Gasol Has Double-Double But Lakers Fall In Dallas, 110-97
DALLAS (CBSLA.com/AP) — Dirk Nowitzki scored 27 points and the Dallas Mavericks avoided their longest home losing streak in 14 years with a 110-97 victory over the slumping and injury-plagued Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
The Mavericks had lost four straight at home, the last victory in their arena coming against Memphis the week before Christmas.
Los Angeles lost for the eighth time in nine games.
Nowitzki had three baskets on passes from Gal Mekel in a 59-second span early in the second quarter to put Dallas up 43-39. Nowitzki started the span with a running layup before consecutive 11-foot jumpers that sandwiched a 3-pointer by Jodie Meeks.
Meeks, who led the Lakers with 24 points, made two free throws with 8:07 left in the first half to tie the game at 43, but Jose Calderon's 3-pointer on a pass from Shawn Marion put the Mavericks ahead to stay.
Monta Ellis had 16 points and nine assists for Dallas, including 10 straight points midway through the fourth quarter that pushed the lead to 101-88 with 5 1/2 minutes left.
Vince Carter scored 19 points for Dallas, DeJuan Blair added 15 and Calderon 12.
Kendall Marshall, who had 32 assists in his first two starts for the Lakers, had 18 points for the Lakers, while Wesley Johnson added 17. Pau Gasol had 15 points and 13 rebounds.
"I'm trying to get everybody ready to play and to get them on the same page," Pau said of his role since Kobe's injury. "I won't let distractions and rumors take anything away from my self and my teammates."
The last time Dallas lost more than four straight at home was a six-game slide that ended in January 2000, not long before Mark Cuban bought the team.
Since a 3-0 road trip that ended New Year's Day at Washington, the Mavericks had lost two more home games. The last was 92-80 to the New York Knicks on Sunday when they were held to their season-low scoring output.
Los Angeles is without Kobe Bryant (left knee), Steve Nash (back), Steve Blake (torn ulnar collateral ligament) and Jordan Farmer (left hamstring tear). Nash has missed 27 consecutive games, and Bryant has been out 10 straight since playing in his only six games this season.
Mavericks forward Marion left the game with a bruised right shoulder. He had started after being questionable because of ankle and Achilles issues.
Marion fell hard to the court just before halftime and was down in a heap under the Los Angeles basket while play continued until Jordan Hill's dunk.
Trainers tended to Marion on the court before he got up and walked the locker room. He was pressing at his right shoulder area and grimacing in pain.
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