SAN ANTONIO — Relax now, Dallas Mavericks: the playoff road drought is over.

Getting a postseason road victory for the first time since their NBA finals run in 2006, the Mavericks rode Josh Howard's 25 points and a clutch fourth quarter to start the playoffs with a 105-97 win over the San Antonio Spurs tonight.

The sixth-seeded Mavericks, who had lost nine consecutive playoff road games, took a big Game 1 win over their Texas rivals in typically tough San Antonio. It was just the fourth home playoff loss since 2007 for the Spurs.

Tim Duncan scored 27 points, and Tony Parker had 24 for the Spurs.

Game 2 is Monday night in San Antonio.