November 20, 2007

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(AP - DALLAS, TX) - Dirk Nowitzki had a season-high 32 points and a perfect ending in Dallas' highest-scoring quarter of the season, helping the Mavericks put together a record-setting rally during a 105-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.

Nowitzki hit four straight three-pointers in the final 1:41 of the third quarter, when Dallas went ahead to stay after overcoming a 24-point deficit. The Mavericks finished their four-game homestand undefeated and are 6-0 at home this season.

Dallas made its largest comeback ever to win a game in regulation. The Mavericks also overcame a 24-point deficit against Toronto in February 2006, but won that game in overtime. The Raptors have never blown a bigger lead to lose, and now they've done it twice against Dallas.

The first of Nowitzki's clutch three-pointers tied it at 70, then he made another and another. Those three long-range shots came within a minute of each other, and Nowitzki made the last with 1.4 seconds left in the third quarter.

Those treys were part of a bigger stretch for Nowitzki. And a long way from the game's opening minutes, when Toronto went on a 10-0 run and Dallas coach Avery Johnson benched the reigning NBA MVP and a couple of other starters because of their defensive struggles.

Nowitzki scored 18 in the third quarter, when the Mavs outscored Toronto 38-17 to overcome a 14-point halftime deficit.

After driving for a layup with 2:48 left in the third to get Dallas within 68-65, he followed a Toronto miss with the assist on Trenton Hassell's 17-foot jumper. Then Nowitzki did the rest on his own, pushing the Mavericks in the lead for good.

Chris Bosh had a season-high 31 points with 12 rebounds for the Raptors. Andrea Bargnani had 20 points and Jamario Moon grabbed 12 rebounds.

Devin Harris and Jason Terry had 19 points for Dallas, and Josh Howard added 15 points and nine rebounds.