As Dallas prepared for Game 3, Mavericks coach Avery Johnson urged his team to play with the same desperation it showed in a Game 2 victory.

The Mavericks did just that, and now they're two victories away from their first NBA Finals appearance.

Sparked by a first-half altercation involving Jason Terry and Tim Thomas, the Mavericks defeated Phoenix 95-88 to take a 2-1 lead Sunday night.

Dirk Nowitzki had 28 points and 17 rebounds for the Mavs, who overcame an 11-point first-half deficit and regained home-court advantage they lost in the series opener.

Game 4 is Tuesday night in Phoenix.