The Dallas Mavericks went on a 23-8 run that bridged the second and third quarters to beat the Orlando Magic 114-99.
The Magic led 43-34 with 2:55 left in the second quarter. Dennis Smith Jr.’s 2 free throws put the Mavericks ahead for good with 10:04 left in the third quarter. Dirk Nowitzki scored 8 points during the run, and they led 57-51 with 8:24 left in the quarter and by as many as 17 in the fourth quarter.
Nowitzki scored 20 points. Smith added 20 points, and Yogi Ferrell had 15 points (12 in the third quarter) and 8 rebounds on 6 for 9 shooting off the bench.
For the Magic, Aaron Gordon had 19 points (12 in the third quarter) and 8 rebounds off the bench but went 1 for 7 from 3, and D.J. Augustin added 18 points on 5 for 8 shooting off the bench.
The Magic forced 4 turnovers, about 9 fewer than usual for this many possessions. The Mavericks outscored the Magic 26-11 in 7 minutes with Nowitzki, Matthews, Barnes, Ferrell and Smith on the floor together.