After needing all 48 minutes to power past Memphis on Wednesday, the Mavericks used one quarter to separate from the Thunder on Saturday night.

Dallas established an early lead and never let Oklahoma City back into the game, despite Russell Westbrook’s efforts, finishing with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists. The Mavericks secured a 97-81 victory, improving to 5-15, behind a team effort with a familiar face leading the way. Dirk Nowitzki scored a team-high 19 points along with five rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals at the American Airlines Center.

The 19-year veteran wasn’t alone in his double-digit scoring effort. Harrison Barnes (12), Dennis Smith Jr (15), Wesley Matthews (12) and Dwight Powell (10) each finished with at least 10 points in the victory. Barnes added 12 rebounds to his point total, as well, registering a double-double in the victory.

List of Mavericks who have outscored Paul George tonight: Dirk Nowitzki, Harrison Barnes, Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr., Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, Yogi Ferrell, Salah Mejri, JJ Barea, Devin Harris

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 26, 2017

On the night of Smith Jr.’s 20th birthday, Dallas registered its first pair of back-to-back wins dating back to preseason. Despite Smith’s early foul trouble – two fouls in the opening four minutes – the energy was palpable and Dallas took advantage.

After taking a 25-24 lead into the second quarter, the Mavs made an early statement on both ends of the floor. Dallas quickly established a 12-0 run in the first four minutes of the second quarter and led for the rest of the contest.

The Ghostface Drillah! ? pic.twitter.com/y1Tjykrm04

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 26, 2017

Despite Westbrook’s efforts, defensive dominance proved to be a resounding theme for the Mavericks. Former all-star forward Paul George finished with two points, 10 assists and six rebounds in 40 minutes of play. George shot 1-for-12 from the field courtesy of a lockdown defensive effort from Matthews. Comparatively, forward Carmelo Anthony finished with 16 points in 27 minutes on 50 percent shooting from the field.

Harrison Barnes on Paul George's 1-of-12 night: "We put Wes [Matthews] on him. We didn't really have much defensive coverage other than that, and I thought he did a great job of holding his own."

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 26, 2017

Dallas returns to the hardwood with a division rivalry at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. The Mavericks square off in a Texas showdown against the Spurs in San Antonio.