Hornets 99, Mavericks 96 (OT): Eric Gordon scored eight of his 14 points in overtime and Greivis Vasquez collected 25, nine assists and seven rebounds as visiting New Orleans edged Dallas.

Gordon went 1-of-9 from the floor in regulation and turned the ball over at the beginning of overtime before scoring five straight points to give the Hornets a 96-94 lead. Shawn Marion’s layup tied it again, but Gordon responded with a traditional three-point play to put New Orleans up for good.

Dirk Nowitzki scored a season-high 20 points, Vince Carter added 17 off the bench and O.J. Mayo contributed 14 for the Mavericks, who have dropped eight of their last nine games.

The Hornets led 81-75 with 6:33 left in regulation but went the next 3:33 without a point as Dallas took control. Mayo scored six straight points to cap an 8-0 run, giving the Mavericks an 83-81 lead on a jumper with 3:47 to play.

Ryan Anderson and Carter traded 3-pointers and Vasquez connected from beyond the arc as it went back and forth in the final minutes. Nowitzki had a chance to put Dallas on top but split two free throws with 18 seconds left, leaving it knotted at 89 and forcing overtime.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Nowitzki returned to the starting lineup for the first time since last season. The former MVP had come off the bench in the previous six games to work himself into shape following knee surgery. … Al-Farouq Aminu collected 10 points and 13 rebounds while Anderson scored 16 points off the bench for the Hornets, who snapped a two-game slide. … Elton Brand had five of Dallas’ 10 blocks.