Dirk-less Mavericks look to veteran to pick up the slack against the best in the East

Tim Thomas stepped up big for the Mavericks who were missing their best player, former MVP Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk was sideling with an elbow injury after he collided with Carl Lowry a couple of days ago and got his teeth stuck in his elbow. Tim Thomas started for the first time this season and made every minute count as he top scored against a tough Cleveland team. LeBron was off his game in his 500th game, and some great team play by the Mavs meant that they toppled the Cavs and went to 20-8 on the season