A strong start to the second half allowed the San Antonio Spurs to clinch a 109-100 win over the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.
The visitors were two points down after the first two quarters against their Texas rivals, but Patty Mills, who came into the starting lineup in place of injured Tony Parker, added 11 of his 26 points during the third to help San Antonio pull away.
Tim Duncan overcame an early injure scare to score 20 for San Antonio, while Kawhi Leonard also chipped in with 16.
Monta Ellis tried to keep the home side in contention, leading the team with 24, but the Mavericks could not keep their opponents out.
The result leaves the Spurs just one win from securing the top seeding in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks hold the final playoff spot.
Sian Cowper
