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Mavericks try to get back to .500 against slumping Kings

Nov 29, 2008 - 11:21 AM Dallas (7-8) at Sacramento (5-13) 10:00 p.m. EST

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- After missing a chance to move above .500 for the first time, the Dallas Mavericks try to bounce back on Saturday when they visit the Sacramento Kings.

Despite shooting a blistering 58 percent from the floor (24-of-41) in the first half and opening a 12-point lead midway through the third quarter, the Mavericks could not close out the Los Angeles Lakers on the road Friday, suffering a 114-107 loss.

Jason Terry scored 14 of his 29 points in the final quarter and Dirk Nowitzki had 19 points and 12 rebounds for Dallas, which had its season-high, five-game win streak snapped.

The streak followed a five-game slide and the Mavericks have not been at .500 since forging a 98-91 victory against cross-state rival the San Antonio Spurs on November 4.

The Kings enter Saturday's contest after suffering their fifth straight loss on Friday, a 120-94 setback against the Utah Jazz.

John Salmons led Sacramento with 20 points - the 11th time this season he has been the team's leading scorer - as the Kings lost for the eighth time in nine games.

Sacramento's struggles have come without the services of leading scorer Kevin Martin, who has missed the last 11 games due to a sprained left ankle.