Dirk Nowitzki collected 34 points, 17 in the fourth quarter, to inspire the rallying Dallas Mavericks to a 122-113 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.
Nowitzki also hauled in 11 rebounds and Michael Finley hit two important three-pointers as the host Mavericks overcame a nine-point deficit.
It was the first outing for the Kings since Chris Webber was dealt to Philadelphia on Wednesday and they were outscored 40-25 in the final quarter.
The two teams were short-handed because of moves agreed during Thursday's trade deadline, with the Kings and Mavs dressing the minimum eight players.
Marquis Daniels had 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for the Mavericks while Finley chipped in with 22 points.
Cuttino Mobley and Mike Bibby each notched 26 points for Sacramento and Darius Songaila added 23 points and 12 rebounds.
In New York, Tim Thomas contributed 27 points as the Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 113-101.
Kurt Thomas, who remained a Knick despite rumors of a move before the trade deadline, added 21 points and 12 rebounds for New York while Stephon Marbury claimed 17 points and 12 assists.
Allen Iverson had 29 points and eight assists to lead the short-handed Sixers, who did not have the newly-acquired Chris Webber in their line-up.
Marc Jackson registered 18 points for Philadelphia and Samuel Dalembert picked up 14 points and 15 rebounds.
In Los Angeles, Elton Brand notched 24 points as the Clippers overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves 92-86.
Corey Maggette added 23 points for Los Angeles and Chris Kaman had 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Latrell Sprewell recorded 17 points for Minnesota.
