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Terry, Mavericks cruise by Hornets

Dec 31, 2006 - 7:40 AM DALLAS (Ticker) -- Jason Terry made sure the Dallas Mavericks maintained the best record in the NBA.

Terry scored 25 points and dished out six assists as the Mavericks defeated the New Orleans Hornets for the 21st consecutive time, posting a 94-80 victory.

All-Star Dirk Nowitzki had 17 points and Josh Howard added 15 for Dallas, which has won nine straight games and continue to lead the NBA with a 23-7 record.

"We started off pretty well and defensively made everything hard by contesting shots and we tried to rebound with them," Nowitzki said. "Offensively I thought we did a good job pushing the ball, moving the ball and getting open shots. We got open looks all night."

Terry shot 10-of-20 from the field and fellow starting guard Devin Harris added 12 points for the Mavericks, who shot 44 percent (35-of-79) and are holding opponents to 87.9 points during the winning streak.

"Terry had some good looks," Mavericks coach Avery Johnson said. "He made some big shots. He had six assists and took care of the ball."

Marc Jackson had a season-high 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Hornets, who have lost four of their last five games.

"We tried and tried but we couldn't get it done tonight," Jackson said. "Dallas is a great team. You play the Mavs, you have to play your best. You've got to give them credit when it's due. They're a great team."

Desmond Mason had 17 points and Rasual Butler added 12 for the Hornets, who shot 41 percent (28-of-69) and are without injured starters Chris Paul, Peja Stojakovic and David West along with top reserve Bobby Jackson.

"Playing without Chris Paul is like climbing Mount Everest without the rope," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "That's pretty much how it is. We've got a bunch of young guys right now that are gaining a lot of experience with him out."