The Dallas Mavericks survived a strong finish by the Los Angeles Clippers to end their three-game losing streak.

The visitors led by 12 points inside the last three minutes after Dirk Nowitzki and Jose Calderon had opened up the advantage for the Mavericks.

Blake Griffin and Darren Collison tried to get the Clippers, who had beaten Dallas three times earlier in the season, back into the tie late on, reducing the Mavericks' lead to two points.

However, Griffin fouled Nowitzki with just over a minute still to play, handing the German a couple of free throws to put the victory beyond doubt.

The result moves the Mavericks back into the Western Conference playoff places.