January 13th, 2008 
Stephen Rhodes 
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On any other night, Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki would be the go-to guy in clutch situations; Saturday night would prove to be a little different as reserve Jerry Stackhouse would prove why he’s a 2-time All-Star.? Stackhouse’s 3-pointer at the buzzer would prove to be the difference as they escaped Staples Center with a 95-94 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Both teams “nip-and-tucked” throughout the first half and the third quarter, with Los Angeles holding a 75-71 lead going into the fourth quarter.? The Clippers had a 6-point lead in the opening moments of the fourth quarter when Tim Thomas would get assessed a technical foul for slamming the ball into the floor; Thomas was whistled for a loose-ball foul after his tipped-in basket, hence the technical foul.? Dallas’ Stackhouse would make the technical free throw; he added a layup before the Mavericks pulled ahead 79-77 on a jumper by Nowitzki and a 3-pointer by Jason Terry with 10:33 to play in the game.
The Clippers’ Cuttino Mobley would respond with a trey, initiating a 13-2 run, putting the Clippers up 90-81.? But Dallas would outscore Los Angeles 14-4 the rest of the way.? Dallas had 6 players in double-digits, led by Nowitzki with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.? Terry scored 20 with 6 boards and 4 assists, while Brandon Bass would chip in with 14 from off the bench.
Los Angeles was led by Thomas with 21 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists; Corey Maggette and Mobley?each added 20, while Chris Kaman chipped in with a quiet 13 and 9 rebounds.? Dallas (26-11), winners of 7 straight, hope to extend their streak to 8 when they travel north to Sacramento to face the Kings Monday night; Los Angeles (10-23) remain home to host the Phoenix Suns Tuesday evening.
