Dallas Mavericks secure playoff spot as Nowitzki, Williams combine for 45 points

How the Mavs won: The Dallas Mavericks are back in the playoffs.

Dirk Nowitzki and Deron Williams combined for 45 points Monday night to lead the Mavs to a 99-92 victory over the Utah Jazz at the Vivint Smart Home Arena.

This is the 15th time in the past 16 seasons the Mavs have advanced to the playoffs, and the 15th time in the past 16 seasons they’ve posted a winning record. The Mavs will begin their playoff journey this weekend against an opponent yet to be determined.

The Mavs used a 20-7 run to go up 86-71 with 5:07 remaining in the game after the Jazz had gotten within 66-64 late in the third period.

It’s the seventh win in the past eight games for the Mavs, who finish the regular season at home Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs.

Key players: Deron Williams led the Mavs with 23 points, Dirk Nowitzki scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Wesley Matthews collected 20 points, and Raymond Felton added 10 points

Key stat: Dirk Nowitzki made 4 of 6 shots from 3-point range, and also made his 1,700th career 3-pointer. The 18-year veteran became the 15hth player in NBA history to make at least 1,700 shots from behind the 3-point arc.

Records: Mavs 42-39, Jazz 40-41

This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 10:52 PM with the headline "Dallas Mavericks secure playoff spot as Nowitzki, Williams combine for 45 points."