DALLAS, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Dirk Nowitzki remained red-hot and so did the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki scored 33 points as the Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets, 105-91 Thursday night, matching the best start in franchise history.
Dallas has won three straight games and is 5-1 for the first time since 1995-96.
On Tuesday, Nowitzki scored 34 points in a 110-92 victory over Charlotte. He has three 30-point games this season, sitting out one contest with a sprained ankle.
Michael Finley contributed 18 points and Nash added 13 and 12 assists for Dallas, which won three of four meetings from Denver last season.
Isaiah Rider scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter for the Nuggets, who have lost four straight games. Denver point guard Nick Van Exel scored just 13 points, well below his season average of 32.
Although both teams shot well from the line, the Mavericks attempted 15 more free throws and converted 11 more than the Nuggets. Dallas was 29-of-36 from the stripe, while Denver made 18-of-21.The Mavericks also won the rebounding battle, 49-42.
Paced by Nowitzki's 23 first-half points, Dallas led 53-46 at halftime. Nash had seven points and six assists at the break.
Prior to the game, the Mavs activated forward Eduardo Najera from the injured list. The Mexico native had nine points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes.
