DALLAS (AP) — Dirk Nowitzki scored 16 points in his preseason debut, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Indiana Pacers 106-98 on Sunday night.
Charlie Villanueva, who didn’t play in the first three periods, had 16 points and four rebounds for the Mavericks to lead a fourth-quarter comeback. Indiana led 74-69 after three.
Nowitzki missed Dallas’ first two exhibition games with an injured right hip. He played 19 minutes, all in the first half, and had eight points in each of the first two quarters. He shot 7 of 11 from the field, including 2 for 3 on 3-pointers. Nowitzki added five rebounds and two assists.
C.J. Miles scored 19 points for the Pacers, all in the first three quarters. C.J. Watson added 16.
Jameer Nelson had 10 assists for the Mavericks.
Dallas guard Monta Ellis (sprained left knee) missed his second straight game.
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