Mavericks Beat Heat

Dirk Nowitzki had 25 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat, 98-92, Saturday night at Dallas. The Mavericks, an NBA-best 40-12, bounced back from a season-long three-game losing streak with their second victory in as many nights.

Portland 101, Seattle 96 -- The Trail Blazers had an eight-point lead with a minute left at Portland, but the SuperSonics got within one with 12.2 seconds left on a three-pointer by Predrag Drobnjak. After Derek Anderson’s two free throws with 10.9 left, Gary Payton missed a three-pointer with a second left.

Chicago 88, Denver 69 -- The Bulls ended an eight-game losing streak, while the Nuggets dropped to 3-23 on the road with their 11th loss in 13 games. The Bulls have the NBA’s worst road record at 2-27.