NBA roundup

<p><li><b>MAVERICKS 112, TIMBERWOLVES 109</b>: Dirk Nowitzki, playing with a stiff neck after being flagrantly fouled by Kevin Garnett, led a late rally with a 3-pointer, a dunk, a jumper and a steal to send Dallas past Minnesota. The Mavs were down 104-99 before Nowitzki took over, ending the Timberwolves' six-game winning streak. Garnett was called for a flagrant foul in the final minute of the third quarter for swinging his right arm at Nowitzki's head after being beaten downcourt on a fast break. Nowitzki shook his neck several times in the final quarter, seemingly trying to keep loose. He was fine in the final 2:02, starting with a 3-pointer, then a slam off an alley-oop pass from Steve Nash that tied the game. Garnett had 31 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists.</p><p><li><b>BUCKS 97, WIZARDS 90</b>: Sam Cassell's 31 points helped Milwaukee defeat Washington despite 24 points from Michael Jordan. Wizards forward Jerry Stackhouse aggravated a strained left groin and took a seat midway through the third quarter in his fourth game back since missing four games with the injury. He finished with 5 points in 22 minutes on 2-of-13 shooting. Former Florida Gator recruit Kwame Brown tied his career high with 20 points. He had three straight baskets to give Washington a lead at 68-67.</p>