Mavs Lose To Spurs

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The Dallas Mavericks fell to the San Antonio Spurs 92-91 on Thursday. This was a much needed win for the Mavericks to get themselves closer to the 8th seed. The loss also snaps the Mavericks four game winning streak

The Mavericks played much better against the Spurs than they had in any of the previous meetings this season, proving that if they were able to get that 8th seed in the playoffs, they would be able to have a highly competitive first round against the first place Spurs. Spurs coach Greg Popovich praised the Mavericks despite their loss.

“Overall I thought (the Mavericks) played better than us,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “I thought they executed better than we did. They were more physical and aggressive.”

Dallas guard Vince Carter and Dirk Nowitzki put on a display late in the fourth quarter. VInce Carter scored a three pointer to bring the game within three and Nowitzki added on two points to bring the game to a 92-91 deficit with 28 seconds left.

A Nowitzki rebound off of a miss by Spurs guard Manu Ginobli gave the Mavericks 08.7 seconds left to win the game. Vince Carter shot a highly contested three pointer with 01.2 seconds on the clock that rolled off of the rim at the buzzer.

“Vince (Carter) has been unbelievably clutch for us this year. He’s hit tough shots,” said Mavericks guard Dirk Nowitzki. “We still had six seconds to get a good look (on the last shot). I was kind of in his way. I don’t necessarily like the play call.”

Carter finished the game with 28 points. Dirk Nowitzki had 21 points and 11 rebounds in the close loss.

The Mavericks get to head home on Friday when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.