Dirk Nowitzki had 35 points and 12 rebounds and the Dallas Mavericks held on for a 102-101 victory over the host Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

The Nuggets had a chance to win it, but Carmelo Anthony’s jumper went in and out with 2.1 seconds left. Anthony scored 20 points and had a season-high 15 rebounds.

Caron Butler’s 3-pointer with 1:59 remaining gave the Mavericks the lead for good at 102-99 after Nowitzki had scored the previous six points for Dallas (3-1).

Butler finished with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Dallas began the second half with a 23-11 run to take a 73-63 lead as Jason Terry hit four 3-pointers and scored 14 of his 20 points.

The Nuggets went on a 15-4 surge in the fourth quarter to take a 97-93 lead before Nowitzki and the Mavericks took over.

Arron Afflalo scored 17 points and Chauncey Billups and Al Harrington added 16 apiece for the Nuggets (2-2), who were without center Nene due a groin strain. Forward Gary Forbes scored 12 points – all in the first half – in his first career NBA start.