Dirk Nowitzki Video: Watch Mavs Star Sink Magic with Game-Winning Fadeaway

Dirk Nowitzki went back-and-forth with Ryan Anderson and the Orlando Magic on Friday night, but, when all was said and done, Nowitzki had the last word.

Nowitzki, who got into some heated exchanges with Anderson, was cool as a cucumber when it mattered most, knocking down his signature fadeaway with 5.9 seconds remaining to ice the game for the Dallas Mavericks and stun Amway Center in Orlando.

Nowitzki, averaging 21.6 points and 6.6 rebounds this season, finished with 28 points on Friday, going 9-of-18 from the floor and knocking down two three-pointers. He got the better of the battle against Anderson, who finished with 21 points and six rebounds and missed a tip-in in the final seconds.

Friday's affair, which featured the West's No. 5 seed and the East's No. 3 seed, was a physical matchup from the start, with seven different players collecting three fouls or more. Anderson finished with five fouls in the game.

Dwight Howard's stellar play once again went for not, as the best center in the league finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds and the Magic dropped their second game in a row.

As for Nowitzki, the 11-time All-Star has ramped up his play since the All-Star break, averaging 23.6 points and shooting 45 percent from beyond the arc headed into Friday night's game. He's scored 21 or more points in his last four games as the Mavericks have gone 3-1 in that span.

Are the Mavericks going on another championship run?

That may be a bit premature, but if Nowitzki keeps hitting clutch shots and the Mavericks battle like they did against the Magic, who knows.

It's always nice to have one of the greatest shooters in NBA history on your side.

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