Mavs aim for record win streak vs. Magic

Dallas posted its 14th consecutive win with a 95-92 decision over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opener of the homestand on Thursday. Despite LeBron James netting 39 points, the Mavs were able to hold on for their 21st straight victory at home. They have also won 35 of the last 37 games overall.

Dirk Nowitzki registered 24 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, as the Mavericks nearly blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. Jason Terry ended with 20 points and Josh Howard contributed 17 and 10 boards for Dallas, which opened the 2002-03 campaign with a franchise-best 14 straight wins.

The Southwest Division-leading Mavericks, who are an NBA-best 28-3 at home this season, will also host New Jersey on March 6. Dallas’ last loss as the host was on December 7th versus the Detroit Pistons.

The Mavs are also the top team in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Magic have lost two straight and will wrap up a four-game road trip this evening at Dallas. Orlando suffered a 98-74 loss to San Antonio on Friday at the AT&T Center, as Hedo Turkoglu scored 22 points to lead the way.

Jameer Nelson contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a losing effort for the Magic, who have dropped six of their last seven games.

Orlando is 10-20 on the road this season, and currently sits a game off the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Saturday’s showdown between Orlando and Dallas is the second and final meeting of the regular season. The Mavs won the first encounter by a 111-95 score on January 23 at Amway Arena.

Dallas has won six of eight and seven of the last 11 meetings. However, it has lost seven of its last nine trips to Orlando.