DALLAS - The Dallas Mavericks became the first team to clinch a playoff berth this season after they stormed to a franchise-record 16th straight victory with a 102-89 decision over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday.

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (C) of Germany shoots the ball over New Jersey Nets forward Bostjan Nachbar (L) of Slovenia as guard Vince Carter watches in the second half of their NBA basketball game in Dallas, Texas, March 6, 2007. [Reuters]

Dallas pulled away from the Nets in the fourth quarter to extend their home winning streak to 23 games, also a franchise record, and improve their NBA-best record to 51-9.

Mavs coach Avery Johnson played down his team's winning run when talking to reporters after the game.

"Our fans are more excited about it than we are," Johnson said.

Jason Terry top-scored for the Mavericks with 24 points, leading seven Dallas players into double-digits and helped hold off a New Jersey rally that got the visitors to within a point with 1:23 left in the third quarter.

The Mavericks then scored the next nine points as the Nets missed nine straight shots over a six-minute span to fall off the pace.

Terry was an impressive 9-for-15 from the field and made three three-pointers as the Mavericks shot 49 percent and made 15 of their 16 attempts from the free-throw line.

Dirk Nowitzki had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavericks, Erick Dampier pulled down 14 rebounds and scored 12 points.

Vince Carter scored 32 points and had eight assists and six rebounds for the Nets (28-33), who lost their third straight games to remain four games behind the Toronto Raptors in the Atlantic Division.

"If we get that kind of effort every night, we've got a good chance," said New Jersey's Jason Kidd, who managed 11 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Mikki Moore added 20 points for the Nets, who trailed 47-41 at the half before getting to within one point late in the third quarter. Dallas out-scored New Jersey 30-21 in the fourth quarter.

*Stephon Marbury missed a free throw with 0.9 seconds left and that was the difference as his New York Knicks lost to the Seattle SuperSonics 100-99.

*The Washington Wizards won their third straight game and handed the Toronto Raptors their third straight loss, winning 129-109 at Washington.

*Kobe Bryant scored 40 points but it was not enough as the Minnesota Timberwolves still beat the Los Angeles Lakers 117-107 in double overtime.

*The San Antonio Spurs stretched their season-high winning streak to 10 games with a 99-94 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.