DALLAS, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Dirk Nowitzki scored 22 points Saturday, helping the Dallas Mavericks turn back the Atlanta Hawks 97-84.
Dallas grabbed a 34-21 first quarter advantage and its lead grew to 54-35 at the half. The closest Atlanta came after that was 87-79 after two free throws by Marvin Williams with 3:43 remaining.
In one of his best all-around efforts this season, Nowitzki added nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocked shots.
Josh Howard and Devin Harris scored 19 points apiece.
Jason Terry scored 14, and Erick Dampier had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Mavericks, who ended a two-game skid by beating the Hawks a fourth straight time at Dallas.
Atlanta was led by Williams' 18 points and six rebounds.
Joe Johnson had 17 points and five assists, and Josh Smith had 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and six blocks for the Hawks, who had won five in a row.
