The defending league champion Mavericks were facing the Celtics just two days after being welcomed to the White House by President Barack Obama.
“Obviously last year we were a great road team, never afraid to walk in any building,” Nowitzki said. “Good teams find a way to stick around on the road and win big games. Ultimately, we want to get back to being a great road team.”
Nowitzki broke an 85-85 tie by beating Celtics defender Kevin Garnett one-on-one then driving to the basket where he was fouled under the basket by a charging Brandon Bass.
Despite the crushing blow from Bass, Nowitzki still managed to get his shot off as he was falling which gave the Mavericks a two-point lead.
The German then made his free throw which put Dallas ahead 88-85 with 5.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter at the TD Garden arena. Nowitzki made all six of his free throws Wednesday and is a perfect 23 of 23 against Boston since the beginning of last season.
Jason Terry put the finishing touches on the win with a basket on the final possession.
Terry, who had a team-high 18 points, was one of four Dallas players to reach double figures on Wednesday.
Nowitzki had 16 points and seven rebounds for the Mavericks who lost coach Rick Carlisle early in the third quarter when he was ejected after receiving a technical foul for arguing a non-call on Nowitzki with the officials.
Nowitzki needs just three points to reach 23,000 for his career.
Dallas has now won 11 of the past 16 matchups against Boston.
Guard Rajon Rondo had a game-high 24 points for the Celtics who lost their second game in a row after putting together a four-game win streak.
Boston’s Paul Pierce hit a three-pointer with 25 seconds left to tie the game 85-85.
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