----- Dennis Smith Jr. scores 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists as the Dallas Mavericks top the Portland Trail Blazers 115-109 Tuesday night at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.
The lottery-bound Dallas Mavericks delayed the Portland Trail Blazers' plans of securing home court advantage in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with a 115-109 win Tuesday night in Dallas.
Dennis Smith Jr. led Dallas (24-54) with 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Harrison Barnes and J.J. Barea both scored 15 points and Yogi Ferrell added 15 points and three assists on 6-for-9 shooting. The Mavericks outscored the Blazers in fast break points 21-12 and they connected on 38.6% from three-point range on 17-of-44 shooting.
Damian Lillard led Portland (48-30) with 29 points but connected on just 6-for-20 from the field. The Blazers struggles from downtown continued as they shot just 25% from three-point range on 10-for-40 shooting. Jusuf Nurkic had a big night for the Blazers recording a double-double 15 points and 13 rebounds on 7-for-8 shooting.
INJURY UPDATE- Damian Lillard was carted to the team bus following the game due to a sprained left ankle. His status for Thursday's game in Houston is unknown at this time.
NEXT UP- The Trail Blazers road trip continues Thursday night in Houston against the Rockets. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Bad time for the Blazers' "Matador" defense to return. Awful performance.