Thunder notebook: Rick Carlisle has surgery, will miss tonight's game

Carlisle told the Dallas Morning News he had “minor” arthroscopic surgery and the team's medical staff suggested he not travel. Assistant Dwane Casey will coach the Mavs.

Carlisle has been bothered by problems with his left knee and often has worn a brace or sleeve.

GOOD AND WELL-RESTED

As if the 23-5 Mavericks needed any help, they're working on six days rest heading into tonight's contest.

In the season's previous meeting on Nov. 24 in OKC, the Mavs scored 10 straight points in just 57 seconds and it came on just three field goals — three 3-pointers, which included a four-point play from Dirk Nowitzki.

The Thunder led 75-64 in the third quarter, but wound up losing 111-103. Nowitzki scored 34, with 17 coming in the final quarter. Off-season acquisition Tyson Chandler had 17 points and 18 rebounds.

“They have veteran players who have no other agenda other than winning basketball games,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “He (Chandler) is showing how good he is. He rebounds, he's scoring more. The game he had against us was a big factor.”

NOT THINKING 50

Kevin Durant entered the fourth quarter Saturday having already scored 40 points against Denver. Was there any thought to making sure Durant hit the 50-point mark for the first time in his career on Christmas night?