DALLAS, United States (AFP) - Dirk Nowitzki scored 33 points and pulled down 10 rebounds here to lead the Dallas Mavericks past Sacramento 107-98 in an opening nigh matchup of National Basketball Association contenders.
The Mavericks lost to Sacramento in five games in the opening round of last season's playoffs and bolstered their defense as a result. But in the end, it was typical scoring punch that powered Dallas to victory.
With German star Nowitzki leading the way and Michael Finley adding 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, the Mavericks - who never trailed - held off a fast-closing Kings' lineup.
Sacramento scored on eight possessions in a row to trim the Mavericks' lead to 99-93, but Finley sank a jumper and Nowitzki grabbed a rebound to set up a slam dunk by Finley with 1:29 to play.
The Kings trimmed their deficit to 103-98 with 58 seconds remaining before Nowitzki grabbed another rebound and sank a pair of free throws with 15 seconds to play.
Dallas won for the fifth time in the club's past six openers.
11/03/2004 - 05:08 GMT - AFP