Nowitzki’s Mavericks Beat Porzingis’ Knicks

Kristaps Porzingis outscored Dirk Nowitzki but the Dallas Mavericks won over the New York Knicks, 104-97 Monday night.

The 20-year-old Porzingis is the hottest rookie this season but the 37-year-old Nowitzki, who is being compared to the Knicks big man, ran away with the victory in this one as they held off a New York rally in the final quarter.

Nowitzki finished with 25 points on an efficient 9-of-18 field goal shooting while Porzingis had 28 points on a more efficient 15-of-18 field goals. Porzingis' 28-point output is his second highest this season after scoring 29 points in 102-94 win against the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 17.

The Mavericks had a huge double-digit lead, 88-72 entering the final quarter but the Knicks led by Porzingis cut down the lead to four points with 43 seconds to go in the game. Porzingis has 12 points in the final quarter.

Deron Williams added 20 points and 7 assists while Raymond Felton had 14 points and 5 assists for the Mavericks, which has now won three of their last four after struggling in the latter part of November.

Carmelo Anthony missed 12-of-18 shots for 17 points for the Knicks, which have lost back-to-back games and are losers of six in their last eight outings. Jose Calderon, playing against his former team, had a good night with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

After a short two-game road trip, the Mavericks go back home to host the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns in their next three games. Porzingis and the Knicks go on a three-game road trip against the Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers in their next three.