Mavericks at Rockets final score: Dallas wins 111-104

Dec 23, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) congratulates small forward Shawn Marion (0) after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Dirk Nowitzki scored 31 points to move to 13th on the all-time NBA scoring list as the Dallas Mavericks took down the Houston Rockets 111-104 on Monday night.

Nowitzki also had six rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Monta Ellis added 18 points, five assists and five rebounds while Vince Carter came off of the bench to score 16 points.

Dwight Howard had a huge game for the Rockets, finishing with 29 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. Chandler Parsons had 21 points and four rebounds and Jeremy Lin, who made his return to the court, had a very efficient game, scoring 20 points on six-of-10 shooting.

The Rockets threatened to get back in the game in the last four minutes when they cut the lead to 103-97 on an Aaron Brooks’ three-pointer, but Nowitzki, who scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, hit two straight buckets to push the lead back to 10.

The Rockets were without leading scorer James Harden, who is still recovering from a sprained ankle.

The Mavericks are now 16-12 while the Rockets are 18-11.

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