Minnesota (32-32) at Dallas (41-21)
Preview - Box Score - Recap
Game Info: 8:30 pm EST Tue Mar 15, 2005
TV: KSTC, KTXA Add to Calendar
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The Dallas Mavericks have to like what they're seeing from Jason Terry.

Following a clutch performance in Sunday's win over Minnesota, Terry looks to maintain his standout play as the Mavericks and Timberwolves close a home-and-home set.

Terry scored 12 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter and dished out 12 assists to help Dallas outscore Minnesota 31-24 in the period en route to a 102-93 victory -- the Mavs' third in four outings.

``Every time he shoots the ball, it looks like it's going in,'' said Dirk Nowitzki, who had 21 points and 10 rebounds. ``We've got to get him in the paint and create opportunities for everybody.''

Terry, in his first season with Dallas after spending the last five with Atlanta, was brought in to replace departing free agent Steve Nash. He is rising to the occasion at just the right time with four 20-point performances in his last five games.

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``My third quarter was a little rough,'' said Terry, averaging 12.4 points and 5.1 assists this season. ``I credit Coach for sticking with me. The guys got on me a little bit.''

Even reigning MVP Kevin Garnett of the Timberwolves was impressed with Terry, and knows limiting his effectiveness will be a key to the rematch.

``Jason Terry was unbelievably aggressive,'' said Garnett, who had 24 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. ``We've got to keep Jason under control.''

Avery Johnson, who filled in for Don Nelson as Mavericks head coach the last three games, was also impressed with the point guard's performance.

``It wasn't just his points,'' Johnson said. ``It was his body language and decision-making. But he always comes back to make Coach happy. When he's aggressive, we're a much better basketball team.''

Nelson is expected to return after leaving the team to be with his wife while she recovered from surgery.

His counterpart, Kevin McHale, has gone just 7-6 since taking over the Timberwolves. Minnesota, which had won four of five before Sunday's defeat, remains in a tight battle with the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Timberwolves' cause would be helped if Sam Cassell is back in the lineup. He may return after missing seven straight games and 22 of the last 33 due to a strained right hamstring.