Mavs lose in Odom's pre-season debut

source: abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA, Philippines -- Defending champions Dallas Mavericks dropped their first pre-season assignment, losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder 106-92 at the American Airlines Center.

Last season's scoring champion Kevin Durant picked up where he left off, netting 21 points on on 4-of-5 field goals and 13-of-14 free throws.

Meanwhile, Lamar Odom scored 14 points and 7 rebounds in his debut as a Maverick after being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to ESPN, the Mavs played without Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd, who were in uniform but were rested.

"(Nowitzki and Kidd) being out, we're not going to be the same team, but that's all right," said Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle.

Instead, Carlisle opted to play the newcomers to his roster, including Odom, Vince Carter and Delonte West. The Mavericks lost key players to free agency, including defensive anchor Tyson Chandler, back-up guard JJ Barea and veteran swingman Caron Butler.

"We need to see other guys. Our philosophy is that when we're without any of our guys, the guys that are available need to get the job done," Carlisle said. "We weren't able to do it tonight."

Dominique Jones and Roddy Beaubois each scored 17 points to lead the Mavericks, who scored 33 points off 25 turnovers from Oklahoma City.

"Offensively, we were sloppy with the ball," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "Too many turnovers. But that's something we have to work on and we will correct."

Durant is hoping that the shortened 66-game season will play to the Thunder's advantage, especially as they are putting forward an intact roster.

"We've been together for a while. We know each other's games. Hopefully, our young legs push us through it," he said.