Thunder Vs. Mavericks Final Score: Kevin Durant Leads OKC Past Dallas In Preseason Opener

Kevin Durant scored a game-high 21 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Dallas Mavericks by a score of 106-92 in the preseason opener for both teams. Dallas played without both Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd who sat out the game as they prepare for what will be a grueling regular season. 

The Thunder shot the ball extremely well in the game hitting 56 percent of their shots from the floor. They built a double digit lead midway through the second quarter only to see the Mavericks close the half with a 14-5 run. However, the Thunder took control once again in the third quarter outscoring Dallas 32-19. Dallas made a late run but never did seriously threaten again in the game.

Of Durant's 21 points, 13 came from the free throw line. He finished 4-5 from the field in the game.  James Harden came off the bench to score 16 points while Russell Westbrook and Daequan Cook each chipped in 12. The Thunder win despite turning the ball over 25 times in the game. 

Dallas was led by Rodrique Beaubois and Dominique Jones who each finished with 17 points. Newcomers Lamar Odom and Vince Carter finished with 14 and nine points respectively. Dallas shot just 38 percent from the field and were out rebounded 45-33 in the game. 

For more on the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder, be sure to check out Mavs Moneyball and Welcome To Loud City. 

Thunder Vs. Mavericks Score: Kevin Durant Leads Oklahoma City To 58-51 Halftime Lead

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder got off to a sizzling start and lead the Dallas Mavericks 58-51 at the half of both teams preseason opener. The Thunder shot 65 percent in the first half including 7-11 shooting from three-point-range. A late 14-5 run by the Mavericks closed the lead down to just seven at the intermission. 

Durant scored a team-high 12 points for the Thunder while going 4-4 from the field. James Harden came off the bench to score 10 points while Daequan Cook finished with nine. Oklahoma City totaled 12 first half assists on 17 made field goals but turned the ball over 13 times to help keep the Mavericks in the game. 

Dallas was led by Dominique Jones' 13 points off the bench. Lamar Odom made his Mavericks debut and scored 11 points in the first half. Rodrique Beaubois scored eight points including a couple from three point range. 

Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki are on the bench for the Mavericks but are setting out the first preseason game. 

For more on the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder, be sure to check out Mavs Moneyball and Welcome To Loud City. 

Thunder Vs. Mavericks: Oklahoma City Opens Preseason Against Defending Champs

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder will tip off their 2011-12 preseason schedule against Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks Sunday.