Dallas ? The Dallas Mavericks got the big plays they expect Wednesday from every member of their Big Three.

Rather than riding a huge night from Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks got key plays from him, Steve Nash and Michael Finley for a 103-99 victory over Portland in Game 2 of their first-round series. Dallas overcame a career-high 45 points by Bonzi Wells and takes a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven matchup to Portland for Game 3 Friday night.

Nash had 11 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, including a three-pointer with 29.7 seconds left to break a tie at 98. Then Finley soared for a rebound of a missed free throw by Wells on the other end, leading to two free throws by Nash with 14.5 seconds left.

Portland’s last gasp ended when Rasheed Wallace and Jeff McInnis missed hurried threes. Eduardo Najera snagged the final rebound and dribbled out the clock to the joy of a crowd of 20,356, a team record for the second straight game.

Nowitzki had 25 points, a big drop from a career-best 46 in the opener. But with his sidekicks Nash and Finley (17 points) coming through, the Mavericks were better off. Najera and Nick Van Exel each had 12 points off the bench.

Wells, who had 18 in the fourth period, was Portland’s only threat. Wallace had 18 points, but went 6-of-17. The Blazers got only three minutes out of their usual starting backcourt as Scottie Pippen didn’t dress and Derek Anderson left because of an injury. Both have injured left knees.