NBA Game Summary - Houston at Dallas

Dallas, TX (Basketball News) - Jason Terry finished with 31 points and Josh Howard posted 21 points and 11 rebounds, as the Dallas Mavericks clinched their Western Conference quarterfinal series against Houston with an easy 116-76 victory over the Rockets in the decisive Game 7 at the AmericanAirlines Center.

The Mavericks became just the third team in NBA history to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first two games at home. The others were the Los Angeles Lakers in 1969 and the Rockets in 1994.

Dallas will now take on the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in the conference semifinals. The series will start on Monday night in Phoenix.

Dirk Nowitzki had 14 points and 14 boards for the Mavericks, who improved to 3-1 all-time in Game 7s. The 40-point margin was also the largest Game 7 spread in NBA history.

Yao Ming recorded 33 points and 10 rebounds in the loss and Tracy McGrady collected 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. However, the Rockets dropped to 5-2 all-time in Game 7s and 7-1 when leading a series 2-0.