Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points and J.J. Barea added 22 as visiting Dallas won its fifth in a row with a 106-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.

The victory moved Dallas (53-21) a half-game behind the idle Los Angeles Lakers for second in the West. The Mavericks can overtake them with a victory Thursday night at Staples Center in a highly anticipated matchup.

The Mavericks, 3-0 on their six-game trip, have won nine in a row over the Clippers and 15 of their last 16.

Blake Griffin led the Clippers (29-46) with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Mo Williams scored 19, Eric Gordon scored 15 and Chris Kaman had 12 points and eight rebounds.

Dallas led 96-80 after Barea buried a 28-footer with 5:26 remaining. Los Angeles went on an 11-0 run, keyed by Griffin's six points. But Barea made a 3-pointer, stole the ball and scored a layup.

Barea, who had six assists, scored his most points since scoring 25 on Jan. 25. Peja Stojakovic scored 11 and Shawn Marion had 10 points and nine rebounds.

The Clippers had an advantage on free throws, making 25 of 31 to the Mavericks' 15 of 26, but were just 5 of 24 on 3-pointers.