The possibility of an unwanted date with history and the recurring image of Baron Davis driving around them were disturbing enough for the Dallas Mavericks. Now they have to deal with another concern:

Mickael Pietrus has just joined the list of Golden State Warriors scoring threats.

The fourth-year swingman, known as a defensive standout and streaky shooter, had gone a jittery 2-for-11 from the field through the first three games of this Western Conference series, the first playoff action of his career. Pietrus more than doubled his scoring total for the series with 16 points in Sunday night's 103-99 victory, which shoved the Dallas Mavericks to the brink of elimination.

"As soon as I came in (to the locker room), I said, 'He's the reason we won the game,' " said Stephen Jackson, echoing the words of teammate Jason Richardson and coach Don Nelson. "His energy, his big blocks, big dunks, big shots, big defensive stops. Any time he made a play, that got us going."

With the Warriors down by six in the second quarter, Pietrus revved up the record crowd at Oracle Arena by blocking Jason Terry's three-point attempt, then followed with two three-pointers of his own as Golden State regained momentum.