Mavs fail to get revenge vs Bucks as a 3rd player gets injured

In the past two Dallas losses, the Mavs have learned what it's like to play without their star player Dirk Nowitzki. In tonight's game they found out what it was like to play without Shawn Marion [out with a thigh contusion]; and possibly the next game they'll find out what it's like to play without Caron butler who left the game in the late 1st quarter due to a knee injury.

This left the Bucks on top 25-18 at the end of the first, and it turned into a double figure lead early in the second quarter with the help of Boykins. The Mavericks searched for an answer but it wasn't long until JJ Barea took control, acquiring a career high of 29 points total. But despite JJ's outstanding performance, JET's shooting was still off, and the Mavs couldn't deplete the large deficit.

Before the first half was over, Ian Mahinmi left for the locker room for stitches after being elbowed in the face by Maggette. But despite all the troubles, Barea continued to play well, putting the Mavs within two points at the end of the first half. Barea had 18 first half points.

The Bucks started the 3rd quarter with an 8-2 run; but this didn't last long when Jason Kidd was 5-0, setting the Mavs on a 9-2 run. After this the lead went back and forth ending in a 99-87 loss for the Mavs.

Aside from Barea's career high of 29 points, Kidd scored 14 points 9 assists and Chandler scored 11 points. But this wasn't enough to beat the Bucks with Boykins' 26 points, Salmons' 21 points, and Ilyasova's 16 points an season high 17 rebounds. The injured Mavs fell to the Bucks yet again.

Dirk Nowitzki will definitely not play Sunday vs the Cavs. When he will return is not yet positive. Whether Butler and Marion are playing tomorrow or not is also not yet known.

Butler holding his knee in pain as he falls and hurts it late in the 1st quarter