Alva Review-Courier -

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Paul George scored 37 points, Russell Westbrook added 27 and the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame the absence of two regular starters to beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-99 on Sunday night.

Carmelo Anthony was ruled out about an hour before tipoff because of a sore lower back, and starting center Steven Adams sat out with a right calf contusion.

Without Anthony, the Thunder's other two superstars carried the offensive load, fueling a 26-10 run in the third quarter that broke open what had been a tight game. Oklahoma City improved to 6-7, missing its second straight after four consecutive losses.

Harrison Barnes had 22 points and 13 rebounds, and Yogi Ferrell had 18 points for the Mavericks. They have dropped nine of their last 10 games to fall to 2-12. Dallas is in a particularly tough portion of its schedule, having lost both ends of a back-to-back against Cleveland and Oklahoma City, and with games against San Antonio and Minnesota looming.

Oklahoma City led 44-42 after a subpar offensive first half for both teams. Westbrook and George combined to go 5 of 18 from the field in the half, but combined to score 32 of the Thunder's 39 points in the decisive third quarter.

With the game tied 48-48 in the third quarter, Westbrook scored on a drive, and then George blew by Dirk NowitzkI for a dunk that led to a Dallas timeout. That started the Thunder's big run, which included three 3-pointers by Westbrook and another by George. Westbrook's final 3-pointer during that stretch put Oklahoma City up 74-58 with 3:35 left in the quarter.

George's 3-pointer with 11:25 left in the game pushed the Thunder's advantage to 88-67. A 9-2 run, capped by Yogi Ferrell's 3-pointer, pulled Dallas within 97-84 with 5:56 left but the Mavericks came no closer.

TIP-INS:

Mavericks: Devin Harris missed the game because of bruised ribs he suffered in a loss Saturday to Cleveland. ... The Mavericks went 11 of 37 from 3-point range and have had at least nine 3-pointers in all 14 of their games. ...Official Sean Corbin issued technical fouls to both Nowitzki (in the second quarter) and coach Rick Carlisle (between the third and fourth quarters).

Thunder: On his 29th birthday, Westbrook chose to wear a pair of neon orange Air Jordan shoes during the first half before switching to a pair of black-and-blue Air Jordans for the second half. ... The Thunder made a season-high 15 3-pointers, in 32 attempts. ... Jerami Grant was given his first start of the season in place of Anthony. ... Rookie Dakari Johnson started at center for the second straight game in place of Adams and matched up against NBA legend Nowitzki in the post to begin the game.

UP NEXT:

Mavericks: Host San Antonio on Tuesday night to start a four-game homestand.

Thunder: Host Chicago on Wednesday night to wrap up a three-game homestand.

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For more NBA coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball