Dallas Mavericks clinch NBA playoff spot

New York, April 13 (IANS): Dallas Mavericks sealed their place in the NBA play-offs with a 101-98 win over Phoenix Suns while Miami Heat lost to Atlanta Hawks 85-98 to tie with the Indiana Pacers at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Monta Ellis matched his season high of 37 points in the comeback victory for Dallas Saturday while Atlanta sealed the final post-season berth in the Eastern Conference with a comfortable win, reports Xinhua.

Houston maintained its hold on fourth place in the West by beating New Orleans.

The Los Angeles Clippers beat Sacramento to equal a franchise record for wins in a season. Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 of his 23 points in the second-half rally.

The Mavericks left the Suns and Memphis to battle for the last play-off spot in the Western Conference. Dallas is back in the post-season after a 12-year play-off streak ended last season. Eric Bledsoe led Phoenix with 29 points.

Jeff Teague scored 25 points and Lou Williams had 18 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, including the Hawks’ last 12 points.

LeBron James finished with 27 points for the two-time defending champions Heat, who are now tied atop the Eastern Conference with Pacers on 54-26 records.

Houston rallied past New Orleans for a 111-104 win with James Harden having 33 points and 13 assists.

The Clippers tied the franchise record of 56 regular-season wins by defeating Sacramento 117-101 with Blake Griffin scoring 27 points. DeAndre Jordan added 21 for Los Angeles which also broke the franchise record for most home wins in a season at 33. Los Angeles completed a season sweep of the Kings and has won seven straight against them at home.

An undermanned Denver came from behind to beat Utah 101-94 with Kenneth Faried scoring 24 points and pulling down 21 rebounds.

Charlotte made it six wins from seven games by downing Philadelphia 111-105 with Al Jefferson notching 29 points and 12 rebounds.

Washington moved closer to sealing sixth place in the East by beating Milwaukee 104-91 with Bradley Beal scoring 26 points.

Boston ended a run of 13 successive road defeats by beating Cleveland 111-99.