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Ellis, Mavericks beat Hornets

Feb 23, 2015 - 3:31 AM Dallas, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Monta Ellis scored 15 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter and Richard Jefferson posted a double-double in a rare spot start as the Dallas Mavericks took care of the Charlotte Hornets, 92-81.

Jefferson finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds in 33 minutes, filling in for the injured Chandler Parsons (left ankle), and Amar'e Stoudemire added 14 points off the bench in his Dallas debut.

"Coach has put me in some plays that have really put us in a position to drive, and that's what we're trying to focus on," said Jefferson.

The Mavericks have dominated this series, winning 23 of the 25 all-time matchups. In fact, Dallas hasn't lost to the Hornets since Jan. 24, 1998.

Mo Williams paced the Hornets with 22 points and Al Jefferson grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds in the setback, their fifth straight.

"(Williams) is a pro player, he's a good offensive player," said Hornets coach Steve Clifford. "He's doing a good job."

The Hornets led 4-2 on a Michael Kidd-Gilchrist dunk 2:06 into the game. Jefferson hit a 3-pointer at the other end and Dirk Nowitzki scored five straight, and the Mavs led the rest of the way.

They shot 60 percent in the first quarter and led 28-16 after one, then clamped down on defense and held Charlotte to 7-for-27 shooting and 19 points in the second.

Dallas led 67-56 after three quarters and the lead was never really in question, but Ellis made sure Charlotte wouldn't sniff an opportunity to get back in the game. He shot 6-for-10 in the fourth and netted 15 of Dallas' final 17 points to close out the game.

Game Notes

Dallas is 19-5 against the Eastern Conference this season ... Mavs guard Devin Harris had a season-high four steals ... Both teams had 20 assists and 15 turnovers.