Thomas Has Big 4th Quarter To Lift Celtics Over Mavs 90-83

BOSTON (AP) — Isaiah Thomas scored 22 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter in the Boston Celtics' 90-83 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

Thomas scored 20 of Boston's final 24 points to help the Celtics beat back a late Mavericks' surge.

Avery Bradley added 18 points and 13 rebounds.

The Mavericks led 70-66 when Thomas scored Boston's next 13 points to put the Celtics back in front 79-76.

Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 28 points. Wesley Matthews added 22.

Dallas, which was already missing several players because of injuries, lost two more. Starter Deron Williams exited in the second quarter with a left calf injury, and J.J. Barea was helped off the court in the fourth quarter after appearing to injure his left leg.

The Celtics built as much as a 12-point lead in the first half, but were slowed down by nine turnovers. It helped mask the Mavericks paltry shooting (14 for 45) in the opening 24 minutes.

Boston didn't shoot much better (17 for 43), and was outscored by Dallas in the second quarter 14-10.

TIP-INS

Mavericks: Have lost three straight. ... Had a season-low 31 points at the first half. ... Dirk Nowitzki missed his fifth straight game with a right Achilles strain.

Celtics: Thomas has scored 20 or more points in each of the first 11 games of the season. ... Scored a season-low 90 points. ...Tied their season high with 19 turnovers. ... Boston's 10-point second quarter was its lowest scoring output in a second quarter this season. ... Al Horford remains in the NBA concussion protocol and sat out his eighth straight game. Jae Crowder missed his seventh consecutive game with a sprained left ankle.

UP NEXT

Mavericks: Return home Friday to host the Grizzlies, before heading back on the road for trips to Orlando and San Antonio.

Celtics: Host the Warriors Friday, and then begin a three-game trip with a stop in Detroit on Saturday.