DALLAS (AP) Nothing changed for the Chicago Bulls in their first game after coach Bill Cartwright's firing. They lost again.

Michael Finley scored a season-high 28 points to lead Dallas to a 124-98 victory Tuesday night, handing the Bulls (4-11) their sixth straight loss, their first with interim coach Pete Myers.

Finley scored 13 of his points in a 33-15 third-quarter run in which the Mavericks made 12 straight shots.

Dirk Nowitzki added 19 points and nine rebounds for the Mavericks, who won their fourth straight and are undefeated in eight home games. Dallas has won 11 straight against the Bulls.

Cartwright was fired Monday, a day after Chicago's 110-99 loss at Sacramento. A key to Chicago's first three championships as a starting center, he was 51-100 as coach since taking over Dec. 28, 2001.

Pacers 98, Timberwolves 75

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Ron Artest had 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists for Indiana.

Jermaine O'Neal had 17 points, nine rebounds and six blocks and Jeff Foster added 10 points and nine boards to help NBA-leading Indiana improve to 12-2. The Pacers have won six straight.

Kevin Garnett led Minnesota with 25 points and 16 rebounds.

Heat 91, Hornets 87

MIAMI (AP) Eddie Jones and Brian Grant each hit two free throws in the final 15 seconds to help Miami beat New Orleans.

The victory was the Heat's first over the Hornets since April 2001, breaking a seven-game regular-season losing streak.

Jones led the Heat with 25 points, and Lamar Odom added 19. Baron Davis scored 28 points for the Hornets.

Bucks 95, 76ers 91

MILWAUKEE (AP) Michael Redd scored 26 points and rookie T.J. Ford had a season-high nine assists for Milwaukee.

Joe Smith had 16 points and nine rebounds, Desmond Mason added 13 points, and Tim Thomas had 12 points despite playing only a minute in the fourth quarter after spraining his left ankle.

Allen Iverson led the 76ers with 28 points.

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