Mavs end Minnesota's NBA run with big win

A key fourth-quarter run keyed by back-up guard J.J. Barea has powered Dallas to a 98-87 win over Minnesota in the NBA.

A two-point game late in the third quarter was blown open by the Mavericks, who closed the term on an 11-4 run before Barea opened the last period scoring his side's first nine points.

By the time Barea had finished his one-man show, Dallas led 88-76 with 8:01 to go in the final quarter.

Wesley Matthews led Dallas with 19 points and Dirk Nowitzki added 17, while Barea finished with 15 points behind Mavs starter Deron Williams, who had 13 points and 10 assists.

Gorgui Dieng led all scorers with 21 points and Andrew Wiggins had 19 for the Timberwolves, who had their three-game winning streak snapped.