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Luka Doncic scores 39 in triple-double as Mavs beat Hornets 130-104, clinch playoff spot

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Luka Doncic had 39 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, and the playoff-bound Dallas Mavericks continued their late-season surge, beating the Charlotte Hornets 130-104 on Tuesday night for their 15th win in 17 games.

Dallas secured a guaranteed playoff spot among the top six in the Western Conference later Tuesday when Phoenix lost to the visiting Los Angeles Clippers. The Mavs (49-30) are likely to end up as the fifth seed.

Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer, had 21 points and made five 3-pointers in the first quarter as the Mavericks bolted to a 36-14-point lead.