played through the pain on Monday, but only managed 10 points while Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combines for 43 points as Oklahoma City coasted 112-91.
It was the first game between the Mavs and the Thunder this year that didn't go into overtime. The Mavs lost those games as well.
That was because OKC took command early and didn't look back. Leading 29-22 after one period, the Thunder ran away with a 39-22 second quarter.
Dirk missed the previous two games prior to the one in Oklahoma. The Mavs managed to get by in the previous game, coming up with a giant 35-24 fourth quarter to beat the Suns 109-99 in Phoenix.
OJ Mayo and Darren Collison combined for 39 points, and Vince Carter scored seven big points of his 17 to start the fourth, including the three-pointer that gave Dallas the lead for good.
That game followed losses to Portland and Golden State by a combined five points.
With Klay Thompson scoring 27, the Warriors also got the shots when it counted from David Lee. Lee, Andrew Bogut and Jarrett Jack all hit free throws down the stretch that kept the Mavs from getting over the hump, as the Warriors held on .
In Portland, the Mavs saw a 21-point lead slip away and Lamarcus Aldridge's 18 footer at the buzzer give the Warriors the 106-104 win. It was reminiscent of 2011's Game Four in the opening round.
But that was in the playoffs, and it galvanized the Mavs to charge toward the championship. Now, the chances of even getting to the postseason are slipping away fast.
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