Dallas (38-21) scored the first seven points in the extra period and outscored Atlanta 12-4 in overtime, including five by Dirk Nowitzki who put the game out of reach with a three-pointer with 66 seconds remaining among his game-high 37 points.
Jason Kidd recorded a triple-double to pace the Mavericks, scoring 19 points along with 16 rebounds and 17 assists.
It was Kidd’s first triple-double of the season and the 104th of his career, which leaves him third on the all-time list behind Oscar Robertson with 181 and Magic Johnson with 138.
Trailing 97-95 with 1:37 left in the fourth quarter Kidd brushed against Hawks assistant coach Mike Woodson on the playing court, which, after discussion by the officials, led to Woodson being called for a technical foul for interfering with the play.
Nowitzki hit the free throw to cut the lead to one on the unusual, albeit pivotal, play.
“He made a heck of a play,” Woodson told reporters. “Jason Kidd is an All-Star, a Hall of Fame guard, and he’s had a hell of a career. He did what he had to do.
“I’ve got to take the hit on that. I shouldn’t have been on the floor.”
The Hawks flew out of the blocks building an 18-13 lead only to trail 29-19 at the end of the first quarter after missing eight consecutive attempts.
Atlanta found their range again connecting on five consecutive three-point attempts in the second quarter to retake the lead before heading into the half tied at 50.
The Hawks (36-21) rallied late in the fourth quarter with a layup by Joe Johnson with 32 seconds left to force overtime after they appeared to have the game well in hand with an 76-65 lead through three quarters.
The Mavericks, however, were not to be denied with Shawn Marion scoring 14 points in the absence of team mate Caron Butler who missed his second consecutive game due to a negative reaction to medicine.
