The Houston Rockets came from behind in the fourth quarter to claim a 108-101 win over the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.
Tyson Chandler and Rajon Rondo both made strong starts for the home side as Dallas opened up an eight-point lead by half time, but neither player managed to add to their points total after the break.
Dirk Nowitzki kept the points coming throughout the third to make sure that the Mavericks remained comfortably in front going into the final 12 minutes.
James Harden led a late push for the Rockets, opening the fourth with a dunk to start a run of six unanswered points for the visitors.
Harden put Houston ahead before Nowitzki cut the gap to three points with just over a minute to play, but Monta Ellis missed a game-tying three-point attempt, leaving the Rockets to see out the win.
Despite the defeat, Dallas remain in the playoff places in the Western Conference, while the Rockets move a game clear of the Memphis Grizzlies in second.
Sian Cowper
