Mavs try to pull stinger from Hornets

The playoff-bound and Southwest Division-leading Mavericks are the top team in the Western Conference and posted a 104-97 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday at Philips Arena.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting and Josh Howard also had 28 points for the Mavericks, who have won 23 of their last 25 contests. Jason Terry chipped in 27 points and six assists in the winning effort.

Dallas is 27-7 away from American Airlines Center this season.

Meanwhile, the Hornets will close out a three-game homestand and have won three of their last four games. On Monday the Hornets ruined Houston’s chance to reach the playoffs with a 106-94 win at the Ford Center.

Chris Paul scored 28 points, including a career-high four three-pointers, and David West added 23 points to lead New Orleans/Oklahoma City. Desmond Mason registered 19 points for the Hornets, who are 1-1 so far on the stand and 21-14 as the host this season.

The Hornets are two games off the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City continues to play without forward Peja Stojakovic (lower back). Stojakovic, who is in his first season with the Hornets, is averaging 17.8 points per game and last played on November 24th. He could return to the lineup sometime this week.

Tuesday’s battle between the Mavericks and Hornets is the fourth and final meeting of the regular season. Dallas is 3-0 so far this season and has won 20 straight after losing the last three encounters.

Dallas has won nine straight at the Hornets.