Dallas- Dallas Mavericks30-0 Saturday night was good enough for NBA history, but not for victory.
The Mavericks’ fourth-quarter drive against Oklahoma City was the longest without allowing a basket in the play-by-play era, dating back to 1996-97.
The series lasted from 11:09 remaining in the game until 4:18, and Dallas turned a 111-87 deficit into a 117-111 lead. They eventually led 120-118 before the Thunder scored the final eight points of the game to secure a 126-120 victory.
“Yes, I think when you look at the character of the team, [it] “It was on display there,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “The whole game, just getting along with Luka [Doncic]”They’re going to take the ball out of his hands, and I thought the guys did a great job there at the end of the third and fourth periods of making rhythmic shots.”
The league said the previous record was 29 wins for Cleveland against Milwaukee on December 6, 2009.
The Thunder’s latest rally began with a travel call against Doncic, who recorded his 59th regular-season triple-double with 36 points, 18 assists and 15 steals in a season-high 46 minutes. A dunk goal by Chet Holmgren tied the score, and Jalen Williams put the Thunder ahead for good with a reverse drive with 40 seconds left.
Then Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stole the ball from Doncic near midcourt and took a four-point lead. Williams hit two free throws with eight seconds left for the final points.
Doncic returned to the lineup after missing Friday’s game while welcoming his newborn daughter on Thursday. Doncic’s 59th hat trick ties him with Larry Bird for ninth most all-time.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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