Mavericks rally past SuperSonics

SEATTLE – Erick Dampier matched his season high with 22 points and grabbed a season-best 16 rebounds, and Dallas rallied past Seattle 103-95 Wednesday on a night when Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki went down with a sprained ankle and the SuperSonics lost Rashard Lewis to a hand injury.

The Mavericks won their fifth straight behind a stingy second-half defense and strong interior play from Dampier. Jason Terry added 17 points as five Mavericks finished in double figures, but most of the focus was on the two injured All-Stars.

Lewis went out first, injuring a tendon in his right hand in the opening minute. He was hurt when he attempted to block Dampier’s shot from behind. Television replays showed Lewis’ hand getting caught in the net as he tried to swat the shot. Lewis immediately ran off the court and went for X-rays. He was to be re-evaluated today.

About 10 minutes later, Nowitzki collapsed to the floor with a sprained left ankle. Seattle’s Chris Wilcox jumped for the rebound of a missed free throw by Jerry Stackhouse and was bumped by DeSagana Diop of the Mavericks. Wilcox fell to the ground, his legs spreading and his left foot hitting Nowitzki just above his left foot, causing his ankle to roll.

Nowitzki was down on the floor for a few minutes before being carried to the locker room by two teammates. X-rays were negative on Nowitzki’s ankle and he was to be re-examined in Dallas.

Luke Ridnour led Seattle with 21 points before fouling out. Reserve guard Earl Watson and Wilcox each scored 18, but Seattle lost its sixth straight overall and had a four-game home winning streak snapped. It’s the fourth time in the last five seasons the Sonics have lost six in a row at one point.

Josh Howard added 15 points for Dallas, Devean George finished with 13 off the bench and Devin Harris scored 13.