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Game Notes
+ This is the first loss for the Mavericks when Dirk shoots 80%+, minimum 10 shot attempts. They are now 12-1 in such games.
+ Vince Carter is seven points away from becoming the 28th player in NBA history to score 22k points.
+ Mike James' 14 points were a season-high. He has hit at least one three pointer in nine straight games.
+ Elton Brand started the game for the Mavericks, and the James/Mayo/Crowder/Dirk/Brand starting lineup was the 21st for the Mavericks this season. It was Brand's first start in over a month on 2/1 at Phoenix.
+ Durant scored 12 points through three quarters, then tallied 19 points in the fourth.
+ OKC's 88-81 lead was the largest lead for either team. The game was within six points on every possession but that one.
Rick Carlisle
(Carlisle, on the Vince iso with the game tied at 101) "We could have done a better job [against their defense]. They were doing a lot of switching. We got up against the clock and didn't do a good job. It was a tough possession."
(Carlisle, on Dirk not getting the ball in the fourth) "We didn't do a good job. I take responsibility for it...a few times they fouled him before he could get a shot off. He got to the free throw line two or three times. When they get into all of that switching and denying, sometimes other guys have got to step up and make plays, and we weren't able to make plays."
Dirk Nowitzki
Elton Brand
"They just made more plays down the stretch. We had Durant under control for about 75% of the game, he just came up big and hit some big shots. Westbrook hit a big shot. They scored and we didn't. We fought well and we were right there."
(on Dirk's lack of shots) "Yeah, it's tough, especially since Dirk was 8/10 and was hot and we got to find a way to get him the ball, but their defense took it out of our hands. If the defense is going to do that other guys have to make some plays."
(were you happy with offensive looks in 4th?) "Yes, except for the one shot clock violation. Other than that, we were happy with our shots down the stretch."
OKC coach Scott Brooks
"Every time we play Dallas, it seems that we should start the game with a two-minute game at 0-0. That's what it seems to come down to every game...it comes down to the last two or three minutes of the game. I like the way we competed and we showed a competitive spirit throughout the game. I'm just glad that we had the last run."
(on Thabo's dagger) "I like the fact that Thabo made that last shot. We were taking the ball out of Kevin and Russell's hands and someone needed to make a play. He found the shot and made a tough shot."
(on being in such a close game throughout) "Going into the game I was expecting it. They were obviously playing for their playoff lives and they gave great energy. Unfortunately, someone had to lose."
OKC guard Thabo Sefolosha
(on their defense) "I thought our defense was really good down the stretch. We got a few foul calls but besides that it was really solid."