Josh Howard returned to form, sparking the Mavericks with a 20-point first half. He ended with 24 and Dirk Nowitzki added 26 in Dallas' 118-93 rout of Charlotte, reports the Dallas Morning News. Howard's defense also stymied Bobcats wing Jason Richardson, who shot 4 of 16. Gerald Wallace had 14 points after an eight-game absence. Also in the NBA: