Strong finish keeps Dallas Mavericks in playoffs

The Dallas Mavericks needed a fourth-quarter comeback to keep their hopes of reaching the next round of the playoffs alive, beating the San Antonio Spurs to level their series 3-3.

The home side took a narrow lead into half time, but Tony Parker helped the Western Conference's top seeds surge into the lead during the third quarter.

Monta Ellis restored Dallas's advantage in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 of his 29 points during the final 12 minutes.

The Mavericks opened up an eight-point lead inside the last five minutes before Parker made it close again, but Ellis ensured that the hosts stayed in front.

The teams meet again for the final time in San Antonio on Sunday.