NBA: Dallas 83, Minnesota 79

DALLAS, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points, including seven straight down the stretch, to lead the Dallas Mavericks to an 83-79 win Saturday over Minnesota.

Nowitzki added seven rebounds for the Mavericks, who have won their last two games. Josh Howard added 15 points and 10 rebounds and Jason Terry 11 points for Dallas.

Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 11 rebounds and Wally Szczerbiak 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost four of their last five games.

Minnesota had a 63-57 lead going into the final 12 minutes and led 76-69 with under four minutes remaining.