NBA: Dallas 98, Brooklyn 90

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NEW YORK, March 1 (UPI) -- Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter both scored 20 points Friday in sending Dallas to a 98-90 decision over Brooklyn.

The Mavericks had recorded just nine road victories this season and Brooklyn had lost at home only eight times, but Dallas stormed to a big lead and held on down the stretch to end a three-game skid.

Dallas opened a 14-point advantage through three periods and then scored the first six of the fourth quarter.

Carter went 7-of-12 as part of the Mavericks' 50 percent shooting performance. O.J. Mayo was the only other Dallas player in double figures with 17.

The unexpected loss slipped Brooklyn three games behind New York in the race for the Atlantic Division title.

Deron Williams scored 24 points for the Nets and Brook Lopez added 19. Joe Johnson returned from a three-game absence caused by a foot injury and scored 11 points.