Dirk Nowitzki Scores 30 in Mavericks Win Vs Oklahoma Thunder

Dirk Nowitzki scored 30 to power the Dallas Mavericks to 112-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday at the American Airlines Center. Nowitzki, who started at center in Tyson Chandler's absence due to back spasms, now has 27,352 points in his 17-year career in the league, all spent with the Mavericks.

Nowitzki recently surpassed Elvin Hayes for the eight spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list. He could soon overtake Moses Malone who had 27,409 career points to take seventh place.

Chandler Parsons added 26 points, Monta Ellis shot 18 and Rajon Rondo chipped in 15 points for the Mavericks, who were outrebounded, 53-37.Ironically, the Mavericks outscored the Thunder in second-chance points at 19-15.

Rick Carlisle, who coached his 1,000th NBA game, stared with three guards--Ellis, Rondo and J.J. Barea. Parsons scored 15 first quarter points, including three 3-pointers, to lead the Mavericks to a 33-26 lead at the end of the opening quarter. The Thunder used a 15-5 run with six points coming from Russell Westbrook to overtake the Mavericks, 52-49 at 4:54 of the second quarter.

But the Mavericks answered with 11 unanswered points to gain a 60-52 lead with 2:11 left before halftime. Monta Ellis capped the quarter with a basket to put the Mavericks up 64-58 at the intermission.

The Thunder had a big third quarter, outscoring the Mavericks 30-17 with Serge Ibaka pouring in 14 points including three 3-pointers. That gave the Thunder an 88-81 lead to open the final quarter.

Charlie Villanueva scored five straight for the Mavericks in an 11-2 burst to overtake the Thunder, 92-90. Back-to-back baskets by Westbrook pushed the Thunder ahead, 102-100 at 4:07 of the fourth.

But the Thunder could only get a basket in the next four minutes while Nowitzki and Rajon Rondo combined for 10 points as the Mavericks established a 110-105 lead with 1:05 remaining. Reggie Jackson and Parsons exchanged baskets to settle the final score.
Serge Ibaka scored 26 to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were without Kevin Durant for the sixth straight game. Jackson scored 21 while Westbrook chipped in 18 points, nine assists and five steals.