Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points as the Dallas Mavericks spoiled Kevin Love's 51st consecutive double-double with a 108-105 victory over the host Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.

Love, who had 23 points and 17 rebounds, tied Moses Malone for the longest streak since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976. Malone did it with Houston in 1978-79.

Love is the ninth player in league history with at least 50 consecutive double-doubles.

Dallas (46-17) moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers for second in the Western Conference.

The Mavericks have won nine straight games at Minnesota and have beaten the Timberwolves (15-50) in 20 of their last 22 overall meetings.

Michael Beasley, who had 20 points and nine rebounds, brought Minnesota to within 94-93 with a jumper in the lane, a free throw and a 19-footer, and Love gave the Timberwolves a 95-94 lead on a tip-in with 2:45 left

Minnesota trailed 98-97 when Dallas' Jason Kidd made a steal and Jason Terry hit a 3-pointer with 1:37 to go for a 101-97 lead, and the Mavericks sealed it with seven free throws.

Kidd had 13 points and nine assists.