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Source: Reuters

-- Dirk Nowitzki recorded the second triple-double of his career to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 109-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday.

Nowitzki, who had failed to score 20 points in his last four games, made 34 with 10 rebounds and 10 assists as Dallas maintained its grip on second spot in the Western Conference.

The Nuggets (48-27) have lost five of their last six games and dropped to fifth in the West behind the Phoenix Suns. They also surrendered their lead in the Northwest division to Utah.

JR Smith had a team-high 27 for Denver but Carmelo Anthony had an off night, finishing with just 10 points.

"To me the game ball really belongs to (Shawn) Marion," Nowitzki told reporters. "He was fantastic tonight. Carmelo is one of the best scorers in the league and he did a phenomenal job on him. This was definitely a fun win."

Dallas (49-25) took an eight point lead in the first quarter and cemented the win with a 10-2 run in the fourth when they built a 100-81 lead.

Nowitzki made three three-pointers and had 13 points in the fourth to put the game away. Marion chipped in 21 and Jason Terry added 15 off the bench for the Mavericks, who are 4-4 from their last eight games.

Rookie Rodrigue Beaubois had just five points, a game after exploding for 40 against Golden State.

"That Denver team has always been a thorn in our side," Terry said. "So it means something to beat them, especially given the situation (with the standings). And if you don't fight back, if you get lax at all, they will sense it and they will kill you."

Six players managed to score in double figures for Denver but the team has struggled with injuries and in the absence of head coach George Karl, who has been receiving treatment for cancer.

Nuggets big man Kenyon Martin missed his 14th straight game because of a knee injury.