Mavs Top Pistons, Win 5th Straight

The Detroit Pistons dropped consecutive games for only the second time this season as they lost 102-86 to the Dallas Mavericks. Coming off a tough home loss to the Celtics, Detroit hoped to bounce back against Dallas but were barely competitive. They led for only 14 seconds the entire game. Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 23 points, reports the AP. Elsewhere in the NBA:

• Phoenix overcame a 16-point deficit in regulation to beat Indiana 129-122 in overtime. The victory was all the more impressive as Steve Nash needed to leave the game with the stomach flu.

• Kobe Bryant and the Lakers turned what was supposed to be a compelling matchup of two hot teams into a rout, blowing out the Hornets 109-80. Bryant scored 19 in the win.