Nowitzki usually checks out seven or minutes into the first quarter, one of the two rests he normally takes per half. Jason Terry checks in, joining Kidd in the backcourt.

"We all know that when I sit out too long, I get a little stiff," Nowitzki said. "It just gets me in and out quicker. Plus, it lets (Terry) in the game with J-Kidd for a while, and they can get a nice little rhythm going."

Nowitzki's return usually signals Kidd's initial trip to the bench. The process is typically reversed one more time in the first half.

"Dirk's willing to do anything," Carlisle said. "The challenging part for us is when he's not on the floor. I'd like to get him enough rest, but as we know, his endurance is second to none."

Nowitzki and Kidd both logged big minutes in Tuesday's home loss to Golden State. Nowitzki played 40:28 and Kidd 35:40.

WARRIORS 111, MAVERICKS 103: Dallas had some breathing room in the fourth quarter at home, but it ultimately wasn't enough against a Golden State team that nearly didn't have enough players to suit up. The Warriors used just six players in rallying for their biggest win of the season.

The Mavericks will no doubt look back on the loss as a huge setback considering the circumstances: a nine-point lead midway through the fourth before Golden State's guards, rookie Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis, keyed the comeback.

Dallas wasted a 28-point, 10-rebound effort by Dirk Nowitzki. Jason Terry had 21 off the bench and Drew Gooden (14 points and 10 rebounds) posted another double-double. The Mavs' five-game winning streak was snapped, and they fell to 10-4.