Without German international Maximilian Kleber, the Dallas Mavericks suffered a setback when NBA superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant met again.
The Texans lost 126:130 to the Phoenix Suns after a gripping final phase in their own hall. Luka Doncic had 34 points and Irving had 30 points for Dallas.
With Dallas now on 33 wins and 32 losses, the Mavs missed a chance to close their 36-29 deficit to the Suns in North American professional basketball’s Western Conference. Both clubs are on a play-off spot.
Irving and Durant (Phoenix) faced off at the American Airlines Center for the first time this season, both playing together for the Brooklyn Nets until shortly before the transfer window closed. Durant, who was playing his third game for the Suns in Dallas, had 37 points.
Kleber had missed 35 games since mid-December after an operation on his thigh and had returned to the floor during the week. The Würzburger missed against Phoenix probably because of the consequences of the injury.