Dirk Nowitzki dragged Dallas Mavericks to a 98-97 win over Charlotte Bobcats in a dramatic overtime period.

The visitors twice led by a point late in the extra five minutes after two pairs of successful free throws from Gerald Wallace, but a fade-away shot on each occasion from Nowitzki took him to 36 points on the night and his side to a narrow victory.

Pacific leaders Los Angeles Lakers had an off night as no player scored more than 16 points in a 102-94 defeat to Utah Jazz.

Deron Williams scored 21 for the hosts, who pulled clear in a 34-28 second quarter.

Carmelo Anthony's 32 points and 24 from Chauncey Billups led Denver Nuggets to a 105-99 win over Phoenix Suns.

Denver trailed by three at the half but turned the game around to open up a 10-point lead in a one-sided third stanza.

Boston Celtics maintained their Atlantic Division stranglehold with a 106-80 hammering of Chicago Bulls as seven players recorded double-figure scores.

Milwaukee Bucks needed two periods of overtime to shake off Portland Trail Blazers, eventually triumphing 108-101 despite the efforts of the Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge (31) and Brandon Roy (23).

Elsewhere, Sacramento Kings routed Minnesota Timberwolves 120-100, Indiana Pacers edged out Washington Wizards 114-113 and Detroit Pistons beat Golden State Warriors 104-95.