THUNDER 99, MAVERICKS 98: Kevin Durant hit a tricky 15-foot jumper at the buzzer as Oklahoma City escaped with a win over visiting Dallas in the opener of its Western Conference quarterfinal series.

Down 97-96 with nine seconds remaining, the Mavericks went back in front after Dirk Nowitzki drew a foul and made both free throws. The Thunder had one final chance to prevail and put the ball in the hands of the league's three-time scoring champion - and he made no mistake, lofting a shot that took a generous bounce off the rim and fell in.

Russell Westbrook led the way with 28 points while Durant added 25 for the Thunder, who struck first in a rematch of last year's Western Conference finals. Serge Ibaka added 22 points and five blocks.

Nowitzki had 25 points while Jason Terry added 20 in a reserve role for the Mavericks.

Game 2 is set for Monday in Oklahoma City.

Trailing by three at the half, the Thunder saw repeated rallies quashed before finally going back ahead on an Ibaka dunk. Terry responded with a 3-pointer as part of a 9-0 Dallas run that put the Mavericks back ahead by seven, and he hit another long-range shot with 1:24 remaining as Dallas carried a 73-69 lead into the fourth.

Westbrook led the Thunder back, converting a three-point play with 6:13 left to tie the score at 80. But Oklahoma City couldn't contain Nowitzki, who scored nine straight Dallas points - highlighted by a three-point play with 3:23 remaining - to put the Mavericks up 94-87.

The Thunder answered again, putting together a 7-0 run capped by a Durant dunk with 1:27 remaining to tie the game. The teams then traded leads on their ensuing possessions to set the stage for the thrilling finish.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Thunder guard James Harden scored 19 points off the bench in his first game since suffering a concussion after being clocked by an elbow from Los Angeles Lakers veteran Metta World Peace. Harden and Thabo Sefolosha (five points) were the only players other than Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka to score for the Thunder. ... Mavericks forward Shawn Marion had 17 points and eight rebounds. ... Durant added four blocks.