Portland dominated the fourth quarter, led by 10 points from LaMarcus Aldridge (12). (AP Photo/Don Ryan)This has not been a good stretch for the Dallas Mavericks (47-25).
After an amazing 13-game run, the Mavs are now 2-4 in their last six games and are locked into a three-way tie for second-place in the West with the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz.
This loss wasn't much different from the last four. Dallas allowed the Portland Trail Blazers (43-29) to score over 100 points (this has occurred in five of the last six games and all four losses) and shoot 50 percent from the field (also happened in five of last six). While Dallas was down the majority of the game, they still kept it relatively close going in to the fourth quarter. The Mavs got as close as 80-82 with 9:37 in the final quarter but the Blazers went on an 18-7 run that led to their largest lead of the night at 100-87, securing the victory.
The importance of the win wasn't lost on Portland coach Nate McMillan or his players.
"We take tonight's game and show that we can we can play with those guys that are ahead of us," said McMillan.
"It was important," said Blazers All-Star Brandon Roy, who had seven assists to go along with 16 points on 5-7 shooting. "It's just important to win right now, but it feels good that you can beat a team that's second or third in the Western Conference. This was a huge win for us."
LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and scored 10 of the Blazers 21 fourth quarter points. Andre Miller scored 19 and dished out 11 assists for his first double-double since Mar. 1.
Not a good showing for Dallas tonight but there are still 10 games left for them to fine-tune their play going into the playoffs. The Mavericks need to find some consistency on the defensive end and play to their strengths, especially their transition offense which accounted for zero fast-break points for the first time this season.
Nowitzki, Terry Struggle
Dallas isn't going to win many games when both Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry struggle like they did tonight. The duo combined to make only 9-27 shots (30 percent) and combined to score only 26 points, one more point than Nowitzki averages per game this season alone (24.7).
Normally when Nowitzki's shot isn't falling he goes to the basket, but that wasn't the case tonight as no Mavericks' player really wanted to get their hands dirty in the paint. Dallas had only one free-throw attempt in the first half and shot only nine for the game (making eight) compared to 26 attempts for the Blazers.
Bounce-Back Game For Butler
Caron Butler put together a nice game for the first time in over a week and this game would've been much uglier had he not found his stroke. Making 11 of his 19 shots, Butler scored 25 points and also pulled down nine rebounds.
Another thing I liked about his game was his quick hands that accounted for some Blazers' turnovers. Only two steals showed up on the stat-sheet for Butler but, watching the game, it felt like he had more than that in the third quarter alone.
Butler was called for a taunting technical foul late in the first half, it appeared, for looking in someone's direction. Replays didn't show his mouth moving but apparently he used vulgarity towards a fan in the stands. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle and Jason Terry were both furious as the officials had their hands full calling the game all night.
Why Is Dampier Starting?
For the second straight game, Erick Dampier got the start at center and for the second straight game he sucked. If this is meant to light a fire under Damp, it isn't working. The much-maligned Dallas center scored two points and had one rebound in only eight minutes of action.
On the other hand, Brendan Haywood scored eight points, grabbed eight rebounds and blocked four shots in 35 minutes off the bench. To be fair, Dampier did have two blocks on the night for the second-straight game but Rick Carlisle needs to stop playing games here. Haywood is the best center on the roster and should be treated that way with Damp getting 10-20 minutes a night off the bench.
While I'm at it: Rodrigue Beaubois should also get some sort of playing time, especially with the Mavericks' scoring troubles.
Get it together Carlise.
What's Next
Dallas travels to Oakland to take on the Golden State Warriors Saturday night for their final meeting of the season.
The Warriors come into the game having won at home against the Memphis Grizzlies, 128-110, but have lost three of their last four overall. Golden State is 16-21 at home this season and 20-51 overall.
Dallas has won two of three meetings with the Warriors this season, their last a 127-117 victory in Oakland.
Tip-off is at 9:30 p.m. and can be seen locally on KXTA 21.
News and Notes:
- With the win, the Blazers will win the season series against the Mavs for the first time in over 10 years (1998-1999 season). Last year Dallas swept the season series 3-0.
(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)
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