DALLAS, April 9 (UPI) -- Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points Monday as the Dallas Mavericks sewed up home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs with a 96-86 win over the LA Clippers.
Jerry Stackhouse added 18 points for Dallas, which clinched the top spot in the Western Conference. The Mavericks, winners in 12 of their last 14 games, lead second-place Phoenix by six games with five to play.
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Josh Howard tallied 16 points and Devin Harris had 14 for Dallas.
The Clippers' lead over Golden State fell to one-half game for the final spot in the Western Conference.
Corey Maggette scored 24 points to lead Los Angeles. Elton Brand added 20 points for the Clippers.
