Spurs survive Mavericks, claim 1-0 series lead with 90-85 triumph

Tim Duncan scored a game-high 27 points as the San Antonio Spurs erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to survive a game Dallas Mavericks side and claim a 1-0 series lead in their Western Conference match-up, 90-85.

Despite a stagnant start offensively, it appeared as though the Spurs would run away with Game 1, limiting the Mavericks to just 12 first-quarter points. But after Dallas' bench powered them to 32 points in the second frame, they erased a 12-point deficit and carried a one-point lead into the break.

Dallas seized momentum heading into the fourth quarter as Duncan exited briefly after clashing knees on a screen. Taking full advantage, the Mavericks jumped out to a 10-point lead, but couldn't create enough separation with the Big Fundamental banged up. Duncan returned and Tony Parker re-discovered his brilliance from the first half, scoring his first points out of the break to spark a 14-0 run that would bury the Mavs.  

Dallas' bid to become the first eighth-seed to dethrone a No. 1 since they were defeated in 2007 by the Golden State Warriors appeared optimistic early, but the strategy of relying on their reserves was proved moot when San Antonio's starting unit took over the game late. 

Three of Dallas' five players in double figures came off the pine; Devin Harris scoring a team-high 19 points while Brandan Wright and Vince Carter scored 11 and 10 respectively. 

The Mavericks and Spurs will tip off Game 2 in San Antonio on Wednesday.