DALLAS, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Monta Ellis made his first game in a Dallas uniform an impressive one Wednesday, scoring 32 points in sending the Mavericks over Atlanta 118-109.
Ellis signed a free-agent contract with Dallas after spending last season with Milwaukee and he put together a productive 37 minutes to open the season. He made 11-of-17 from the field, hit all six of his free throw attempts and added eight assists.
Dirk Nowitzki, who missed the opening two months of last season with an injury, chipped in 24 points while making four 3-pointers and Vince Carter contributed 21.
A run late in the third period allowed Dallas to open a nine-point lead and the Mavericks fought off a rally in the final quarter that saw the Hawks close within three.
Jeff Teague scored 24 points for Atlanta. Free-agent signee Paul Millsap added 20.
