Nowitzki, Defense Comes Up Big in Dallas Win

Dirk Nowitzki had his third straight strong game with 32 points, 19 rebounds and six assists for the Mavericks.

Dirk Nowitzki had his third straight strong game with 32 points, 19 rebounds and six assists for the Mavericks. Photo courtesy: Dallas Mavericks

DALLAS - There has been a sense that there is a changing of the guard under way among the elite teams in the Western Conference.

But some things never change - like the New Orleans Hornets' inability to win in Dallas.

After winning the first two games at home, the Hornets came up very small in Big D as the Mavericks got a wrap on All-Stars Chris Paul and David West in a 97-87 victory that narrowed the deficit in their Western Conference first-round series to 2-1.

It was the 14th straight loss in Dallas for the Hornets, a streak spanning more than 10 years and three home cities. Having had its way in the first two games, New Orleans shot less than 38 percent from the field, including a combined 10-of-38 from Paul and West as Dallas appeared more determined on defense.

Dirk Nowitzki had his third straight strong game with 32 points, 19 rebounds and six assists for the Mavericks, who held a 52-43 advantage on the glass and committed just seven turnovers. Jason Terry scored 22 points and Josh Howard added 18.

The first three games of the series have been decided by double digits. Expect a closer contest in Game 4 on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

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