MyDallasMavs: Mavs Fall to Portland, 104-96

After losing two straight games to the Lakers and Golden State, the Mavs entered the Rose Garden with the hopes to ending their struggles and beat Portland. Dallas knew this wouldn't be easy as they struggled in two hard-fought wins vs the Blazers earlier at the AAC; and it wasn't, as the Mavs fell to the Blazers 104-96, concluding their longest road-trip of the season, 3-3.

With starting center Tyson Chandler out with a back injury the Mavs struggled defensively and were pounded inside, outscored by Portland in the paint, 50-38.

Haywood started in place of Chandler, and Marion was placed in the starting lineup in place of Stevenson.

The Mavericks struggled early as Roddy picked up two quick fouls in the first minute of the game. Roddy remained in the game, but Aldridge, with 10 first-quarter points, lifted the Blazers to a 23-17 lead to end the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Portland tried to pull away but it was Barea who would be the one leading the charge as the Mavs kept up with the Blazers. Barea was soon forced to sit with three fouls, joining Roddy and Terry with three personals as well. The Blazers took a double-digit lead heading into halftime up, 61-46.

Portland outshot Dallas in the first half 61% to 50%. Aldridge led all scorers at the half with 14 points and Wallace racked up 10. Marion had 12 first-half points while Barea added 10.

In the third quarter, the Mavs continued to struggle defensively, but Marion took the offensive end in his own hands, trying to keep Dallas in the game. After Roddy left for the locker room with a left ankle injury, the Mavs fell behind by as much as 20. Dirk hit a buzzer-beater to end the third down, 85-67.

Throughout the last quarter, Dirk continued to battle hard along with Stevenson; but despite their efforts and an 8-0 run, they still fell behind by 21. Barea soon fouled out of the game as Matthews and the Blazers continued to hold down the Mavs. Roddy hit some late shots but all hope was lost as Dallas failed to come back, losing it 104-96.

Despite his ankle and fouls, Roddy finished with 20 points, hitting two 3-pointers. Marion racked up 19 points and Dirk had 16, while Barea added 12. Haywood only had 5 points but managed to get 11 rebounds.

Wallace led the Blazers with 19 points while Aldridge was right behind him with 18. Matthews finished with 16, Batum had 15, Fernandez had 11, and Miller added 10.

With this loss, it was the Mavs' third straight and it concluded their 6-game road-trip at 3-3. The teams split their season series 2-2, with each team winning twice on its home-court.

Next, the Mavs will return home to Dallas as they face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.