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Dirk says Mavericks are 'here to fight' the Thunder

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks know they're underdogs in their first-round playoff series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but as Monday's 85-84 victory indicated, they are not rolling over.

"We've got some veterans who got some pride and just want to fight together," Dirk Nowitzki told reporters after the victory before the series shifts to Dallas for Game 3 on Thursday. "We let them know we're here to fight. They're obviously the heavy favorite, but we let 'em know it's not going to be an easy walkover."

Although the team is badly banged up, the Mavericks' veteran savvy along with the coaching of Rick Carlisle had many guessing Dallas could steal a win against the Thunder, but splitting the first two games in Oklahoma City bodes even better for the Mavs heading home.

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While it took one of the worst playoff shooting performances by a superstar player in NBA history to help do it, a win is a win.

"We were coming in here for a dogfight no matter what," Mavericks guard Raymond Felton told reporters. "No matter if we got the win or not."

Felton's 21 points was his highest output in a playoff game since 2013, when he was a member of the New York Knicks. The 37-year-old Nowitzki scored 17 points and grabbed four rebounds.

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