The Portland Trailblazers won the battle of pace in the first period of Game One, holding the score into the low 20’s and working back from an early deficit to lead 22-21.
LaMarcus Aldridge led all scorers with 11 points, while Jason Kidd jumped out to a quick offensive start with eight points for the Mavericks. Dirk Nowitzki added six for Dallas, but the Blazers also coaxed three turnovers from the seven-footer.
Wesley Matthews and Jason Terry each collected two fouls. Terry played just 1:45 before picking up the foul trouble.