Dallas Native Helps Hold Off Mavericks

 

Aldridge, a 28-year-old Dallas native, had his 24th double-double this season.

 

The NBA's highest-scoring team reached 30 points in the first quarter for the 14th time in 2013-14, and 100 points in three quarters for the fourth time.

 

Nicolas Batum scored 21 for the Trail Blazers. Robin Lopez added 16 points and 12 rebounds.

 

Dirk Nowitzki had 18 points for the Mavericks, who had won four of their previous five games.

 

Devin Harris played 17 minutes and scored six points in his first game this season following toe surgery.

 

Harris played the first 3 1/2 of his 10 NBA seasons with the Mavericks, and re-signed with the team last summer, but missed the first 41 games following surgery.

 

Batum shot 6 for 7 and had three rebounds to help Portland to a 35-23 lead at the end of the first quarter. Aldridge added 10 points. The Trail Blazers shot 59 percent (13 for 22) and led by as many as 15 points.

 

Harris received a standing ovation when he entered the game with 3:22 remaining in the first quarter. He missed his first two free throws, but hit a long 2-point field goal at the buzzer later in the quarter.

 

Portland's lead grew to 18 points in the second quarter, but the Mavericks battled back within 54-46 with an 18-8 run. Monta Ellis scored seven of Dallas' points during that stretch.

 

With the Trail Blazers' starting lineup back in the game, they scored 17 of the final 23 points in the second for a 71-52 halftime lead.

 

Aldridge scored seven points to finish the half with 17 points to go along with eight rebounds. Batum also had 17 first-half points. The Trail Blazers again shot 13 for 22 in the quarter. They outrebounded Dallas 30-13 in the half.

 

The third quarter also started well for Portland, which quickly stretched its advantage to 83-58. Aldridge and Wesley Matthews scored six points apiece in the first 3:48.

 

The Trail Blazers led 104-70 after three quarters and led by as many as 38 points before letting up in the fourth.