Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points, including seven during a pivotal stretch late in the fourth quarter, to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 92-86 victory over the winless Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
Jahlil Okafor had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the 76ers, who have lost all 11 games this season and 21 in a row dating back to last season. Philadelphia’s last win was March 25 at Denver, and the 76ers are within five defeats of matching the franchise’s all-time record for consecutive losses.
Chandler Parsons added 20 points for the Mavericks, who needed a late push to hold off Philadelphia.
Photo: AP
The 76ers trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half, but battled back to take an 82-81 lead with 4 minutes, 23 seconds remaining on a free throw by Nerlens Noel before Nowitzki took over.
SPURS 93, TRAIL BLAZERS 80
In San Antonio, Kawhi Leonard had 19 points and Manu Ginobili added 17 points and the Spurs overcame a listless start to beat the Trail Blazers for their fifth straight victory.
Danny Green and Boris Diaw each had 12 points and Tony Parker and Tim Duncan both added 10.
Damian Lillard scored 27 points and Al-Farouq Aminu added 17 points for Portland.
Leonard and Ginobili both missed the previous game with minor ailments and their returns were needed.
San Antonio and Portland both set season lows for points in the first half with the Trail Blazers’ 28 points falling just four points of matching a franchise low.
GRIZZLIES 122, THUNDER 114
In Memphis, Tennessee, Newcomer Mario Chalmers scored 16 of his season-high 29 points in the fourth quarter as the Grizzlies held on for a victory over the Thunder.
Chalmers, picked up in a trade with the Miami Heat last week, converted six of 13 shots, including four of seven from outside the arc, as five Grizzlies reached double figures. Mike Conley had 22, Jeff Green scored 20, while Marc Gasol added 17. Zach Randolph finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 40 points, 12 in the fourth quarter trying to bring Oklahoma City back from an 11-point deficit in the frame. Serge Ibaka had 18 and Enes Kanter scored 16. Steven Adams and Dion Waiters finished with 14 apiece.
Oklahoma City shot 51 percent, including 10 of 24 from outside the arc, but Memphis converted 12 of 17 three-pointers.
BULLS 96, PACERS 95
In Chicago, Jimmy Butler scored 17 points for Chicago and played tough defense on Paul George on Indiana’s final possession, helping the Bulls hold on for a victory over the Pacers.
Butler stayed right with George in the final seconds and contested his difficult fadeaway shot that was well short as time expired, giving the Bulls their third straight win and fourth in five games.
Derrick Rose had 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting for Chicago, but departed with about six minutes remaining after he sprained his left ankle. Doug McDermott scored 11 points.
George had 26 points for Indiana, and Monta Ellis finished with 20 points.
C.J. Miles made five three-pointers on his way to 19 points, and Jordan Hill and Ian Mahinmi each grabbed 12 rebounds.
In other NBA action, it was:
‧ Celtics 111, Rockets 95
‧ Suns 120, Lakers 101
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