DENVER, Dec. 18 (Ticker) -- The Dallas Mavericks shot poorly but still did enough to beat the struggling Denver Nuggets.

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Michael Finley scored 31 points and Steve Nash added 18 as the Mavericks survived a defensive struggle for their fifth straight win, 80-75 over the Nuggets.

All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki shot just 2-of-13 from the floor and contributed just nine points in 32 minutes as the Mavericks -- the NBA's highest-scoring team -- were held to their lowest point total of the season.

"This was ugly, basketball at its worst," Mavericks coach Don Nelson said. "Between the two teams, we set basketball back about 10 years."

Former Nuggets Raef LaFrentz and Nick Van Exel each hit 3-of-11 shots. The Midwest Division-leading Mavericks shot a season-low 32.9 percent (27-of-82).

"I think it was a poor night shooting, but we shot the ball poorly because of their defense," LaFrentz said. "Without Mike tonight, we get beat."

Former Maverick Juwan Howard scored 21 points to pace the Nuggets, who dropped their season-high sixth straight game.

"(Dallas) did not get a lot of clean looks on the offensive end," Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik said. "(The Mavericks also) do not get the credit on defense they should."

Making his first career start, rookie Nene Hilario matched his season high with 12 rebounds and logged a season-best 36 minutes.

But on a night the Nuggets once again were in desperate need of offense, they announced a deal that sent second-leading scorer James Posey to Houston.

Forward Rodney White made the most of his increase in playing time, coming off the bench to score 16 points and register a career-high eight rebounds.

"It is a shock, part of the business. I just have to take advantage of it," White said. "I have been able to sit back and watch. Coach has us playing hard every night. I am looking to step up, take it game by game and get better."

Van Exel had off-court matters in mind regarding his former teammate.

"Posey is real excited to go to Houston," Van Exel said. "He is going to stay at my house when he moves there. I am going to try and sell it to him."

Dallas got off to a slow start and never found a consistent scoring touch. The Mavericks missed five of their first six shots, but still worked their way to a 20-14 lead after 12 minutes.

That was all that was required against the self-doubting Nuggets, who have lost their last 19 games when trailing after the first period.

"We're looking to get better each and every game," Finley said. "It was a tough game for everybody. I could have played better. I just did enough. A couple of years ago, we would have lost this game."

Denver scored fewer than 80 points for the 13th time this season, posting a 1-12 mark in those contests.

The Nuggets dropped their fifth straight meeting with the Mavericks.