Portland Trail Blazers ease to fifth straight win

The Portland Trail Blazers made it five wins in a row in the NBA as they eased to a 94-75 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at the Moda Center.

The visitors made a bright start to the game, opening up a six-point advantage by the end of the first, but the home side soon started to dominate the game.

Nicolas Batum added a run of points before half time to edge Portland in front, while LaMarcus Aldridge ensured that the Blazers pulled away after the interval.

The Mavericks could not find a way back into the game late on, with Monta Ellis and Amar'e Stoudemire both being restricted to 12.

The win moves Portland up to third in the Western Conference, while Dallas hold sixth spot.