LAS VEGAS, July 8 -- The Dallas Mavericks held off a late-charging Portland Trail Blazers squad, 72-68, in the first game of Sunday’s action at the COX Pavilion, spoiling the second game of action for Greg Oden.

The Mavericks had their biggest lead at 62-52 with 8:10 left in the fourth quarter, but an 8-0 Blazers run capped by four straight points by Sergio Rodriguez put them within two points with 4:43 left. Dallas guard Jose Juan Barea then took over the game, scoring eight of the final 10 points to secure the win.

“Coach always gives me the green light to shoot,” Barea explained of his late-game heroics. “My shots went in and we won the game.”

Oden once again faced foul trouble, committing nine today after fouling out with 10 in the Friday’s game.

“The guys who’ve played tell me it’s not like that in the regular season,” Oden said of his foul trouble. “The referees are out there trying new stuff, so all I have to do is still play physical but be smart about it.”

Despite the fouls, he had a nice all-around game, scoring 13 points (6-11 FG), grabbing five rebounds and swatting four shots. A large contingent of Blazers’ fans roared with approval each time Oden blocked a shot or made a basket.

“I felt more comfortable out there, but we lost so it really doesn’t matter,” Oden remarked about the game. “I’m all about winning, so whatever I do individually, it really doesn’t matter.”

Barea led the Mavericks with 17 points (5-9 FG, 6-7 FT) and three assists in 25 minutes of action. Forward Pops Mensha-Bonsu had a double-double collecting 10 points (3-7 FG, 4-9 FT) and 13 rebounds in the win.

LaMarcus Aldridge once again led the Blazers, looking polished on both offense and defensive. Aldridge poured in 16 points (7-12 FG), grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked three shots in the loss.

“He’s a beast,” Oden said of Aldridge. “I didn’t know he was that good, but playing alongside him makes me feel better because when I’m not on, I just give him the ball and get out of the way.”

NOTES: Oden’s first shot of the game was rejected by DeSagana Diop, Diop rejected Sonics rookie Kevin Durant on his first attempt two nights ago. New Blazer Channing Frye was in the stands watching his new team. Oden signed autographs for 15 minutes after the game.