The San Antonio Spurs survived a second-half comeback from the Dallas Mavericks to record a 93-89 victory in the fourth game of the Eastern Conference playoff series.
Manu Ginobili scored 23 points for the top seeds, who were forced into a fight to level the series at 2-2.
San Antonio recovered from five points behind after the first quarter to take the lead in a second period which saw them score 32 points.
The Spurs continued their dominance following the break to build a 20-point lead at one stage, but the Mavericks fought back to set up a dramatic finish to the game.
Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis, who finished the game with 20 points, led the way late on for the Mavericks as they reduced the deficit to three with just over 30 seconds remaining.
Dallas eventually pulled within one of the Spurs, but the visitors held on to secure a four-point success as the Mavericks wasted crucial seconds in the closing stages.
The fifth match of the series will take place in San Antonio on Wednesday night.
Callum Mulvihill
