The Dallas Mavericks have clinched the NBA's best record with five games to go after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 96-86 Monday night.

Dirk Nowitzki and Jerry Stackhouse were Dallas' leading scorers with 26 and 18 points, respectively. Nowitzki scored 12 of his 26 points in a row during the third quarter, and Stackhouse scored 18 off the bench in what might've been a preview of a first-round playoff series.

In their first chance to wrap up the top spot, the Mavericks were never behind by more than a basket. They started pulling away in the final minutes of the first half, going up by seven at the break, then scored the first six points of the third quarter.

The Clippers climbed to within nine points with about 2 minutes left. The shot clock nearly ran out on Dallas' next possession, but Josh Howard stepped back and nailed a 3-pointer with 1:41 left and the Mavericks pulled away for their franchise-record-extending 64th victory -- and the first No. 1 seed in club history.

Devin Harris scored 14 and Devean George had 11 for Dallas. The bad news for the Mavs was center Erick Dampier left in the opening minutes with a sprained right shoulder. Coach Avery Johnson said Dampier was scheduled to have an MRI Tuesday, but was still expected to make the trip to Minnesota.

Corey Maggette led Los Angeles with 24 points and Elton Brand scored 20. Jason Hart had 14 points and eight assists.

Editor: Donald