MyDallasMavs: Mavs Weren't Able to Snap Their Losing Streak On the Road

The Bulls handed the Mavs their 5th consecutive road loss in a game that was poorly played by both teams. The Mavs came into this game confident with a win over the Lakers Wednesday night that ended their 6 game losing streak; but maybe with that mindset, they were taking this game too lightly.

Neither team shot better than 37% and the only Bull player in double figures was Derrick Rose with 26 points but shot only 9 for 28. Dirk, who is still sore from his knee injury, led the way for the Mavs with 19 points but was 6 for 16 from the field.

Both teams have been battling with injuries, but the Mavs more than the other. The Bulls, who are 6-4 their last 10 games, are without Carlos Boozer who missed his third straight game with a sprained ankle and Joakim Noah who had thumb surgery. The Mavericks have struggled greatly without Dirk for 9 games, Butler who is out the rest of the season, and Chandler who missed 2 consecutive games due to an illness. Although Dirk has finally returned, he is still not back to his normal self as his shooting hasn't been as up to par.

Since all of these injuries came upon the Mavs, they have lost 7 of 8 and 10 of 13. Once Dirk is fully recovered and healthy, they shouldn't have as much of a problem winning, but all of this losing is painfully reminding the team and their fans of how much help Caron Butler brought to the court.

The first quarter ended with the Mavs up by 1. In the 2nd quarter, the Bulls outscored the Mavs with 10 points, leading them 44-35 at the half. By the end of the 3rd quarter the Mavs came back outscoring the Bulls by 13. Both teams kept the game close, as the Mavs entered the 4th quarter with a 60-56 lead.

During the 4th quarter, the Mavs began to play sloppy, missing vital shots and turning over the ball. This is when Rose's shot finally began to sink in. At the end of the fourth, Terry missed a 3 to tie the game and it all went downhill from there. The Mavericks were also out rebounded 51-41. The game ended with a disappointing Dallas loss 82-77.

Dirk led the Mavs with 19 points. Chandler, Stevenson and Terry all added 12 points. Although Stevenson was 4-10, all 4 of his shots were 3's. Chandler acquired another double-double adding 12 rebounds.

Rose was the only Bull who scored in double digits but Thomas helped drastically acquiring 11 quick rebounds.

Next, the Mavericks travel to New Jersey to face the Nets on Saturday with the hopes of snapping their 5 road game losing streak.

They will remain hopeful, while Dirk continues to recover. The Mavs are also looking to obtain Peja Stojakovic and were able to find room for him without losing newcomer Sasha Pavlovic. In a separate deal, the Mavs are finalizing a trade of Alexis Ajinca to the Raptors along with a future 2nd round pick and some cash. Dallas is not looking to replace Caron Butler who is most likely out for the season, but they are looking to fill the void and they think that Peja might be able to do the job.