MIAMI — Before the season started, making the playoffs was one of the primary goals the Dallas Mavericks established for
Consider their mission accomplished.
The Mavs clinched a Western Conference playoff spot with Tuesday’s 130-104 win over the Charlotte Hornets coupled with the Phoenix Suns’ 105-92 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. In the process, the Mavs have won 15 of their last 17 games and will carry a 49-30 record into Wednesday night’s road game against the Miami Heat.
The victory over the Hornets was meaningful for several reasons.