Luka Doncic of Dallas MavericksLuka Doncic (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Dallas Mavericks defeated the Charlotte Hornets 130-104 on Tuesday. The visitors jumped out to an early lead behind Luka Doncic’s triple-double performance, and they held off every effort by the hosts to pull closer. Dallas’ victory raised their record of wins, losses, and remaining games to 49-30.

The Mavericks were keen on running to the finish line a month ago. They have won every game they have played in the last 17 to move up the standings, thus undoubtedly achieving their aim. With two games remaining, Doncic and company trail the Los Angeles Clippers for fourth place in the Western Conference, according to the NBA website.

The Dallas Mavericks barely made it out of play-in contention the previous season. Luka was furious with his side for failing to stop anyone when playing defense. In the team’s last game against the Chicago Bulls, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban chose to sit out Doncic and Irving, capping a dismal season.

Things have been different this year, especially following the trade deadline. P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford are the exact defensive and rim protection reinforcements that the doctor prescribed. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic click more than ever. The Dallas Mavericks have been lethal on both sides of the floor.

The Dallas Mavericks Are 5th Seed in the Western Conference.

Despite their run, the Dallas Mavericks are only 2.5 games clear of the Phoenix Suns (46-32) and New Orleans Pelicans (46-32). Dallas will drop down on the table if Phoenix and New Orleans sweep their final four games and the Mavs lose their next three. The Mavericks will automatically qualify for the playoffs if all three teams finish with comparable records.

Dallas won the season series 2-1 over Phoenix and is tied with New Orleans at 2-2. Even if they end with an identical win-loss record, the Mavericks will have the advantage since Dallas has the superior conference record. Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the Mavericks cannot rest on their laurels.

Another victory puts one foot in the playoffs. If Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving stay healthy and the defense holds up, Dallas’ winning streak may last well into the postseason.