USA - Terry provides spark as Mavs edge Rockets

DALLAS (NBA) - Jason Terry scored 31 points and Josh Howard chipped in 21 as the Dallas Mavericks handed the Houston Rockets their first loss of the season on Monday.

After starting 80 games last season, coach Avery Johnson decided to put third-year guard Devin Harris into the starting rotation and save Terry's offensive output for the second unit and it paid off as Dallas won 107-98.

Terry, who is averaging 22.7 points through four games this season, shot 11 of 17 from the floor and handed out five assists.

In the fourth quarter, superstar Tracy McGrady made a pair of free throws to help Houston grab an 88-86 advantage with 6:15 remaining.

However, the Mavericks responded with an aggressive 15-4 run, capped by German international Dirk Nowitzki's shot from the arc that bounced high off the back of the rim before going in at the 2:56 mark for a 101-92 edge.

Nowitzki finished with 19 points on seven of 20 shooting and DeSagana Diop scored 10 while grabbing 13 rebounds for the Mavericks.

"I think we got some stops and that always helps," Nowitzki said. "(Trenton) Hassell and Josh did a good job on McGrady down the stretch and made it hard for him.

"We tried to keep Yao (Ming) out of the lane and we pushed the ball and got some open looks. That's what got us 67 wins last year, getting stops when we needed to, getting out on the break and finishing on the other end. "

McGrady had 35 points and eight assists and China center Yao Ming contributed 21, 11 boards and two blocks for Houston.

FIBA