A powerful 36-24 second half, capped by a 19-12 fourth quarter, proved decisive at John Cain Arena on Saturday night as the Mavericks (6-5) moved into third place and created separation on the ladder from the fifth-ranked Lightning (4-7).
Creative wing attack Maddie Hay racked up 33 assists, the vast majority to spearhead Shimona Nelson, who buried 56 goals.
"It's a really fun line-up to play with," Hay said.
"All the shooters are amazing - 'Shimmy' (Shimona Nelson) is so fun to feed.
"We have to win these games if we want to be good in finals."
Melbourne jumped ahead 6-2, before the Lightning rose from their early slumber to close the deficit to 14-13 at quarter-time.
Hay's combination with Nelson was a feature, while star Sunshine Coast midcourter Liz Watson's eight assists were offset by three uncharacteristic turnovers.
The second stanza was goal-for-goal before the Lightning broke away late.
They ramped up their defensive pressure and were rewarded by notching five of the last six scores for the term - capped by Cara Koenen's goal on the cusp of the halftime siren - to edge ahead 29-27.
After an engrossing first-half duel, Nelson progressively lowered the colours of Lightning stopper Courtney Bruce, while Hay and Jamie-Lee Price ran riot through the middle.
The result was a 17-12 third period which put the Mavs back in front 44-41 at three-quarter-time.
There were concerns in the Lightning camp when goal shooter Donnell Wallam (31 goals) started the fourth period on the bench having her right knee strapped.
She returned to the court mid-quarter, but her presence couldn't stop the Hay and Nelson-inspired home side from dictating down the stretch.
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