LOS ANGELES (AP) Glen Rice, activated before the game, hit a jumper from the top of the key as time expired to spoil Dirk Nowitzki's return to the Mavericks.

Corey Maggette scored 20 of his 30 points in the first half for Los Angeles, which overcame a 22-point deficit.

Chris Wilcox scored 21 points off the bench and Elton Brand had 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Mavericks for only the fourth time in their last 22 meetings.

The loss was the fourth straight on the road for the Mavericks, who tied for the best road record in the NBA last season. It left coach Don Nelson still needing one more win to tie Pat Riley for second place on the career coaching victories list behind Lenny Wilkens.