Memphis, Tenn. ? Now Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks have a long layover before the semifinals begin.

Considering that their first-round opponent was the Memphis Grizzlies, they should’ve expected as much.

“We didn’t want to drag the series out and let the momentum change and then the next thing you know you’re 3-3, so we wanted to get this out of the way,” Nowitzki said after the Dallas Mavericks’ 102-76 victory Monday over the Grizzlies in Game 4 of their playoff series.

Pistons 109, Bucks 99

Milwaukee – Chauncey Billups was 16-of-16 from the foul line and scored 34, sending the Pistons back to Detroit with a 3-1 series lead. Michael Redd led the Bucks with 33 points, including 15 in the first half to lead all scorers. Game five is Wednesday.

Clippers 101, Nuggets 83

Los Angeles – Cuttino Mobley and Corey Maggette each scored 23, Elton Brand added 21 points and 13 rebounds, and the Clippers won their first-round playoff series.