MyDallasMavs: Another Loss for the Mavs Without Dirk

Although the Mavericks played much harder without Dirk this time than they did to Toronto on Tuesday, they still weren't able to pull through with the win.

"We just couldn't get over the hump. It was tough, it was frustrating, but our guys kept battling," Carlisle explained when summing up the night. "I take positives out of it, but right now, we've got to really work together. Without Dirk in the lineup, the margins for error are extremely slim."

The spurs took a 45-29 lead early in the 2nd quarter and went on a 21-2 run after hitting 10 consecutive shots with four 3-pointers in the mix. The Mavericks came without a single point twice in the second half, but missed free throws to tie it both times.

Rookie Gary Neal came off the bend to lead the Spurs with 21 points. Although this season has been one of Tim Duncan's lower career outputs, he wound up acquiring another double double with 17 points 11 rebounds. Hill, Parker, and Ginobili also all had a dozen+ points.

Caron Butler lead the Mavs with a season high of 30 points. Jason Kidd achieved his 106th triple double with 12 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. Jason Terry was having an off night, just 3 of 16 from the field with 8 points; but he hit back to back 3's in the end to keep it a close game.

Dirk is reported to make the trip to Milwaukee and Cleveland for their next 2 games, but whether he will play is still uncertain. They will continue to take his injury day to day, as Cuban said they are being very cautious with his return.