Mavs 99 – Cavs 96

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the hapless Cleveland Cavaliers 99-96 Monday night at the American Airlines Center.  With the victory over Cleveland on Monday, Dallas won its ninth consecutive game and improved to 36-15.  The Cavaliers recorded their 25th consecutive loss, which is the longest losing streak in NBA history (previous long: 23 straight losses by both the 1995-96 Vancouver Grizzlies and the 1997-98 Denver Nuggets).

Forward Peja Stojakovic made his Dallas debut and started at small forward. He finished with eight points (3-9 FGs, 1-6 3FGs, 1-2 FTs) and five rebounds. He’s now tied with Dale Ellis for fourth place on the all-time 3-point field goals made list with 1,719 career 3-pointers. His teammate, Jason Kidd, ranks third with 1,748 career triples.

Mavericks center Tyson Chandler, who entered Monday’s game averaging 14.8 rebounds per game over his last four games, posted 10 points and 11 rebounds en route to his 13th double-double of the season. He’s now recorded a double-double in four of the last five contests.

Shawn Marion registered his fifth double-double of the season (385th career) with 17 points and 10 boards. Dallas improved to 4-1 when he records 10-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in a game.

Mavericks guard Jason Terry tallied 23 points, four rebounds and five assists off the bench for Dallas. It marked his second straight game netting 20-plus points, and Dallas improved to 10-1 when he scores at least 20.

Mavericks center Ian Mahinmi registered 11 points (4-6 FGs, 3-4 FTs) and eight boards off the bench for Dallas. It was the third time this season he’s scored in double figures.

Dirk Nowitzki, who will be playing in his 10th consecutive All-Star Game, scored 12 points despite being hampered by a sore wrist.

The Mavericks next game is at Sacramento on Feb. 9 at 9:00 p.m. CT