J.J. Barea scored 22 (6-8 FG) to key a six-point Mavericks win over the Clippers Wednesday night at the Staples Center. Dirk Nowitzki added his standard 24 (9-19 shooting) and Shawn Marion and Peja Stojakovic were also in double figures.

LA was game, led by Blake Griffin’s efficient 25-17 on 10-14 from the field, but the Clippers’ starting backcourt of Eric Gordon and Moe Williams shot a combined 8-29 and saw Williams ejected in the 4th quarter for arguing foul calls.

The Mavericks built a 16-point lead midway through the fourth, only to see Griffin lead a mad comeback late that came up just short. Dallas will stay in LA and face the Lakers on TNT Thursday night in a showdown for the second playoff seed.