TORONTO — The Dallas Mavericks felt fortunate to get the victory.

Dirk Nowitzki had 38 points and Josh Howard made the go-ahead layup with 0.9 seconds left to give the Mavericks a 97-96 victory over the Toronto Raptors yesterday.

Toronto's Morris Peterson was told not to switch off Howard and cover Nowitzki during a timeout before the decisive play. But Peterson did, allowing Howard to make a wide-open layup to give Dallas the lead. Toronto's Anthony Parker missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

"We really didn't show up until the second quarter and then we were in a dog fight," Nowitzki said. "Obviously, we got a little lucky. They both went with me and Josh was open and made a hell of a finish."

Nowitzki had 11 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals for the Mavericks, winners of 17 of their past 18 games.

Chris Bosh had 24 points and 15 rebounds, but his turnover after winning a jump ball set up the Mavericks' last play with 6.5 seconds left. After the Mavericks inbounded the ball, Peterson converged on Nowitzki, allowing Howard to stand under the basket uncovered to receive Jason Terry's pass.

"I found Josh wide open. He made like a receiver and it was a great play," Terry said. "Toronto could have easily won that game."

Toronto led nearly the entire game, with Dallas briefly taking the lead with just over two minutes left and for good on Howard's layup.

NUGGETS 109, TRAIL BLAZERS 93

PORTLAND, Ore. — Allen Iverson scored 32 points and Steve Blake added a career-high 25, leading Denver over Portland.

Iverson added nine assists for the Nuggets, who trailed at halftime but outscored the Blazers 41-17 in the third quarter.