DALLAS ENDS TOUGH STRETCH WITH TOUGH WIN

January 7, 2006

DALLAS – The Dallas Mavericks overcame a tough four game stretch in five nights with a determined 83-79 win over Minnesota tonight at the American Airlines Center. Dallas had to recover quickly from last night’s overtime win in Denver to face a Timberwolves team it’s seen three times in 21 days. Seven straight points from All-Star Dirk Nowitzki in the closing minutes sealed the win.

“It’s a nice feeling,” said Mavs forward Josh Howard. “Four games in five nights is difficult, but we pulled it out. I just wish we could have gone 4-0.” The only loss in the four games was a 91-78 thrashing in Minnesota on Wednesday night.

“We won the games that we had to,” said Jason Terry. “Minnesota, give them credit, they won that game up there, so we got that game back tonight and now we can just look forward to what we have on the road.”

Dallas shot a season-low 35% from the field, but out-rebounded Minnesota by 20 overall and 14 in the offensive column. Howard helped the Mavericks keep the game close throughout the first three quarters with 12 points and some key rebounds setting the stage for the dramatic Nowitzki finish

“That’s classic Dirk. He’s been doing that all season,” guard Devin Harris said. As usual Kevin Garnett pestered Nowitzki the entire night, but Dirk had the last laugh scoring 13 of his 26 points in the final 10 minutes.

Forward Adrian Griffin is used to watching Nowitzki carry a team late. He thinks it’s time the German received some higher recognition. Griffin said, “I know it’s early, but you have to start thinking about [Dirk as an] MVP candidate. He’s got to be number one.”

Garnett ended with a game-high 26 points but was shut down during some key defensive stops late in the game. Garnett’s inability to score coupled with a Jason Terry three-pointer with just over three minutes remaining kick started the struggling Mavericks offense, which was held under 20 points in both the second and third quarters.

“I was waiting all night [for that shot],” a relieved Terry said. “I say my prayers every day.” The “Jet” fought his way to 11 points, all coming at critical moments.

Avery Johnson won his 41st game as the Mavericks head coach with a 3-1 record in the aforementioned span.

“We’re spoiled,” said Dallas guard Jerry Stackhouse. “We’re at the point now where we expect to win. That’s a good thing but at the same time we can’t get complacent. We’re one of the top teams, if not the top team in the West, we have an “X” on our chests.”

The Mavericks have Sunday off before traveling to Boston to face the Celtics.