DALLAS, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Matt Barnes grabbed an offensive rebound and hit two free throws with 19 seconds left Wednesday, preserving a 96-91 win for the Los Angeles Lakers over Dallas.
The Mavericks made up a 14-point first-half deficit and the teams battled on even terms for most of the final two periods in a rematch of last year's Western Conference second-round playoff series.
After Dirk Nowitzki brought Dallas within two by scoring on a tip-in with 31 seconds to go, the Lakers' Pau Gasol was fouled by Brendan Haywood. Gasol missed both free throws but Barnes was there for the clutch rebound and he was promptly fouled by Jason Kidd.
Barnes hit the two free throws for a 95-91 lead and Derek Fisher added a foul shot with 6 seconds left for the final margin.
Gasol led the Lakers with 28 points and Andrew Bynum had 19. Kobe Bryant scored 15 for Los Angeles, just the fourth time this season he has had fewer than 20.
Nowitzki produced 25 points and 12 rebounds.
