Mavs streak to fifth straight win

It’s time to take a little holiday break.

Dirk Nowitzki and Devin Harris combined for 51 points, leading the Mavericks past the Los Angeles Clippers 102-89 Friday night before a sellout crowd of 20,246 at American Airlines Center. Dallas has beaten the Clippers in eight of the last 11 meetings.

The Mavs (19-9) enters their four-day break 10 games above .500 for the first time this season and with a five-game winning streak that is tied for their longest this season. Avery Johnson’s crew doesn’t resume action until Dec. 26 at Utah.

Coming off consecutive 30-point outings, Nowitzki picked right back up. He scored 14 in the first quarter on 4-of-6 shooting and a 6-for-6 effort at the line. The Clippers hung close behind 12 points from center Chris Kaman.

The Mavs began to get separation in the second quarter behind Harris, who scored 10 in the period. The lead grew as big as 13 before Dallas settled into halftime with a 54-42 edge.