Though the Mavericks were the first team to fall victim to the best-of-seven change in the first round, Don Nelson said the new format is fair. Had the first round remained best-of-five, the Mavs would have swept the Blazers 3-0.

"It wouldn't have been right to the Blazers if it would have been over in three games," the Mavs coach said.

Nelson added that the extra games allow players who are injured, such as Scottie Pippen, a chance to return before the series ends.