NBA: Dallas 98, Charlotte 88

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Dirk Nowitzki recorded 23 points and 16 rebounds Friday night as the Dallas Mavericks topped the Charlotte Bobcats, 98-88.

Nowitzki was questionable after leaving Wednesday's game against Philadelphia because of back pain. Devin Harris scored 21 points off the bench while Keith Van Horn had 16 points and two rebounds and Josh Howard added 12 points and six boards for the Mavericks (3-2), who have won two of their last three games.

Reserve Melvin Ely had a team-best 14 points, Kareem Rush had 13 points and eight rebounds, while Emeka Okafor added 11 for Charlotte (2-4), which has a three-game losing streak.

Dallas out-rebounded the Bobcats, 45-36.