The series now shifts to Memphis for game three on Sunday.

Nowitzki finished the game with 31 points, Josh Howard added 17 and said the Mavericks are brimming with confidence.

"I don't think we're in their heads," Howard said. "But we're real confident right now. We haven't played our best defence yet, but it's coming."

Nowitzki again outplayed Memphis's Pau Gasol, who has gone missing for long stretches in both games so far.

Nowitzki sat on the bench for seven minutes in the second quarter and scored nine straight points when he returned to thoroughly discourage Memphis.

Midway through the third term the Mavericks by 13 points and never looked back.

Meanwhile, Richard Hamilton has scored 18 points, despite an ankle injury, to help the Detroit Pistons to a 109-98 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Tayshaun Prince scored 22 points, while six other Pistons finished the night in double figures.

The Pistons also lead their series 2-0.

In Phoenix, Kobe Bryant shot 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to square Los Angeles' series with the Suns at 1-1.

The Lakers came away with a 99-93 win thanks to stellar work from Bryant, while Lamar Odom made two critical hustle plays down the stretch to ensure the win.

NBA scores, April 26
Pistons 109 Bucks 98
Mavericks 94 Grizzlies 79
Lakers 99 Suns 93