Slow starts have been problematic much of the season for the Mavericks, especially recently.
Friday night against Portland, Dallas jumped out to a 12-point first quarter lead, stumbled somewhat in the middle two quarters, then allowed the Blazers to pull away early in the final period.
Portland's 107-93 victory at American Airlines Center was the Mavericks' fifth loss in their last six
games.
Dallas was within 65-63 after a Wes Matthews layup with 4:41 left in the third quarter. But the
Blazers went on a 30-11 run during the last 3:26 of the third quarter and first 5:53 of the fourth quarter to take a 95-74 lead.