The Raptors led by as many as 16 points at one stage but the Mavericks fought back behind the hot shooting of Dirk Nowitzki to win for the 17th time in 18 games.

Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard (C) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors' Jorge Garbajosa (L) and T.J. Ford (R) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Toronto, January 14, 2007. [Reuters]

Nowitzki finished with 38 points.

Howard was left unguarded in the final seconds as the Raptors double-teamed Nowitzki and the forward took advantage to stand under the basket and take Jason Terry's pass before slipping in the game-winning shot.

Toronto's Anthony Parker missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer to hand the Mavericks (31-8) their fourth straight win.

Nowitzki led the rally for the Mavericks, shooting 14-for-30, hauling down 11 rebounds with five assists, three blocks and two steals.

"Obviously, we got a little lucky," Nowitzki told reporters.

"We didn't get going until the second quarter and made it a game after a terrible start.

"Josh was open and made a hell of a finish."

Toronto led for most of the game, including 59-48 at the half, but the Marvericks rallied to take the lead with two minutes left and then again on Howard's late shot.

It was a frustrating loss for the Raptors (17-21), who shot 49 percent from the field and made 21 of their 24 free throws.

The defeat left them tied for first place in the weak Atlantic Division with the New Jersey Nets.

Terry added 17 points for Dallas, while Howard added 14 points and had eight rebounds.

Chris Bosh had 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Raptors, while T.J. Ford added 16 points and eight assists and Parker chipped in with 14 points.

*Allen Iverson scored 32 points and had nine assists as the Denver Nuggets won for just the second time in their past nine games, downing the Portland Trail Blazers 109-93.

Steve Blake added 25 points for the Nuggets (18-17), who are just 5-8 without leading scorer Carmelo Anthony, who was suspended for 15 games.

Sergio Rodriguez led the Trail Blazers (15-24) with 23 points and 10 assists.