NBA: Dallas 99, San Antonio 90

DALLAS, April 25 (UPI) -- Josh Howard's 28 points with four rebounds led Dallas to a 99-90 NBA Playoff victory over San Antonio and a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference quarterfinal.

The Mavericks trailed 55-51 at the break but went up 80-71 after three quarters and led 87-84 with 6:44 left in the contest.

Jason Kidd scored 17 points with seven assists and seven rebounds. Dirk Nowitzki scored 12 with 13 rebounds, while Erick Dampier and Jason Terry scored 10 points apiece for the Mavericks, who have won 17 of their last 18 home games, including the playoffs.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with 43 points -- 31 in the first half, to match George Gervin's franchise playoff record – five rebounds and three assists.

Tim Duncan, the only other San Antonio player in double figures, scored 25 with 10 rebounds and seven assists for the Southwest Division-champion Spurs, whose three first-round playoff losses have been by a combined 38 points.