Print

Mail

wiki links

Nowitzki, Dallas win 14th straight

Dirk Nowitzki scored 10 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and LeBron James missed two free throws and two three-pointers in the final 13.7 seconds, letting the Dallas Mavericks slip by the Cleveland Cavaliers 95-92 on Thursday night for their franchise record-tying 14th straight victory.

The Mavericks already had come close to the mark twice this season, winning 12 in a row then 13 straight. They've lost only twice since Dec. 11 and just came off a perfect February that earlier Thurday earned Nowitzki and Avery Johnson honors for Western Conference player and coach of the month.

Dallas led since late in the first quarter until James sparked a late rally -- on both ends of the court, as he also shut off Nowitzki in the final minutes.

James, who scored 39 points, made a three-point play with 41 seconds left that got Cleveland within 95-92. After a defensive stand by the Cavaliers, James streaked for a layup but Nowitzki shoved him out of bounds so hard he went sprawling into about third row of seats behind the basket. Once he gathered himself, he missed both foul shots.

Trail Blazers 127, Bobcats 90

At Portland, Oregon, Rookie LaMarcus Aldridge scored 30 points, Zach Randolph and Martell Webster each added 20, and the Trail Blazers capped a strange day with a victory over the Bobcats.

Hours earlier, Blazers president and general manager Steve Patterson abruptly resigned after owner Paul Allen decided not to renew his contract.

At halftime, with Portland ahead 60-40, Allen gave a press conference where he affirmed his recommitment to the Blazers and pledged to follow through on efforts to buy back the Rose Garden Arena, which he lost two years ago in bankruptcy.

The Blazers also lost center Joel Przybilla for the season after an MRI revealed the need for arthroscopic surgery.

Matt Carroll had 20 points and Gerald Wallace added 13 for the Bobcats, who matched a season high with their fourth consecutive loss.

SuperSonics 77, Clippers 75

At Seattle, Rashard Lewis scored 31 points to lead Seattle over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Lewis gave the Sonics a 77-73 lead on a jumper with 24.8 seconds left. A pair of free throws by Corey Maggette with 9.3 seconds left brought the Clippers back to within two.

The Sonics lost the inbounds pass giving the Clippers a chance to tie the game, but Elton Brand's 16-footer at the buzzer hit off the back rim.
This story has been viewed 1026 times.