Nowitzki scores 37 to lead Mavericks past Kings
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-23 15:26

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Dirk Nowitzki had a season-high 37 points and 10 rebounds to lift the Dallas Mavericks over the Sacramento Kings 105-95 Thursday night.

The Mavericks rebounded from their embarrassing 122-90 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers two nights earlier that saw Kobe Bryant score 62 points in only three quarters.

Sacramento Kings' Corliss Williamson, left, and Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki, of Germany, fight for a rebound, sandwiching Mavericks' Adrian Griffin, during the second half of the NBA basketball game Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005, in Sacramento, Calif. [AP]

Nowitzki scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, including 11 straight that broke an 85-all tie. He started the run hitting two free throws. Connected on a jumper, followed by two more free throws that gave Dallas an 91-85 lead. Nowitzki then hit a 3-pointer and closed out the 11-0 run with a baseline jumper.

The Kings then scored the next six points to close within 96-91, but couldn't get closer the rest of the game.

Mike Bibby scored 22 points for the Kings, who lost their fourth straight game. Shareef Abdur-Rahim added 13 points and eight rebounds, and Brad Miller had 12 points.

Nowitzki made 14-of-23 field goals, 8-of-9 free throws and also added four assists for the Mavericks, who have won four of five games. Jason Terry scored 19 points and Devin Harris added 15.

Josh Howard had 14 points, 13 rebounds and six assists for the Mavericks. He was just 5-for-19 from the field.

Sacramento played without injured starters Bonzi Wells and Peja Stojakovic. Wells is out at least three weeks with a groin tear and Stojakovic could miss a week due to a back injury.

Dallas took a 54-49 halftime lead as Nowitzki had 17 points and Terry added 13.

LeBron goes for 37 as Cavaliers beat Bulls

CHICAGO - LeBron James scored 37 points, Damon Jones hit three consecutive 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Chicago Bulls 108-100 Thursday night.

James, the NBA's third-leading scorer, was 12-for-25 from the floor — including 4-of-6 on 3-pointers — as Cleveland (15-9) won its fourth straight. Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavs.