Dallas, Texas - The Brooklyn Nets were already without James Harden (hamstring). But an APB needed to be put out on Kevin Durant, who couldn’t be found in the Nets’ 113-109 loss to the Mavericks on Thursday.

It’s the Nets’ fourth loss in a row; not-so perfect timing for a team jockeying for playoff position.

Durant shot just 7 of 21 from the field for 20 points, missing all four of his attempts from deep. His night consisted of mostly clean and comfortable looks that either fell short off front iron.

Durant couldn’t heat up going to the rim, either. He missed back-to-back layups late in the fourth quarter, getting stopped on consecutive possessions as the Nets tried to rally late in the game.

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His cold night came one game after he missed back-to-back attempts in the fourth quarter against the Bucks, which would have cut a five-point deficit to a two-point game in the Nets’ eventual 124-118 loss in Milwaukee.

It also underscored a razor-sharp performance from Kyrie Irving, who scored 15 of the team’s last 24 points and finished with 45 points and seven made 3s.

The Nets fell behind 10 early as Luka Doncic (10 rebounds, eight assists) scored 19 points of his 24 points in the first half. Steve Nash responded in the second half by sending a double team at Doncic. It was successful and held him without a field goal not just throughout the third quarter, but until midway through the fourth.

Tuesday’s loss to the Mavericks tied the Nets with the Bucks in the loss column. Forget about the number one seed. The Nets now fight to stay out of third place, just a half game in front of Milwaukee.

They have five more games to go, with the Denver Nuggets next up on Saturday, led by presumptive league MVP Nikola Jokic. The Mavs, meanwhile, are now 1.5 wins ahead of the Lakers in the standings and host the Cavaliers tonight.

Speaking of the Lakers, it didn't help that Anthony Davis went off injured in their 118-94 loss against the Clippers, who were led by Paul George's 24 points. Stephen Curry went 10 better than that for the Warriors in their 118-97 win over the Thunder.

The Wizards squeaked past the Raptors 131-129, thanks to Russell Westbrook's triple-double, while the Bulls trampled the Hornets 120-99.

Over in Indianapolis, the Pacers defeated the Hawks 133-126, and in Detroit, the Pistons finally snapped their losing streak with a 111-97 victory over the Grizzlies.

Friday night sees the Knicks take on the Suns, as well as the 76ers hosting the Pelicans.