Trail Blazers win again in Houston to take 2-0 series lead

HOUSTON -- LaMarcus Aldridge scored 43 points and Damian Lillard made six free throws down the stretch to give the Portland Trail Blazers a 112-105 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night and a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series.

James Harden knocked down a three-pointer with about 30 seconds left to get the Rockets to within three. Lillard made two free throws before Harden fouled out on the next possession. Mo Williams and Lillard both made a pair of free throws after that to secure the win.

Aldridge became the first player with consecutive 40-point games in the playoffs since LeBron James did it in May of 200. Aldridge scored a career-high and franchise playoff-record 46 in an overtime win in Game 1.

Dwight Howard was unstoppable early and scored 25 points in the first half, but managed only seven in the second half.

Dallas 113, at San Antonio 92: Monta Ellis scored 21 points and the Dallas Mavericks rolled to a 113-92 victory over San Antonio on Wednesday night, snapping a 10-game skid against the Spurs and evening their Western Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece.

Shawn Marion scored 20 points, Devin Harris added 18, Dirk Nowitzki had 16 and Jose Calderon 12 for the visiting Mavericks, who never trailed after the opening minutes of the second quarter.

Manu Ginobili had 27 points, Tony Parker added 12 and Tim Duncan 11 for the Spurs.

Dallas didn’t relent in Game 2 after blowing a 10-point lead in the final eight minutes of the series opener. San Antonio’s ineptness, however, had as much to do with the series being even. The Spurs averaged 14.4 turnovers during the regular season, but had 15 with three minutes left in the first half.

They finished with 22 turnovers, which resulted in 33 points for the Mavericks.

at Miami 101, Charlotte 97: LeBron James scored 32 points and added eight assists, Chris Bosh scored 20 points and the Heat held on to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.

Dwyane Wade scored 15 points, and had a steal in the final seconds to help seal the win for Miami. Mario Chalmers added 11 for the Heat.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored 22 points and Al Jefferson had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Bobcats. Jefferson, playing through a left plantar fascia strain, made nine of 23 shots. Kemba Walker added 16 and Gerald Henderson scored 15 for the Bobcats.

The Bobcats were down three with 10 seconds left, but never got a tying shot off. Wade stole the ball from Chris Douglas-Roberts with three seconds left, made a free throw and that was enough for the Heat.