NBA Game Summary - Sacramento at Dallas

Dallas, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Dirk Nowitzki had 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 103-100 win over the Sacramento Kings.

Monta Ellis added 17 points, Samuel Dalembert scored 15 and Shawn Marion finished with 14 for the Mavericks, winners in two of their last three games.

With the win, Dallas is tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies, however, have 10 games remaining, while the Mavs have just eight.

"It's huge, every single game counts. We're trying to fight for a playoff spot. We've gotta push it, we've gotta control what we can control," said Dalembert.

Rudy Gay poured in a game-high 30 points and DeMarcus Cousins added 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Kings, losers in three straight.

Reggie Evans scored six points and pulled down 18 rebounds in the setback.

"I loved how we played in that second half -- held them to 40 percent. I believe in the second half," said Kings coach Mike Malone. "Third quarter was terrific after Reggie Evans set the tone for us, his physicality, his defense, his rebounding. But as a group, to hold that team with the offensive firepower they have to 40 percent in the second half is tremendous."

Cousins turnaround hook with 5:22 remaining gave the Kings an 87-82 lead, however, Dallas countered with a 12-2 run to take a 94-89 lead with 2:13 to go. Marion capped the surge with a pair of free throws followed by a 3- pointer.

Gay had the Kings within three after throwing down a slam just inside the two- minute mark, but Nowitzki scored four straight free throws to all but seal the win.

Ben McLemore hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left to get the Kings within three and Travis Outlaw's triple at the buzzer rimmed out as the Mavs held on for the win.

Dallas jumped out to a 26-19 lead after 12 minutes. The Mavs led by as many as 17 in the second before taking a 54-42 lead into the break. Sacramento outscored the hosts 28-18 in the third to cut the deficit to 72-70 entering the final frame.