MEMPHIS, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Dirk Nowitzki keyed a strong second half and scored 26 points Wednesday, rallying Dallas past Memphis 110-96.
The Grizzlies led for most of the opening two periods, but their lead was cut to three at intermission and Dallas outscored Memphis after the break 58-41.
Dallas took 3-of-4 from Memphis this year, which could wind up being significant since both teams will be battling for playoff spots down the stretch. The Mavericks moved 1 1/2 games in front of Memphis for the eighth and final post-season position.
Brandan Wright came off the bench to score 17 points for Dallas and both Samuel Dalenbert and Monta Ellis had 14. It was the third straight win for Dallas, which outscored Memphis in the paint 56-32.
Zach Randolph led Memphis with 25 points and Courtney Lee had 22. The Grizzlies have lost back-to-back games after winning six in a row.
