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In a game never truly in doubt, the Dallas Mavericks easily held off the new-look Portland Trail Blazers, 133-125. The game was never really that close, as Dallas led by double-digits for nearly the entire second half except during a brief hot-shooting Blazers run.
Lillard is still hot. Coming off his career-high 61 points against Golden State, Damian found the range again versus the Mavs. He was 16-28 for 47 points.
Defense optional. Neither team really seemed to expend much energy at the defensive end. Dallas kept leaving Lillard wide open from 35-feet as if recording and playback technology doesn’t exist, and the Blazers were just their usual selves.
Hello, Trevor and Caleb. Ariza’s first game as a Blazer was memorable on offense, scoring 21 on 4-6 from three. Swanigan had more minutes than expected in a backup role for Hassan Whiteside. He was a mixed bag, moments of being lost and moments with useful plays.
Trent Jr is still feeling it. He had the benefit of the Mavericks finally chasing Lillard, shooting 6-7 wide-open from three for 21 points.
The Blazers get a few more days off at home to rest and practice, and are back in action Sunday night against a tired Pacers team at the end of a road trip.