Mavericks Vs. Blazers Final Score: Dirk Nowitzki Leads Dallas To Game One Win, 89-81

The Portland Trail Blazers continued their second half run to start the fourth quarter, turning a four-point deficit into a five-point lead with just six minutes to play. The Blazers were relentless as the Dallas Mavericks went cold on the offensive end, taking their largest lead of the game and seizing control with time winding down.

But the Mavs came right back and answered the bell, thanks in large part to Dirk Nowitzki. With his Mavericks down four, Nowitzki became a one-man wrecking crew, scoring 12-straight points over a two minute stretch to give Dallas its own four-point lead.

With under a minute to go and four-point lead, Jason Kidd put the game on ice after Portland was unable to secure the rebound following a Nowitzki miss. Kidd calmly stepped up, shook his defender and buried a three, giving the Mavs a seven-point lead with only 25 seconds left on the clock. Kidd had a season-high 24 points on the night, though none were bigger than that final three.

Dirk Nowitzki shook off a slow start to finish with a game-high 28 points, 12 of which at the free throw line. Shawn Marion and Peja Stojakovic each added six points, but it was all about the one-two tandem of Nowitzki and Kidd.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored a game-high 27 points for the Blazers. Andre Miller added 18 points, six assists and four rebounds. Marcus Camby dominated the boards for the Blazers, grabbing a game-high 18 rebounds. Nicolas Batum came off the bench to add 14 figures, as well.