The Dallas Mavericks avoided a 4-0 sweep in the first round of the NBA playoffs by defeating the Houston Rockets 121-109 in Sunday's game four at American Airlines Center.

Shooting-guard Monta Ellis led the way for the hosts with 31 points on 13-21 shooting, but it was the double-double performances of two new starters that gave Dallas the biggest lift after losing the opening three games of the series.

JJ Barea had 17 points and 13 assists, while Al-Farouq Aminu, in his first ever NBA playoff start, posted 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Houston led by nine points after the first quarter, but then missed 17 straight shots in a period before and after half time, allowing the Mavs to take control.

Josh Smith hit four three-pointers in the fourth quarter to give the Rockets hope of a fightback, but Dallas held them off to get on the board for the first time.

Game five takes place Tuesday night in Houston.