Dirk Nowitzki scored 53 points against Houston on Thursday night, the most ever by a Dallas player and tops in the NBA this season, carrying the Mavericks past the Houston Rockets 113-106 in overtime Thursday night.

Nowitzki scored 43 in regulation, then opened overtime with a 10-0 run. It featured a tough three-point play when he was fouled by Tracy McGrady on a layup, and a high-arcing 3-pointer that drew the biggest roar of the night and forced the Rockets to call a time out.

As exciting as his baskets were, he was equally impressive on defense, stripping Jim Jackson on a drive when it was 97-93 then knocking a ball away from McGrady on Houston's next possession. He was active all night, as evidenced by his season highs, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks.

McGrady hit a 3-pointer with 1:03 left that made it 108-104. A layup by Jackson with 20.4 seconds remaining got Houston back within four, but the Rockets couldn't get any closer in losing their fifth straight.

McGrady finished with a season-high 48.

When time expired, McGrady waited for Nowitzki near midcourt. They slapped hands and hugged, after an epic matchup.

Nowitzki finished 15-of-32, and was 21-of-22 from the line.