CHARLOTTE, NC, Nov. 21 (Ticker) -- With their high-powered offense still sputtering, the Dallas Mavericks used defense to end their woes on the road.

Steve Nash had Baron Davis hot under the headband. Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images NBA.comTV highlights from Mavericks-Hornets: 56k | 300k

Michael Finley scored 22 points and Dirk Nowitzki snapped out of his funk with 17 and 11 rebounds as the Mavericks ended a three-game losing streak with a 89-78 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

Dallas lost its last two games on the road by a combined 73 points, allowing an average of nearly 120. But the Mavs were able to contain Charlotte, which played without Jamal Mashburn and David Wesley due to injuries.

The Hornets struggled offensively and shot just 39 percent (28-of-72) while committing 21 turnovers. Dallas took advantage and put away the game in the third quarter.

The Mavs opened the second half on a 10-1 run. After the Hornets cut the deficit to 58-52, Dallas scored 15 of the next 21 points and Charlotte never got within nine thereafter.

Dallas' Juwan Howard scored eight of his 16 points in the decisive third quarter and Steve Nash added 12 points and six assists.

Elden Campbell had 19 points and eight rebounds for Charlotte and Lee Nailon tied his career high with 18 points and grabbed nine boards.