NBA: Dallas 112, Phoenix 97

DALLAS, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- A 39-point performance from Dirk Nowitzki Thursday powered the Dallas Mavericks to their eighth victory in nine games -- 112-97 over Phoenix.

Jason Terry added 19 points and Jose Barea, given a start at the shooting guard position, had 18.

Amare Stoudemire led Phoenix with 28 points, but the Suns fell for the fourth straight time. Steve Nash, after sitting out a game with the flu, had 20 points and 10 assists. Shaquille O'Neal was limited to four points.

The Mavericks had a nine-point lead after one quarter and opened the second period with an 8-2 run.

Phoenix has lost four in a row, its longest skid of the season.