DALLAS - New Washington coach Flip Saunders was as eager as everyone else to see how Gilbert Arenas would look in his latest return from injury. He had to like the answer.

Arenas had 29 points and nine assists, helping stake the Wizards to an early lead over the revamped Dallas Mavericks and keeping them ahead throughout the final three quarters on their way to a 102-91 victory in Tuesday night's season opener.

Arenas 10-of-21 from the floor and 8-of-9 from the foul line for his most points since Nov. 14, 2007. He played only 13 games that season, then had a total of 26 points in two games last season, all because of knee problems. He's feeling so good now that he's not even wearing a brace.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 34 points for the Mavericks but was only 10-of-25. He was 12-of-13 from the line - all in the first half. Shawn Marion had 16 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in his Dallas debut but didn't have any baskets in the middle two quarters.