Mavs try to make it 10 wins in a row against Timberwolves

All-Star Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting and pulled down nine rebounds to lead the Mavericks past the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, 85-73, on Saturday at American Airlines Center.

Josh Howard netted 15 and pulled down seven boards in the win over the Hornets for Dallas, while Erick Dampier had 11 points and six rebounds for the Mavericks. Devin Harris added 10 points for Dallas, which has won nine straight after losing their first four games of the season.

Dallas won 13 in a row last season from January 14, 2006 to February 9, 2006.

The Mavericks, who play the second of a four-game homestand this evening, are 4-2 at home this season. They will host the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday and the Sacramento Kings on Friday.

Minnesota has also played well lately, as it will try and extend its winning streak to four games. Kevin Garnett poured in 25 points and rookie Randy Foye helped key a late run in the fourth quarter to lift the Timberwolves over the Los Angeles Clippers, 104-96, at the Target Center.

Garnett also pulled down 10 rebounds and Foye scored 14 of his 15 points in the final quarter in the win over the Clippers for the Timberwolves, who used a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter to help them earn the victory. Ricky Davis finished with 14 points and seven assists, while Mark Blount added 13 points for Minnesota, which outscored LA 35-15 in the final quarter.

The Timberwolves are 2-4 on the road this season. They will visit Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets on Tuesday at the Toyota Center.

Minnesota has lost two straight and four of its last six at Dallas. The Mavericks have captured four of the last six contests in this series.