Nowitzki, Mavericks too Much for Oklahoma City

Originally Published: Jan 15, 2010 10:26 PM CDT

Vitals | Recap

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

DALLAS -- All season it’s been easy to say Oklahoma City goes the way of Kevin Durant.

Friday’s matchup against the Mavericks was no exception. The Thunder fell to the Dallas Mavericks 99-98.

Durant had a down night like any young player. He shot only 6-18 from the floor, but went 4-5 from behind the arc and hit14 of his 16 free throws. Durant did contribute heavily on the boards, accounting for 13 of Oklahoma City’s 45 rebounds.

Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki showed why he is still one of the most dangerous players in the league, hitting clutch shots late in the game to put the Thunder away. Nowitzki scored 32 points, including eight of Dallas’ last 10 points in the game.

Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook scored 18 points, but only dished out 4 assists and two rebounds in the losing effort. Jeff Green also chipped in with 11 points and five rebounds, but missed key shots late.

The Thunder returns to the Ford Center Jan. 16, 2010 to host Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat.