Mavericks lose to Nuggets

The Dallas Mavericks had a 10-game winning streak and a 13-point lead in the 4th quarter, but managed to lose 121-120 Thursday night.  With 5 minutes remaining, the Nuggets went on a 21-10 run, capped by a jump shot at the buzzer by Arron Afflalo to steal the win.

The bright spot for the Mavericks was their bench, which outscored Denver’s bench 72-12.  Jason Terry led the Dallas reserves with 25 points.  Shawn Marion scored 19 adn J.J. Barea added 17 for Dallas.

Tyson Chandler had another double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.  Dirk Nowitzki scored 16.

The Mavericks defense could not stop Denver’s Carmelo Anthony, who scored 42, or Chauncey Billups, who added 30.  After Anthony fouled out, Afflalo took over, scoring 19 of his 24 points in the 4th quarter.

Dallas plays next at Houston on Saturday.