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Dallas • Dirk Nowitzki's season- and game-high 40 points on 14-of-21 shooting led the Mavericks to a 102-96 victory against the Jazz on Saturday at American Airlines Center.
Paul Millsap's 24 points topped Utah (17-19).
QUARTER-BY-QUARTER ANALYSIS
The First: Mavericks 24, Jazz 20
Utah looks sharp during the first eight minutes, with Al Jefferson and Josh Howard making an impact. The Jazz's second unit is off, though, and Jason Terry scores five quick points off the bench.
The Second: Mavericks 43, Jazz 36
Dirk Nowitzki locks in on his target, pouring in 14 points during the period and pushing Dallas to a 35-23 lead. Paul Millsap steps up, though, and Utah uses an 8-0 run to stay within sight.
The Third: Mavericks 74, Jazz 55
Nowitzki only gets hotter. He scores 10 of Dallas' first 14 points during the quarter, and Utah has no answer. The Mavs' lead swells to 19 points after Terry scores five straight.
The Fourth: Mavericks 102, Jazz 96
It's 80-57 Dallas before Utah's second unit makes a charge. Earl Watson, Derrick Favors and C.J. Miles combine to help bring the Jazz within 89-83 with 5:05 to go. Then Nowitzki returns.
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