The Dallas Mavericks suffered a disappointing loss to begin the second half of their schedule falling at home to the New Jersey Nets 93-92. The Mavericks fell behind early and then spent the remainder of the game trying to dig themselves out of a hole. They trailed 56-45 at the break but outscored New Jersey by eight in the third to cut the advantage to just 79-76.
The offensive struggles returned to the Mavericks in the fourth quarter as they were held without a field goal until the 3:25 mark when Brendan Haywood scored to cut the Nets lead to 89-83. Haywood's bucket started a 9-2 run that would be capped off by a Jason Kidd three-pointer that put Dallas on top 92-91 with 42 seconds remaining. The lead would be short lived as Haywood fouled Brook Lopez who sank both free throws on the next possession to retake the lead 93-92. Jason Kidd missed a couple of three-point attempts in the game's final seconds enabling the Nets to escape Dallas with the win.
Dirk Nowitzki finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Mavericks. Brendan Haywood added 18 points and 10 boards while Jason Terry came off the bench to score 12. Shawn Marion and Rodrique Beaubois each finished with 11.
Brook Lopez came one point shy of matching a career high for points with 38. Anthony Morrow added 15 off the bench while Deron Williams finished with 12 points and 12 assists.
For more on this game Mavericks fans should check out Mavs Moneyball and Nets fans should stop by Nets Daily. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head on over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.