Dallas Mavericks hold on for win after free-scoring display against New Orleans Pelicans
Last Updated: 03/03/15 8:37am
Monta Ellis and Rajon Rondo propelled the Dallas Mavericks to a 102-93 win over the in-form New Orleans Pelicans.
Ellis picked up 20 points and Rondo added 19 for the Mavericks as they shot 48 per cent from the field to end a five-game winning streak for the Pelicans.
Six players ended in double figures for the free-scoring hosts, with Richard Jefferson scoring 16 points, Dirk Nowitzki finished with 14 and eight rebounds, while Amar'e Stoudemire and Devin Harris scored 14 apiece.
All-star centre Anthony Davis missed the game for the Pelicans, but Norris Cole netted 19 points and they held a 58-55 half-time lead after Eric Gordon’s three-pointer.
The Pelicans closed the gap to six points on three occasions, but Nowitzki’s triple with two minutes left helped to seal the win for Dallas.
In Miami, Tyler Johnson scored a career-high 26 points and Goran Dragic added 21 against his former team as the Heat claimed a 115-98 win over the Phoenix Suns.
Hassan Whiteside finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds before he was ejected during a bad-tempered clash and Dwyane Wade racked up 16 points for the home side.