San Antonio 97, Dallas 105

[ScolaFan]

Updated: 4/18/2009 - 11:34 PM
San Antonio 97, Dallas 105
AT&T Center - Attendance: 18797


Josh Howard scored 25 points and the Mavericks rallied from a 13-point deficit to upend the San Antonio Spurs, 105-97, in the opener of their Western Conference quarterfinal series, snapping a big road postseason skid in the process.

Dirk Nowitzki added 19 points and eight rebounds, while Erick Dampier contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds for the sixth-seeded Mavericks, who dominated to the tune of a 39-14 difference in bench points. Brandon Bass had 14 points, Jose Barea 13 and Jason Terry 12 in reserve roles for the Mavs.

Dallas had lost nine straight road playoff games, going back to its collapse in the 2006 NBA Finals against Miami.

Tim Duncan had 27 points and nine rebounds for the Spurs, while Tony Parker chipped in 24 points and eight assists in defeat.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven set is slated for Monday night in San Antonio.

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[ScolaFan]

[TMT]

We'll take Game 2. There's no way we let them get two games at home.