SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Josh Howard scored 25 points and Dirk Nowitzki added 19 for Dallas while the Mavericks' reserves shined in the fourth quarter to spark a 105-97 playoff victory over San Antonio.

The Mavericks snapped a nine-game National Basketball Association road playoff losing streak by stomping the Spurs despite a game-high 27 points from Tim Duncan and 24 points from French playmaker Tony Parker.

Dallas grabbed a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Saturday's other Western Conference playoff series opener was set later with Houston visiting Portland. The host Trail Blazers have not reached the playoffs since 2003.

The Mavericks, who had not won a playoff game away from home since their run to the 2006 NBA Finals, trailed most of the first half but battled back in the third quarter and dominated the fourth for the triumph.

"We kept our composure in the first half and we made some great plays defensively," Nowitzki said. "We played together and kept our poise and made some big shots in the second half."

Brandon Bass came off the bench to score 14 points while fellow reserves Jose Juan Barea added 13 points and Jason Terry added 12. Starting center Erick Dampier had 10 points and 11 rebounds for Dallas.

"It's all about team," Nowitzki said. "Looking forward to game two. Hopefully we get another one Monday."

The Spurs, who also had 19 points from Michael Finley, made shutting down Nowitzki a defensive priority but could not contain his teammates in the crucial fourth quarter.

"We had a good lead and made some mistakes," Parker said. "Dirk Nowitzki makes them go. We had to try and shut him down."