National Basketball Association

Mavs dominate 2nd half to hand Lakers a defeat

Published Oct. 31, 2009 7:46 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Dallas Mavericks surprised themselves in a bad way with a season-opening loss at home. Then they hit the road and stunned the defending NBA champions.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points and the Mavs were 25 of 32 from the free throw line, snapping a six-game losing streak against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 94-80 victory Friday night.