Fresh off a convincing win against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Dallas Mavericks (11-10) were back in action against the Portland Trail Blazers (13-10). The Dallas defense was stingy in the first period forcing the Trail Blazers into four turnovers. The Mavs also outrebounded Portland 14-7 en route to a 34-20 lead after one.
The second quarter opened with a Portland three-point play, but the Mavericks responded with a 6-0 run of their own. The Dallas bench was able to push the lead to as many as 17, and the starters were able to keep pace giving the Mavericks a 60-45 lead at halftime.