Dallas Mavericks Defeat Portland 101-89; Take 2-0 Series Lead

Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks once again took control of their 1st Round Western Conference playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Peja Stojakovic tied his career playoff best with five 3-pointers and had 21 points, and Jason Kidd continued showing off a surprising scoring touch with 18 points, powering the Mavericks to a 101-89 victory over the  Trail Blazers on Tuesday night and a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.

Since that 2006 NBA Finals series, the Mavericks have not been the same. In 2007, 2008, and 2010 the Mavericks were bounced out in the 1st round of the playoffs and left many fans wondering if Dirk and Dallas would ever win a title, much less a playoff series.

With the game still tight going to the 4th quarter, Dirk dropped in 14 of his game high 33 points to lead Dallas out of its playoff abyss that it has been mired in for half a decade. Dallas spread out its scoring, tightened up its defense and protected the ball — zero turnovers the final 28:42.

Game 3 of the 1st Round Western Conference series shifts to Portland Thursday night at 9:30.