Mavericks Turn Tide Against the Spurs

So much for San Antonio’s “bear-hug defense.”

Sparked by speedy Devin Harris starting at point guard and showing more overall aggressiveness, the Dallas Mavericks charged to a 21-point lead before halftime at San Antonio and beat the defending champion Spurs, 113-91, Tuesday night to even their second-round playoff series at one game apiece.

Dallas broke it open with a 15-3 run in the second quarter. San Antonio did not make a basket during the last 6:59 of the period, missing its final nine shots.

Josh Howard epitomized Dallas’ take-it-to-the-rim approach and had 27 points. Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 and Harris, replacing Adrian Griffin in the starting lineup, finished with 20.

“We knew they were going to play aggressive,” said Spur guard Tony Parker, who played with a thick wrap around his bruised left thigh. “For whatever reason, we couldn’t match it.”

Tim Duncan had 28 points for the Spurs, who had been accused by Maverick Coach Avery Johnson of playing “bear-hug defense” in an 87-85 Game 1 victory in which Dallas had questionable execution on the final play.

Detroit 97, Cleveland 91 -- LeBron James scored 23 of his 30 points in the second half but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 22-point deficit as the host Pistons took a 2-0 lead in their series. Rasheed Wallace scored 29 points for Detroit and Tayshaun Prince added 20.

“We came away from our defensive scheme, and LeBron started to hurt us,” said Detroit’s Chauncey Billups.

James’ three-point play with 1:13 left pulled the Cavaliers within 92-87 but the Pistons’ Richard Hamilton followed with a three-point play.