AFP - France's Tony Parker had 38 points and eight assists as the San Antonio Spurs beat Dallas 105-84 in game two of their first-round National Basketball Association playoff series on Monday.

"I was just trying to be aggressive," Parker said. "We came out with a lot of energy and our defence was great."

Dallas was trying to send the Spurs to consecutive home playoff losses for the first time since 2002, but couldn't contain San Antonio's speedy point guard. Parker had 27 points in the first half.

"We didn't panic," Parker said. "We watched film and made some adjustments and game two was a lot better for us."

Jason Terry finished with 16 points for Dallas, which suffered one of the worst losses in the heated playoff rivalry.

Game three is Thursday in Dallas.

"He was very aggressive, going to the hole and shooting jump shots," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "He did a good job of staying aggressive and not losing his concentration. He was very focused the whole game."

The Mavericks beat the Spurs 105-97 on Saturday for their first road playoff victory in three years. But it was hardly rare territory for San Antonio: The Spurs have come back to win four series after losing Game 1 since 2002.

The Mavericks haven't won a playoff series since 2006. Winning the opener was a start, but they'll have to figure out another way to stop Parker in game three.

"The head of the snake, Tony Parker. We got to do something to contain him," Mavs Jason Terry said. "

Parker finished 16-of-22 from the field. He had 19 points in the first quarter alone, equaling the Mavericks' total.

Parker departed with about five minutes left in the fourth to a raucous ovation -- and with the leading man out of the game, many fans headed to the exits as Parker took his seat.

The Mavericks were a favourite target all season for Parker, who averaged more than 31 points and seven assists in four regular-season meetings this season.

He had 24 points in game one but the Mavs kept him under control by using different defenders, including the pesky Jose Barea.

Parker fell three points off his playoff high of 41, set last year in the first round against Phoenix.

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd had 14 points apiece for Dallas.

Tim Duncan had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Drew Gooden had 13 for the Spurs.

Dallas shot just 39 percent from the field. The Spurs also dominated on the glass, outrebounding Dallas 44-28.