The Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers tipped off for a Sunday matinee game of basketball as the Mavericks are fighting for their playoff lives while the Trail Blazers are jockeying for playoff seeding in a crowded Western Conference.
The first quarter was a tightly contested match as the Mavericks took a 25-24 lead after one thanks to Portland shooting only 37.5 percent in the frame. The Blazers flipped the switch in the second quarter and connected on 62.5 percent of their attempts while Dallas shot only 30.8 percent. The Mavericks made a strong run midway through the quarter to stay within striking distance but Portland took a 57-47 lead into the half.