MyDallasMavs: Mavs Extend Road Winning Streak Without Dirk

Dirk Nowitzki rolled his ankle and developed a sore knee in the midst of as early as the second quarter, but the Mavericks stood tough against Oklahoma City and proved it in the fourth quarter as their remarkable defense left the Thunder scoring only 12 points.

To make up for Dirk's absence, Shawn Marion scored 12 points in the third quarter, while Jason Terry became hot in the fourth quarter, initiating the 16-5 run that quickly took over OKC. JET becoming hot in the fourth quarter--does this sound familiar? Terry has been nothing but fire in the fourth, as the Mavs leave the building making a statement.

Also contributing to the scoreboard was Caron Butler with 21 points, Jason Kidd with 10 points 10 Assists, Deshawn Stevenson with 12 points, and Tyson Chandler with 7 points 10 rebounds. If there's one thing Kidd's good at, its setting up the court so well offensively with his assists, and hitting multiple consecutive 3's. I'd also have to hand it to Chandler. He has been such a great addition to the Mavs defense, something that they needed for so long. Could this improved defense be an important aspect to keep the Mavs in the playoffs? I think so.

This game, in my opinion, was one of their better team efforts, especially with their star player sitting out. They were also without coach Carlisle who is recovering from knee surgery. The Mavs completed their task of achieving their 5th consecutive win as well as their 11th road game victory. They trail behind the Spurs by just 1 1/2 games as they continue to stand as number 1 in power rankings.