ISAIAH Thomas had 29 points and eight assists, Marcus Smart scored 19 points as the Boston Celtics won its third straight game by beating the Dallas Mavericks, 111-98, on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time).
Boston led by one in the fourth quarter before Kelly Olynyk scored seven of his 15 points during a 12-2 run.
The Celtics won for the 10th time in 11 games and pulled to within two games of Eastern Conference leader Cleveland.
Boston went on an 8-0 run in the last 58 seconds of the first half for a 61-50 lead.
Gerald Green and Jae Crowder both scored 10 points for the Celtics who swept the season series after having dropped seven straight against the Mavericks.
Dallas Rookie Yogi Ferrell scored 20 points for the Mavericks which has surprised the league by winning against three division leaders in the past two weeks after spending much of the season at or near last place in the West. Harrison Barnes added 19 while Dirk Nowitzki and Wesley Matthews each added 18 markers.
Deron Williams was ejected in the second quarter after getting two quick technical fouls for arguing a foul call. Despite the ejection, Williams posted the assist he needed to pass Muggsy Bogues for 19th on the NBA's career list. Williams now has 6,727 assists.
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