Dirk Nowitzki has shrugged off an ankle injury to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a thrilling 104-103 playoff victory over the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center.

Nowitzki was limping on a sprained ankle but pulled off a number of crucial plays in the dying minutes to give the Mavs the edge and a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Semifinals.

In a classic encounter, the lead changed hands 12 times in the final quarter with both teams maintaining the intensity to the end.

Nowitzki finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds in a superb all-round effort, while Tim Duncan threw everything at the home side, scoring 35 points and pulling down 12 boards in a rampaging assault.

In a blow to the Spurs, Duncan was fouled out in the final term and Dallas jumped on the opportunity, Manu Ginobili adding 10 of his 24 points in the period.

Meanwhile, a huge triple-double from LeBron James helped the Cavaliers to a much-needed 86-77 win over the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

James had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in an amazing display that put the Cavs on the board, the Piston now hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Richard Hamilton had a game-high 22 points for the Pistons, while Chauncey Billups had 20 and Rasheed Wallace 11. James was well supported by Ronald Murray, who finished with 13 points and seven rebounds, and Anderson Varejao, who added 16 points off the bench.

NBA results, May 13
Mavs 104 Spurs 103
Cavs 86 Pistons 77