MyDallasMavs: First Round- Mavs vs Portland: Game 5

After leaving Portland with a devastating outcome to game 4, the Mavs entered the AAC with the hopes of making up for their last loss with a game 5 victory. Unlike game 4, the Mavericks ripped the Blazers to shreds, getting the 93-82 win and taking a 3-2 series lead.

Early in the first quarter the Mavericks got off to a fast start with the help of Tyson Chandler whose inside scoring and rebounding was key. Despite Chandler's 7 points and 7 rebounds in the quarter, the Blazers took a 20-15 lead to end the first.

Into the second quarter, Portland had 11 unanswered points and looked to take a double digit lead early in the quarter. Soon enough, Terry swished in a 3-pointer to lead the Mavs on a 10-2 run and give them a 30-27 lead. But the Blazers continued to battle while Andre Miller and Terry were continuously exchanging baskets on each side of the court. The Mavs then went on another run, 7-0, led by Marion to end the second quarter with a 44-43 lead.

Despite being outshot by Portland, 47.6% to 45.7%, Dirk had 12 first-half points to go along with Terry's 9 points and Chandlers 9 rebounds. Unusual for the Mavs, they led in the paint 28-18.

In the third quarter, Dirk helped to continue the Mavs' run from the previous quarter to 13-2. This led to a technical foul on Blazers coach Nate McMillan after expressing his frustration. Dallas held onto their lead to end the quarter up 75-63.

Unlike the fourth quarter of game 4, Dallas didn't let their lead disintegrate this time. They made great stops on Portland and were able to score continuously. The Mavs locked in with great defense and forced 10 straight misses from the Blazers. Chandler, Dirk, and Terry all took turns swishing in baskets while Peja hit a 3-pointer with less than five minutes to go to give Mavs the 89-69 lead. Portland managed to cut the deficit to 11 in the last two minutes but were unsuccessful this time with a major comeback. The Mavericks held onto their strong lead until the final buzzer, winning it 93-82.

Dirk scored a game-high 25 points and 8 rebounds while Terry added 20 points. Chandler had a playoff career-high with a double double of 14 points and 20 rebounds (13 offensive). He also set a franchise record of the most offensive rebounds. It was also the most offensive rebounds a player has had in a playoff game since Shaq's 14 in 1995. Marion was the fourth Mav to score in double figures with 14 points while Kidd added a game-high 14 assists.

Miller led the Blazers with 18 points while Wallace had 16, and Aldridge and Batum both added 12 a piece.

The Mavs now lead the series 3-2 and will head back to Portland for game 6, hoping to get a win at the Rose Garden for the first time all year.

**Game 6 will air on TNT Thursday night (the 28th) at 10:30pm ET.