Fever-hit Dirk keeps his hot streak going

Dirk Nowitzki defied a 101-degree fever to steer Dallas Mavericks to a series-levelling 86-83 win over Miami Heat in the NBA finals.

Nowitzki struggled with flu in the build-up to the match and though that showed for the first three quarters, he came alive in the final period, scoring 10 of his 21 points to guide his side over the line and tie the series at 2-2.

"I didn't really have a good night's rest," said the 32-year-old. "I was just under the weather but battled it out."

It was the German's second match-winning performance of the finals and his flourish was in sharp contrast to Miami star LeBron James, who contributed only eight points.

The teams meet again in Dallas on Thursday for game five of the best-of-seven-match series.