DALLAS, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Dirk Nowitzki scored 12 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter Wednesday, helping the Dallas Mavericks fight off Portland 103-98.
The Mavericks bounced back from Monday's loss to Milwaukee, which ended their 12-game winning streak.
Portland fought back from a deficit that reached 17 points in the third quarter and Nicolas Batum brought the Trail Blazers within three by hitting a 3-pointer with 26 seconds remaining. Jason Terry then hit two foul shots with 12 seconds to go for the final points of the game.
Caron Butler led Dallas with 23 points. The Mavericks made 54 percent of their field goal attempts and were 20-of-21 from the foul line.
LaMarcus Aldridge scored a season-best 35 points for the Trail Blazers, who have lost three straight.
