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Futility is a cruel taskmaster, especially in the NBA. It can make you question your toughness. It can also frustrate you, as well. And no team knows futility better than the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Losers of 24 straight games prior to their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center, the Cavaliers were definitely looking to end this futility streak as soon as possible.

And for the vast majority of the game, it appeared that they would have the chance to snap the streak. Please note that the operative word in that sentence was appeared.

Nevertheless, Cleveland had a chance to send the game into overtime in the last few seconds but one pass too many, not allowing a 3-pointer to be made, was the culprit as Dallas escaped with the 99-96 decision.

The Mavericks outscored the Cavaliers by one in the opening period and would dominate the second, taking a 59-49 into their locker room at the intermission.

But the Cavaliers were pesky as they gradually chipped away at their deficit and would go into the fourth quarter down by four. Cleveland tied the game early in the final period, then were down 80-79. Dallas stretched the lead back to 10, but the Cavaliers fought back again.

A turnover by Dirk Nowitzki with about 10 seconds left to go gave the Cavaliers a chance to tie the game; Anthony Parker had a good shot at the basket, but the shot danced around the rim but didn’t fall.

Antawn Jamison grabbed the rebound with about two seconds remaining and passed the ball to Jamario Moon, who in return passed the ball back to Jamison just before the final horn, sealing the victory for Dallas.

Jason Terry came off the bench to lead the Mavericks with 23 points, along with 4 rebounds, 5 assists and steals while Shawn Marion added 17 with 10 rebounds and a steal. Nowitzki chipped in 12 with 6 rebounds and an assist.

The Cavaliers were led by J.J. Hickson with a game-high 26 points, along with 12 rebounds, an assist and a steal while Jamison added 18 with 11 rebounds, an assist and a steal. Ramon Sessions chipped in 19 with 6 rebounds, 13 assists and 2 steals while Christian Eyenga poured in 15 with 4 rebounds.

Both teams return to action on Wednesday when Dallas (36-15) flies to Sacramento to take on the Kings while Cleveland (8-44) hopes to snap their losing streak at 25 when they return home to host the Detroit Pistons.