DALLAS (AP) — Dirk Nowitzki scored 12 of his 32 points in the decisive third quarter, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 121-89 victory over the Hornets in the season finale Wednesday night — and leaving both teams waiting a few hours for their playoff seed and first-round foe to be determined.
Dallas will be seeded second or third in the Western Conference, depending on whether the Lakers beat the Kings later Wednesday. Los Angeles would be No. 2 if it wins.
New Orleans will be seventh or eighth, depending on whether Memphis beats the Clippers in Los Angeles later Wednesday. The Hornets would be No. 7 if the Grizzlies lose, No. 8 if the Grizzlies win.
New Orleans led at halftime, but Dallas opened the third quarter with a 7-0 spurt into the lead and it was hardly competitive again. The Hornets scored just 28 points in the second half, and the Mavericks enjoyed their widest margin of victory all season.
