Mavs close out Portland and homestand

Playing perhaps their most complete game in two weeks, the Mavericks finished up their homestand by taking care of Portland 91-80 on Friday night.

Dallas (11-5) won the last two of the three-game set at American Airlines Center. The Mavs also avenged a 91-82 loss at Portland on Nov. 10. The Trail Blazers are the only Western Conference team to beat Dallas this season.

Josh Howard led a well-balanced attack of five in double figures with 23 points and a season-high 14 rebounds, but it was Dallas’ work on the defensive end that led to the double-digit win. Howard led the way there, too, by matching up against Blazers guard Brandon Roy.

After lighting up the Mavs for a career-high 32 points three weeks ago, Roy struggled to find his rhythm, along with most of his teammates. He scored just eight this time out, with only two points coming in the first half.

Getting a handle on Roy wasn’t the only difference in the two meetings, as Devin Harris was in the back lineup. He missed the previous contest due to the death of his grandfather.

The Mavs’ floor general controlled the pace effectively, scoring 14 and dishing out seven assists. Backcourt partner Jason Terry knocked down four 3-pointers and scored 17.