Game 49, Final OT: Blazers 114, Mavericks 112

If I had told you earlier today that Portland would beat the Mavericks in overtime in Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki would miss his last 3 shot attempts, and Andre Miller would shatter his previous career high of 37 with 52 points, would you have believed me?

I didn't think so. In fact, it's a stretch to believe any one of the three things above would even happen.

But somehow they all came to fruition and one of the most enjoyable games I can remember ended in a 114-112 overtime victory for Portland.

The game started well for Portland. Jerryd Bayless and LaMarcus Aldridge each had 3 field goals and Andre Miller came out strong, making four quick shots after being 4 for 25 in his last 3 games.

The Blazers shot 55% and took a five-point lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter, they struggled from the floor, the first field goal of the quarter came with 5:19 left by Andre Miller. The Blazers shot poorly, but the Mavericks were bad, too.

The Blazers were lucky to only be down three points at halftime. They didn't hit a single 3 in the first half and trailed in assists with only 5 to Dallas' 13 assists.

Despite all of that, Andre Miller carried the Blazers with 19 points on 8 of 15 shooting. Both Miller and Bayless were getting to the hoop which helped curb that assist margin.

The third quarter was unlike most for the Blazers this season. Usually they go ice cold and the opponent takes advantage. Tonight, the Mavericks began the third struggling and settling for jumpers.

Andre and Jerryd continued to attack and LaMarcus' post game was solid, as he mixed in jump hooks to keep his defender off balance. Portland led by four after three quarters, but everyone knew it was only a matter of time before Dirk showed up.

The heightened intensity in the fourth quarter was obvious. The Mavericks started clicking offensively, but Portland had an answer as Steve Blake hit two 3-pointers and a jumper early in the fourth quarter.

Andre was soon put back in the game and he went off. Miller was doing it all for Portland, at one point down the stretch he had 10 of Portland's 12 points. He was shredding the defense, getting to the hoop, hitting fade away jumpers and doing it all.

He ended regulation with 45 points and not a single three-pointer. His running old-school hook shot tied the game and with three seconds left, LaMarcus had a chance to tie it, but missed a deep jumper off the front of rim.

The overtime started with a flurry of shots. Miller pulled up right away for a 3-pointer and hits it. But the Mavericks answer back every time and eventually they take a four-point lead which seemed devastating.

Fortunately, Bayless took it to the hoop and earned two free throws getting Portland back in the game.

Dallas misses and on the next possession Miller knifes through the defense to get to 52 points, a phenomenal feat considering his previous career high of 37 points was set eight years ago, and he only made one three-pointer in this game.

Dallas had no answer for Andre. After another miss by Dallas with the game tied at 112, Juwan Howard hits an improbably 12 foot fade away and the Blazers take the lead. Dirk misses again, Portland calls a time out, and then Steve Blake misses badly on a three pointer with 3.2 seconds left.

But for the third time in a row, with Nicolas Batum all over him, Dirk Nowitzki misses the game tying shot and Portland wins it in overtime.

Pardon all the play by play, but I don't think I've ever watched a game so closely for three hours. I was locked into this game and the result was well worth my time.

As you've already gathered, Andre Miller had an unbelievable night for Portland. He tied Brandon Roy's mark of 52 points in a game and helped lift Portland to victory in Dallas for the second time this year. He shot 22 of 31 from the field, grabbed 5 boards, had 2 steals and only 2 turnovers.

Andre Miller officially put to rest any of the negative discussions of how he fits in Portland. He fits in just fine, and frankly, he's winning games by himself right now.

Lost in the Andre Miller points explosion was the stellar offensive play of Jerryd Bayless and LaMarcus Aldridge.

Jerryd got to the hoop numerous times capitalizing on slow fast break rotations by Dallas. LA once again kept his game in the low post and had a few pretty hook shots to go along with his jumper.

Not to be forgotten, Juwan Howard ended up with 12 rebounds in this game and his young associates Dante Cunningham and Jeff Pendergraph played solidly, blocking shots early on and staying active defensively.

This was by far one of the biggest long shots of the season for the Blazers. Missing so many key guys, trying to win for the second time in Dallas when previously it had been impossible, and dealing with the talent Dallas brings to the table.

It was a tremendous boost of confidence and a win that may change how we view the rest of this season for Portland.

Box Score

Martell Webster disappearing again. Rudy and Nic struggling to get anything going offensively. Losing the assist battle 9 to 23.	Andre's 52 points in a winning effort. Batum's ridiculous defense on Dirk down the stretch. Constant effort throughout this game despite tired legs.