PORTLAND, OR — The Dallas Mavericks continued their comeback from the brink of elimination, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 136-116 at Moda Center to even the series at 3-3.

Kyrie Irving scored 29 points and Klay Thompson added 25 as Dallas overwhelmed Portland in the second half. Rookie Cooper Flagg continued his strong postseason run with 23 points and 7 assists, while Naji Marshall chipped in a season-high 23 points.

“I’m just trying to do whatever the team needs,” Flagg said afterward. “To help this group compete for a playoff series win as a rookie means a lot.”

Portland now faces mounting concerns after injuries sidelined Damian Lillard, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson. The Trail Blazers had won the first three games of the series before Dallas responded with victories in Games 4, 5, and now 6.

Trailblazers injuries stack up:

The Blazers opened strong, taking a 35-26 first-quarter lead, but Dallas closed the gap to 66-64 by halftime. The Mavericks then took control after the break, outscoring Portland 72-50 in the second half.

Flagg has been instrumental in the turnaround, scoring 37 points in Game 5 and 29 in Game 4 before another standout performance in Game 6.

The series now shifts back to Dallas for a decisive Game 7.