Dallas clamped down on New Orleans in the second half allowing the Hornets just 28 points combined in the third and fourth quarters. The Mavericks now await the outcome of tonight's Lakers-Kings as they need a L.A. loss to move into the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. 

Dirk Nowitzki scored 32 points to lead the Mavericks. Jose Juan Barea added 14 points while Jason Terry had 13. Dallas shot 55% from the floor while also hitting 13-28 shots from beyond the arc. 

Jarrett Jack scored 22 points off the bench for the Hornets. Marco Belinelli finished with 14 while Carl Landry and Quincy Poindexter each had 10. Chris Paul finished with seven points and eight assists while being held scoreless in the second half. 

For more on this game, Dallas fans should check out Mavs Moneyball and Hornets fan should join At The Hive. For updates on all of the NBA's meaningful Wednesday night games, stay tuned to this StoryStream.