With the Spurs in danger of dropping what Tim Duncan called "our biggest game of the year" ? with Duncan himself watching from the bench ? Porter used one behind-the-back dribble, one head butt and two free throws to beat the Mavericks 105-103 at American Airlines Center.

The Spurs, who were coming off their most embarrassing defeat of the season and hadn't defeated a top-tier opponent all season, escaped with the win after another thrilling finish between the two teams in front of 20,123 ? the second-largest crowd in Mavericks history.