The Dallas Mavericks beat the Portland Trail Blazers 115-109.
Dirk Nowitzki’s 15-foot jumper put the Mavericks ahead for good with 3:13 left in the third quarter.
The Trail Blazers got within 88-87 on Zach Collins’ putback dunk with 8:11 to play, but Yogi Ferrell answered with a 3-pointer, and the Trail Blazers got no closer than 93-90.
During clutch time, the Mavericks outscored the Trail Blazers 6-0.
Dennis Smith Jr. had 18 points (10 in the third quarter), 8 rebounds and 8 assists.
For the Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard had 29 points (12 in the fourth quarter) and 8 assists but shot 6 for 20, making all 15 of his free throws.
The Mavericks shot 45.7% from the field and 38.6% from 3 to the Trail Blazers’ 44.8% and 25.0%. The Trail Blazers forced 7 turnovers, about 6 fewer than usual for this many possessions.