Off to the NBA, and the Dallas Mavericks were looking to get back in the win column. Harrison Barnes and the Mavs have lost eight straight games, and had but two victories all season long. But they would have a chance this night as they hosted the New Orleans Pelicans -- who have also struggled this year.

First quarter and tied at 15, Anthony Davis on the low block and hits the fallaway giving N'Awlins the lead.

At the other end, Harrison Barnes tries to do some work down low, getting his man off his feet and getting the reverse. Mavs up 2.

The game would be close in the first half, and Justin Anderson breaks another tie, by getting the three-pointer. As the injured Dirk Nowitzki confirms it.

The Pellies would stay close -- and it is Davis again, getting the rock down low and slamming it home. 38 and 13 for the brow.

New Orleans would go on a mini-run to start the third quarter and go in front, but Anderson once again finds the range. Dallas up 1.

Davis would once again give his team the lead -- getting the floater in the lane.

Off to the fourth, and the hosts up 5 -- Barnes once again on the low block, loses possession, but cans the step back J. Mavs up 7. Barnes had 23.

But the game would not be sealed til late. Wesley Matthews comes off the screen and hits from the top of the arc. He scored 12 of his 21 in the final q. Dallas wins it 91-81 and snaps an 8-game losing skid.

In other action, Kyrie Irving had 39 to help Cleveland edge Philly. Indiana handed the Clips their second straight loss. DeMarcus Cousins went for 37 points and grabbed 11 boards in Sacramento's win over Brooklyn. Milwaukee tops Orlando. James Harden's 38 points lefted Houston over Portland. The Lakers dumped Atlanta.