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Mavs take care of lowly Warriors

Apr 21, 2012 - 4:00 AM Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Vince Carter scored 13 of his 19 points in the last quarter, helping Dallas to a 104-94 triumph over the Golden State Warriors.

Brandan Wright added 17 points off the bench on 8-of-9 shooting. Dirk Nowitzki and Delonte West each had 16 points, two more than teammate Shawn Marion.

The Mavericks, who are currently sixth in the Western Conference, have a one- game lead over Denver. Dallas has two games remaining, both on the road against playoff teams, Chicago and Atlanta.

"These last two games we've got to get better and get ready for the playoffs. We've got to be sharp," Wright said.

Klay Thompson scored 26 for the Warriors, who lost their seven straight contest. Brandon Rush netted 20 points and Dorell Wright scored 19, while Charles Jenkins tallied 10 points and 10 assists.

"I thought it was outstanding effort when you look at the team that we're putting out on the floor," Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. "A lot of injuries, a lot of young guys, at the same time I'm proud of the way they competed and battled against a championship team, and found a way to hang in until the fourth quarter when they [Dallas] clearly separated themselves."

The reigning NBA champions clinched another playoff berth without ever having to take the floor on Thursday, and one night later pulled away in the final quarter against a team that fell to 18 games under .500.

Dominic McGuire's lone point of the night came 1:14 into the final quarter and had the visitors within 78-73, but Dallas responded with an 11-2 burst. Jason Terry drained a three-pointer and Marion finished the rally with a layup to widen the gap to 14 points with 7:55 left.

Golden State didn't get closer than seven the rest of the way.

Carter, who became the 18th player in league history to record his 1,500th three-pointer made, was held without a point in the opening quarter. The Mavs, though, led 27-22 after 12 minutes before Golden State trimmed the difference to 50-49 at halftime.

West beat the clock at the end of the third with a three, extending Dallas to a 76-70 lead.

Game Notes

Dallas held a 52-35 rebounding advantage...The Mavs committed 18 turnovers, leading to 22 Golden State points...Terry was 1-of-8 from long distance, part of a 3-for-19 effort from beyond the arc for Dallas.