A few expected the Dallas Mavericks to play as good as they have so far this season and last Tuesday survived the young Portland Trail Blazers in overtime for a 115–112 victory on the road at the Moda Center. 

Former All-Star point guard Deron Williams led the Mavericks exploding for 30 points that came along with six rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks in 45 minutes of action.

Franchise star forward Dirk Nowitzki, who was on the receiving end of a spectacular crossover move from Blazers guard C.J. McCollum in the second quarter, followed Williams with 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and one block. 

Returning guard Wesley Matthews, who spent five seasons playing for the Blazers, also had a great performance for Dallas tallying 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two steals. 

Following the win, Matthews said, according to the Associated Press, "We're a veteran team, we're a smart team, so we just turned our level of intensity up and secured a big win."

Matthews was also pleased with how the fans in Portland treated him in his return to face the Blazers. 

"It was amazing. I didn't really know what to expect, but these fans have been amazing to me since I got here. It meant a lot," the 29-year-old guard also stated. 

Along with Williams, Nowitzki, and Matthews, starting center Zaza Pachulia also had a huge game contributing 14 points, 21 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. 

The win improved Dallas' record to 11–8 for the fifth spot in the Western Conference standings, with its record identical with the Memphis Grizzlies who are on the fourth spot. 

Next for the Mavericks is a home stand this Friday taking on the Houston Rockets. This will be followed by a two-game Eastern Conference road trip to face the Washington Wizards on Sunday and the New York Knicks on Monday.