LOS ANGELES, 26 April 2004 — Though Marquis Daniels is just a rookie, the youngster played like a seasoned veteran in a must-win game for the Dallas Mavericks. Daniels scored 11 of his career playoff high 22 points in the decisive third quarter, and the Mavericks crushed the visiting Sacramento Kings, 104-79 on Saturday to pull within 2-1 in their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Dallas desperately needed to win, or have their hopes of advancing deeper in the post-season virtually dashed. No team has ever rallied from a 0-3 deficit to win a playoff series.

Dallas, 37-5 at home this season, will host Game 4 tonight.

Sixth Man of the Year Antawn Jamison had 20 points and nine rebounds for Dallas, which forced 26 turnovers, including 19 steals, Michael Finley, bothered by a right hip flexor, added 18 points, and rookie Josh Howard came off the bench to grab 14 boards.

Sacramento’s Chris Webber and Mike Bibby scored 22 points apiece but sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic finished with just seven for the Kings, which shot just 36 percent from the field.

The Mavericks never trailed, and broke the game open by outscoring the Kings, 34-17 in the third quarter. Daniels hit five of six shots to extend a seven-point halftime edge into a commanding 83-59 cushion.

Nuggets 107 Timberwolves 86: Rookie Carmelo Anthony had 24 points and 10 rebounds as the Nuggets rocked the top-seeded Timberwolves in the wire-to-wire victory, to pull within 2-1 in their Western Conference first-round series Denver will host Game 4 tomorrow night.

Pistons 95 Bucks 85: Chauncey Billups scored 21 points, while Ben Wallace collected 13 and 21 rebounds as the Pistons closed on a 10-1 run in the final 3 minutes 45 seconds, to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference opening-round playoff series.

Hornets 77 Miami Heat 71: Baron Davis scored 21 points and David Wesley added 18 as the hosts Hornets redeemed themselves to pull within 2-1 in their Eastern Conference first round match-up. New Orleans shot just 24 percent and was embarrassed 93-63 at Miami on Wednesday night.