Usually when Dirk Nowitzki starts making it rain, teams begin double-teaming him which is why he was surprised that the Spurs didn’t send any more defenders at him after he spent all night abusing Matt Bonner and Antonio McDyess.

The Big German made 12 of 14 shots and all 12 of his free throws, coming up with 36 points and 7 rebounds to carry the Dallas Mavericks to a 100-94 victory over the rival San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night in Game 1 of their 1st round series.

Caron Butler added 22 points while Jason Kidd had 13 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds for Dallas.

The Mavs enjoyed their new-found advantage in size and length as centers Erick Dampier and Brendan Haywood dominated the paint combining for 15 points and 18 rebounds while clogging the lane making it difficult for anybody on the Spurs outside of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker to score.

Dating back to March 29, Dirk Nowitzki has now made 86 consecutive free throws without a miss.

Game 2 is Wednesday night in Dallas.

In other NBA playoff action:

• The injury-depleted Portland Trail Blazers stole Game 1 from the Phoenix Suns as they pulled away in the 4th quarter for a 105-100 victory in the opener of their series. Andre Miller scored 31 points to lead the team who are without Brandon Roy for the 1st round. The Suns were the only home team to lose their playoff opener this first round.
• Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum dominated the inside as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 87-79 in Game 1 of their 1st round series. The big men combined for 32 points, 25 rebounds and 7 blocks as the Thunder were bullied all afternoon. Kobe Bryant scored 21 points but continued to struggle shooting playing with a swollen right knee and broken right index finger.
• The Orlando Magic held on to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 98-89 in Game 1 of their opener. Nearly blowing a 22 point lead, Jameer Nelson scored 24 of his 32 points in the first half to lead the Magic; who didn’t get much help from star players Dwight Howard and Vince Carter. Both struggled offensively as Howard admitted that he didn’t sleep at all the night before because he was overanxious. Get your favorite team hats here!

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