Kings close in on clincher

The Mavericks had a chance win the game when Sacramento's Chris Webber grabbed an offensive rebound but had a foot out of bounds, turning the ball over to Dallas.

Steve Nash then missed an off-balance jumper in the final seconds that would have sent the game into overtime.

The Kings and the Mavs both shot under 36 percent from the field in a first half that was surprisingly dominated by defence, from teams known for their high-tempo offensive play.

The Kings won the battle of the boards, taking 68 rebounds to 55 for Dallas.

"We knew that it was going to be physical," said Kings guard Doug Christie. "We knew we were going to have to get in there and get the rebounds."

Webber with 12 points and Bibby with nine led the Kings at the break, while Peja Stojakovic, who had a dismal game three on Saturday, remained cold with one-from-11 in the first half.

A six point run at the end of the half gave the Mavs a 44-39 lead at the break.

The Kings then took control in the third quarter, in which they outscored Dallas 31-21 courtesy of Bibby and Stojakovic, who scored 12 of his 20 points in the period and helped pace the Kings to a 70-65 lead after three quarters.

Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 21 points on five of 22 shooting. He also grabbed 14 rebounds.

The Mavs also missed 13 free throws, something forward Michael Finley said probably cost them the game.

"If we want to come back in this series, we will have to put this behind us," said Finley.