Dirk lights up Big Apple for 36

NEW YORK – Jerry Stackhouse whipped a pass behind his back to Erick Dampier cutting on the baseline late in the second quarter. An easy layup followed, as did a timeout from embattled Knicks coach Isiah Thomas.

The Mavericks’ off-Broadway performance Monday night had several jaw-dropping moments, in addition to a bit of drama before the curtain fell.

Dirk Nowitzki scored a season-high 36 for Dallas, which upped its modest winning streak to two with a showing that bordered on dominating at times, included a second-half lull, and disintegrated into a scene that’s become all too familiar recently at Madison Square Garden.

Fans packing the world’s most famous arena chanted “Fire Isiah” when they weren’t booing through most of the Mavs’ 99-89 victory. Dallas (14-8) concludes its brief two-game trip Wednesday night at Toronto.