The Dallas Mavericks were ahead of the curve. They were beating the Lakers before it became fashionable.
It happened again, 92-90, Dallas' 10th consecutive victory against the Lakers and the NBA's longest active streak against them.
Dirk Nowitzki wasn't quite himself Tuesday until he was, taking almost the full 48 minutes before making an impact. His 14-foot pull-up from the right side broke a 90-90 tie with 2.1 seconds left.
It was vintage old-timer versus newbie, Nowitzki killing the clock with the ball in his hands before scoring against Julius Randle.