Mavericks 123, Rockets 120: Monta Ellis led the way with 37 points and Shawn Marion hit a go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute as part of a 13-point effort to guide Dallas past visiting Houston.

Dirk Nowitzki added 35 points for the Mavericks, who overcame an 18-point third-quarter deficit. Jose Calderon chipped in 13 points as Dallas improved to 6-0 at home.

Dwight Howard scored 33 points on 12-of-16 shooting and pulled down 11 rebounds to lead the Rockets. James Harden added 23 points, Chandler Parson chipped in 21 and 11 assists and Terrence Jones scored 18 for Houston.

Howard extended his string of made field goals starting the game to 11 in capping a 7-0 run midway through the third that pushed the Rockets’ lead to 84-68. Houston increased the lead to as much as 93-75 and led by 14 entering the fourth before the Mavericks made their push, closing to within 104-101 on Ellis’ layup with 6:48 left.

Patrick Beverley and Harden hit 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions to stretch it back out to a nine-point edge but Dallas would not go away, slicing it back down to one possession and grabbing a 121-119 lead on Marion’s corner 3-pointer with 47 seconds left. Harden had a chance to tie it at the line but split a pair, and Calderon sunk two free throws before Harden missed a desperation 3-pointer.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Howard’s 11 straight made field goals to begin the game tied a career best. … The Rockets, who shot 72.2 percent in the first half in blowing out the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, shot a blistering 68.4 percent before the break against Dallas, including 7-of-7 from Howard. … Houston built up a 56-36 advantage on points in the paint.