The Dallas Mavericks (37-26) are in the midst of a tough playoff race at the bottom half of the Western Conference playoff picture. Dallas came into this game only a game ahead of the surging Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth seed. The Mavs were able to keep that one game lead after winning 103-98 over the Portland Trail Blazers (42-20).
The Mavs built a 30 point margin at one point only to see that lead evaporate into a Blazers seven point lead in the forth quarter. But Dallas' defense stepped up and was able to hold Portland scoreless for the final five minutes of the game as they rallied back to tie the game. The Mavs then took the lead on a Devin Thomas layup where he drew the foul. Thomas hit the ensuing costless throw to complete the three-point play and grabbed back the lead at 101-98. Vince Carter hit two costless throws at the end to seal the deal and set the final score.
Dirk Nowitzki led four Mavericks in double figures with 22 points to go along with five rebounds and six assists. Monta Ellis had a strong game with 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and Jose Calderon dropped 19 points into the Mavericks ledger.
The Blazers did a great job of coming back in this game. A big reason for the comeback was All-Star power forward, LaMarcus Aldridge, who finished with a double-double of 30 points and 17 rebounds. Wesley Matthews, was also huge hitting for 26 points and shooting 4 of 8 from three-point range. Thomas Robinson also made a strong contribution in this game off the Blazers' bench finishing up with 11 points and nine boards.
The Blazers have lost two of their last three contests and are four games in back of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Northwest Division. Portland is still in pretty good position sitting as the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoff picture, with a four game lead over the Golden State Warriors for that spot. That could change, however, to three games if the Warriors defeat the Atlanta Hawks Friday night.
Next up for the Blazers is a Sunday road battle with the Houston Rockets, which could be a playoff preview matchup. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks will continue to keep their head above water for that last playoff spot in the West when they take on the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Center.