Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle provided a spark, and his team played just as he hoped. Monta Ellis had 23 points and nine rebounds, and Dirk Nowitzki added 18 points as the Mavericks handed the Indiana Pacers their third home loss of the season, 81-73 on Wednesday night. We battled them and tried to make it tough on them.'' The Mavericks (32-22), who have won six of seven, finished a three-game road trip heading into the NBA All-Star break. Dallas' five-game winning streak was snapped at Charlotte on Tuesday. More...