Mavericks Defeat Billups-less Nuggets 104-96

For the second consecutive game, seven Mavericks scored in double-figures as Dallas got a rare win in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Last year, the Mavericks played an infuriating playoff series against a Denver team that was bigger, stronger and more athletic. This is a vastly different team from last year's Mavs and they showed it in beating the league's best home team for the first time in their last five regular season meetings. Denver is now 13-2 at home this season.

"I think they're on a mission to have a great year," Nuggets Coach George Karl said. "They took one from us. We're going to have to figure out how to take one from them."

In his first game back, after being a late scratch due to back spasms against Memphis Saturday afternoon, Drew Gooden led the Dallas Mavericks (22-9) in scoring with 19 off the bench. Gooden was perfect from the field (8-8) and also contributed 10 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the year. The Denver Nuggets (20-11) allowed the Mavs to shoot 50 percent for the night.

Josh Howard was Dallas' second leading scorer with 17 and also came off the bench. J-Ho also chipped in nine rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes of game action. The Mavericks' bench outscored the Nuggets bench 49-20 on the night.

"It's a lot of weapons," Gooden said. "That's a big plus when you've got everybody on the court at the same time that can score."

The league's leading scorer, Carmelo Anthony, struggled from the field making only 5-19 shots for 16 points. The Nuggets struggled as a team from the field, shooting only 38.2 percent.

"When [Billups] is not there, it's a sigh of relief for the other team," Anthony said.

These two teams meet again, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 in Denver.

Nowitzki Rarity

Dirk Nowitzki was held under 20 points for only the fourth time this season (31 games). Nowitzki ended the game with 13 points, but did grab 11 rebounds - recording his 10th double-double of the season.

What's Next?

Dallas continues their four-game road trip, after a three-day break, New Year's Eve against the Houston Rockets. The Mavericks lost their last meeting with the Rockets 116-108 in overtime in a game that Dallas felt (and anyone else who saw it) was not officiated properly. Both Rick Carlise and Erick Dampier (after being kicked in the nuts) were ejected in that game.

Houston is 2-2 in it's last four games and are coming off a 108-83 thrashing in Cleveland on Sunday night.

Tip-off is at 7:30 and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)