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Jeremy Lin erupted for 28 points and 14 assists as the New York Knicks used a long-range barrage in the fourth quarter to subdue the visiting Dallas Mavericks 104-97 on Sunday.

Lin’s legend grew larger in front of a national television audience, as the emerging sensation shot 11 for 20 from the field while adding five steals and four rebounds. The Knicks are 8-1 since Lin took over as the team’s No. 1 point guard, though this one remained in doubt until late.

J.R. Smith added 15 points in his first game since signing with the Knicks on Friday while reserve Steve Novak scored all 14 of his points in the opening five minutes of the fourth quarter.

Dirk Nowitzki led the way with 34 points for the Mavericks, who saw their six-game winning streak come to an end.

The Mavericks made quick work of a three-point halftime deficit, opening the third quarter on a 15-5 run capped by a Shawn Marion floater in the lane. The Dallas lead reached 11 points before Lin went to work, driving between a pair of Mavericks defenders before hitting an acrobatic layup and adding the ensuing free throw.

Jared Jeffries added a putback layup off a Lin miss, and Lin stole the ball on Dallas’ ensuing possession before laying it in with five seconds remaining – giving him 10 points in the quarter – to cut the Dallas lead to 75-72 entering the fourth.

Novak scored five straight points to open the quarter, and he hit a second 3-pointer with 8:36 remaining as New York went up 81-80. A third Novak long ball stretched the lead, and he connected from beyond the arc yet again two possessions later to send the MSG crowd into hysterics.

Lin added a three on the Knicks’ next possession, capping a 25-6 run and giving New York a nine-point lead it wouldn’t relinquish.