DALLAS (AP) — Dirk Nowitzki scored 27 points, responding time after time despite being pushed and swatted at to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 106-99 victory over San Antonio on Saturday night.
Jason Terry added 17 points and Rodrigue Beaubois 16 for the Mavericks, who won their third consecutive game since a 2-7 stretch over 12 days.
After home wins over Washington and Charlotte, the NBA’s two worst teams, beating the Spurs was much more impressive, even if the Southwest Division leaders were playing the second consecutive night. Dallas never trailed and the only tie was at 2-all.
With the shot clock running down late in the third quarter, Nowitzki got the ball with Manu Ginobili right on top of him. The Mavericks’ perennial All-Star made a 20-foot jumper for a 10-point lead and let out a scream, as much exhilaration as letting officials know he thought he was also fouled.
