Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (2nd R) shoots as he is defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Lamar Odom (C) as guard Jason Terry (L), forward Reggie Evans (2nd L) and guard Vince Carter (3rd L) are near during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Dallas, Texas February 13, 2012. Photo by Mike Stone, Reuters.

MANILA, Philippines – The defending champion Dallas Mavericks relied on Dirk Nowitzki in the fourth quarter to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers, 96-92.

Nowitzki, the reigning Finals most valuable player, scored 11 of his 22 points in the fourth period, including the eventual go-ahead free throws with 5:13 to go.

The Mavs led by 5 points, 94-89, after two more free throws by Nowitzki, but Chris Paul cut the lead with a three-pointer with 17.8 seconds to go.

The Clippers had a chance to take the lead after Paul stole the ball from Jason Kidd, but Caron Butler's three-point attempt was off the mark.

"We got a good look, so Caron pulled up. He had been shooting it pretty well for the night and hit some big shots, so I had no problem with it," Clippers head coach Vinny del Negro told NBA.com.

Butler finished with a season-high 23 points and made five-of-10 three-pointers.

"It felt real good. I got my feet up under me, followed through. It was a routine shot, just fell a little short," he said.

The Mavericks forced the Clippers to commit 19 turnovers, five of which came from Paul. They have now won four straight games, good for an 18-11 record.

Meanwhile, Chris Kaman tallied a double-double of 27 points and 13 rebounds to help the New Orleans Hornets beat the Utah Jazz, 86-80.

The Hornets ended an eight-game losing streak to improve to 5-23 on the season.

New Orleans took complete control in the third quarter, outscoring Utah 25-15 as they took advantage of nine turnovers from the Jazz.

"Our guys continue to fight. They do it for each other. They do it for the fans. I just think they’re a unit that's been through a lot and won’t use any of that as an excuse," Hornets head coach Monty Williams said.

Al Jefferson had 14 points and 12 rebounds, but front court teammate Paul Millsap had only four points and five boards as the Jazz came out flat against the worst team in the Western Conference.

"We relaxed. We thought we could just show up and win the ball game," said Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Phoenix Suns, 102-96.

David Lee shone with 28 points and 12 rebounds for the Warriors, negating Marcin Gortat's 25-point, 12-rebound effort for the Suns.

Monta Ellis had 18 points but struggled from the floor, shooting five-of-20. Steve Nash had 14 assists for Phoenix.