Terry took an inbounds pass in the closing seconds and converted a tough turnaround jump shot for the game-winner to help the Mavericks (13-5) hold off the 76ers.
Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points while Jason Kidd added 22 and 11 assists.
“It was going to be Dirk (Nowitzki) or (Terry) on that play,” Kidd told reporters. “(Terry) was wide open on that play and we have a lot of confidence in him doing the right thing and he did.”
Philadelphia’s Andre Iguodala had nailed a three-pointer with five seconds left to tie the score at 102-102 but missed a desperation 19-footer as time expired that would have sent the game into overtime.
He finished with 19 points and inspired a late rally for the visitors, who trailed by nine with 2:30 to go before a 12-3 run tied the scores.
Willie Green had a team-high 23 points and eight rebounds for the struggling 76ers (5-13), who lost their seventh in a row.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, matched their best start since the 2006-07 season.
Dallas reserve Drew Gooden had 15 points and 10 boards and Shawn Marion added 14.
Philadelphia saw the return of forward Elton Brand, who missed the previous three games because of a sore hamstring but emerged with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
Thaddeus Young also had 21 for the 76ers (5-13), who are without injured duo Lou Williams and Marreese Speights.
