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Thunder, Mavs clash in Big D

Dec 28, 2014 - 4:30 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - A pair of Western Conference contenders collide in Big D Sunday, as the Dallas Mavericks entertain the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Mavericks opened a three-game homestand with Friday's 102-98 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and were led by Rajon Rondo's 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Tyson Chandler had 15 points and 12 rebounds, Monta Ellis also scored 15 points and Dirk Nowitzki netted 14 for Dallas, which shot 50.6 percent and halted a two-game slide to win for the fourth time in six tries.

Nowitzki moved into eighth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list, passing Elvin Hayes.

"We are very fortunate we have had a chance to watch it for an extended period of time," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said of Nowitzki's career.

Dallas is 11-5 at home and will close the homestand Tuesday versus Washington.

The Thunder are coming off Friday's 98-75 victory over the Charlotte Hornets and were led by Russell Westbrook's 29 points. Serge Ibaka posted 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Thunder, who have won two straight after losing two in a row and 10 of the last 13 games.

"We talked about playing every night, playing with a defensive brand every night. Back-to-back games now... I was proud of our defensive effort," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said.

Oklahoma City, which posted a 114-106 triumph over San Antonio on Christmas, has been without Kevin Durant the last five games (3-2) because of an ankle issue. He is not expected to play Sunday and is averaging 22.4 ppg.

The Thunder and Mavericks will play the first of four meetings this season.

Dallas went 2-1 against OKC in 2013-14.