(Reuters) - No last-second buzzer-beater could save Oklahoma City this time as the Thunder lost a rematch with the Dallas Mavericks 100-87 on Monday to become the last NBA team to record a loss this season.
In a matchup between these teams just four days earlier, Kevin Durant made a three-pointer as time expired to give the Thunder a dramatic win against the Mavericks squad that knocked them out of the Western Conference Finals last season.
Dallas hit back on Monday, taking a seven-point lead at halftime before moving ahead by 15 in the third to hand Oklahoma City (5-1) their first loss.
The Miami Heat also entered the night 5-0, but fell to Atlanta to leave the NBA without any undefeated teams.
Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points to counter Durant's 27 and the defending NBA champion Mavericks (2-4) made strides after their tough start to the season.
"I feel like we're going to be able to play with anybody ultimately," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told reporters.
Dallas, having made some key roster changes, stumbled to an 0-3 start but have now won two of their last three games.
New acquisition Vince Carter had 14 points while Shawn Marion added 17 for the Mavericks who made a big move in the second half.
Dallas opened the third quarter with a 14-6 run to move 68-53 ahead and the Thunder were facing an uphill battle from there.
"We didn't have any energy from the beginning," Durant said. "You also have to give credit to Dallas for the effort they made on defense. They made us shoot tough shots and made us see multiple defenders if a guy had the ball."
Russell Westbrook finished with 18 points and eight rebounds in the losing effort for the Thunder.
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