SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- The Sacramento Kings try to close out the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday when they play Game Five of their Western Conference first-round series at Arco Arena.
The Kings, who lost to the Mavericks in seven games in the conference semifinals last year, grabbed a 3-1 advantage with a 94-92 triumph at Dallas on Monday.
Steve Nash badly missed a forced jumper over Peja Stojakovic just before the buzzer after being unable to get the ball to Dirk Nowitzki.
Mike Bibby scored 22 points and Stojakovic added 16 of his 20 in the second half for the Kings, who held a 68-55 rebound advantage.
Nowitzki collected 21 points and 14 rebounds for the Mavericks, who shot just under 35 percent.
Dallas had gone a league-best 36-5 at home this season.
MEANINGFUL MATCHUP: Michael Finley vs. Doug Christie. Finley scored 16 points in Game Four but has been hounded by the relentless Christie, who makes him work for every shot. Christie, meanwhile, produced 13 points, 15 rebounds and five assists - a somewhat unexpected offensive contribution.
WHO'S HOT:
Kings: F Webber is averaging 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists and G Bibby 20.5 points.
Mavericks: F Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 25.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.25 blocks in the series.
WHO'S NOT:
Kings: C Vlade Divac had only four points in Game Four and is averaging just 6.0 points and F-C Miller 6.3 points in the series.
Mavericks: C Antoine Walker scored 12 points in Game Four to raise his average to a measly 8.5 points in the series.
STREAKS: The Mavericks had an eight-game home winning streak snapped in Game Four. They have not lost in the first round since 1990. Dallas has dropped seven of its last nine playoff games dating to last season.
SEASON SERIES & HISTORY: The Kings ended a four-game losing streak at the American Airlines Center on Monday.
INJURIES: Mavericks: Rookie F Josh Howard (tight right hamstring) and G Finley (bruised ribs and back spasms) are playing despite their injuries. Kings: G Bobby Jackson (abdominal strain) may miss the entire playoffs.
