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The Dallas Mavericks (7-9) followed up an impressive win over the New York Knicks ten days ago with three consecutive losses.
The losing streak dealt the Mavs their first bit of adversity as Rick Carlisle moved point guard Darren Collison to the bench in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. A finger injury then benched Collison on Thursday when the Chicago Bulls beat the Mavericks, prompting Dallas to sign veteran point guard Derek Fishers and release forward Troy Murphy.
The losing took a toll on where the Mavs sit in the standings, as well. Now two games under .500, Dallas finds itself in fourth place in the Southwest Division, six games behind the Memphis Grizzlies at the top of the standings. The Grizzlies lead the Western Conference with a half game lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
Dallas remains one of five teams within one game of seventh place in the conference, currently held by the Los Angeles Lakers.
In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat have moved to the top of the standings after winning five consecutive games. The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are in close pursuit, just a half game behind the Heat.
Here is a look at the full NBA standings.