The Oklahoma City Thunder played its third straight division leader (Cleveland, Denver, Dallas) last night in the Ford Center and it turned into the team's third straight loss. For the first time in the three game stretch the Thunder held a fourth quarter lead, but as all championship teams do the Mavs locked down in the fourth quarter leading to a 100-86 win.

The defense for the Mavs showed through in the game's final period, but was solid all night. Dallas held Oklahoma City superstar Kevin Durant to just 12 points on the night, his lowest point production of the season. On top of that the Mavs held the Thunder to just 42% shooting from the field and OKC was only four of 17 from behind the arc.

Durant played 40 minutes in his chance to shine in front of a national audience, but was only able to make four field goals on 18 attempts. KD has only scored less then 20 points three other times this season and his 12 points on Wednesday night equaled his season low from a Thunder blowout loss earlier this season in Orlando.

There were some bright spots for the Thunder as Jeff Green finished the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds, however all of those points came in the third quarter. The bench played well for the Thunder, a component of the team that has struggled for the most part this season. Nick Collison, James Harden and Serge Ibaka combined for 26 points and each added six rebounds to give the Thunder a boost keeping the team in the game for three quarters.

The Thunder played well in the first half taking a five point lead into the locker room and holding Dallas star Dirk Nowitzki to just 11 points. However, the former league MVP showed up in the second half. Dirk finished with 35 points on the night 24 of which came in the games final two quarters. Dallas also was solid from the field the entire night shooting 49% and seven of 13 from behind the three point arc.

Things do not get any easier for the Thunder in the next week. After a must and should win Friday night at home against the Detroit Pistons (whom the Thunder beat earlier this season 91-83 in Detroit), the Thunder play their next three on the road against Western Conference Powers Houston, Los Angeles and Phoenix. Oklahoma City now sits at 12-12 on the season with the next four games being a big challenge.