Two weeks ago, the shot fell. Saturday, it bounced out.

And the Mavericks stumbled 105-103 at American Airlines Center.

The second-consecutive close battle with the Midwest Division-leading Spurs (23-8) ? the Mavericks won 126-123 in overtime Dec. 26 ? is a clearer indication that the Mavericks are closing on the NBA's elite teams.

"We're closer than we were a year ago, but that doesn't mean we're better than they are," Mavericks coach Don Nelson said.