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Streaking Mavericks look to drown out Thunder

Dec 13, 2008 - 11:26 AM Oklahoma City (2-21) at Dallas (12-9) 8:30 p.m. EST

DALLAS (Ticker) -- The Dallas Mavericks are picking up wins at a scorching clip, and the play of Dirk Nowitzki is a big reason behind the surge.

The Mavericks will be aiming for their 11th win in 13 games when they face the lowly Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.

Dallas began the season 2-7, leading many to question whether its run of success was coming to an end. But the Mavericks have gone on a tear, dropping games only against perennial powers the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.

Nowitzki has been at the heart of the resurgence, averaging 27.67 points per game during the stretch. The former MVP also leads the team in rebounding, field-goal percentage and free- throw percentage.

He scored 23 points and pulled down 13 boards on Thursday, as Dallas claimed a 95-90 win over the Charlotte Bobcats. Jason Terry, who has scored at least 19 points in each of the last 10 games, added 26 points in the victory.

The Thunder would be happy about one win, any win.

Their latest losing streak has reached five games and they set a franchise record with their 10th consecutive home loss on Wednesday, blowing a 21-point lead and falling to the Memphis Grizzlies, 108-102. Kevin Durant had 28 points in the setback and has been the lone bright spot for the team, averaging 23 points.