Dallas Mavericks Team Report - November 9

(Basketball News) - The unbeaten Dallas Mavericks take aim at their fifth consecutive victory tonight, when they battle the Orlando Magic at TD Waterhouse Centre.

Dallas, which is beginning a four-game road trip, continued its hot streak on Monday night, edging Golden State 101-98 in overtime. Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the winning effort, as Dallas overcame a 17- point deficit.

Michael Finley added 17 points and seven boards for the unbeaten Mavericks (4-0), who are off to their best start since they opened the 2002-03 season with 14 straight victories. The Mavericks are 4-0 for only the third time in team history.

Josh Howard had 14 points and 13 rebounds while Jason Terry chipped in with 12 points to help Dallas to its 21st win in the last 22 meetings with Golden State. The Mavs have also score over 100 points in 15 of the last 16 meetings. Mavericks starting center Erick Dampier had just six points and five rebounds against his former team.

Dallas has held its first four foes under 100 points. Last season, the Mavericks posted a 36-4 record when holding opponents below the century mark.

The Mavs have won the last three meetings on the heels of dropping three of four to Orlando. The Mavericks’ 118-88 win on 3/28/04 was their first win in Orlando since beating the Magic in overtime 108-102 on 12/2/96. Last season, Dallas defeated Orlando by an average of 21.5 points.