The Los Angeles Lakers led in the first half by as many as 14 points, but thanks to Vince Carter - yes, Vince Carter - the Dallas Mavericks rallied to pull even with Los Angeles, 48-48 at halftime Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center. Carter scored 18 points for Dallas, including three field goals from three-point range.

Dallas ended the half on a 10-1 run in the final three and a half minutes.

Pau Gasol scored 16 points and grabbed four rebounds for the Lakers, who shot 46.3% (19 for 41) in the opening half. Andrew Bynum added nine points and five rebounds for Los Angeles. Kobe Bryant scored five points on just 1-of-6 shooting.

The Lakers hit five of 10 three-point shots.

Dirk Nowitzki added eight points and four rebounds for the Mavericks, who shot 42.6% (20 for 47) in the first half. Center Brendan Haywood led everyone with seven rebounds as Dallas outrebounded the Lakers 27-19.

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