Nobody is giving the Dallas Mavericks much of a chance in their second round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, winners of the last two NBA championships. However, on Monday night, the Mavs proved they are ready for this stage with a come from behind 96-94 victory over the reigning champs.
With the Lakers up by five points with three minutes remaining, Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion and Dirk Nowitzki all scored two-pointers to close the game to one-point. After the Mavs got a stop, Nowitzki drew a foul and then sank both free throws to give the Lakers the lead. Following a Lakers turnovers, Jason Kidd hit one of two free throws to give Dallas a two-point lead. Kobe Bryant missed a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the game.
Nowitzki finished with 28 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot. Off the bench, Jason Terry poured in 15 points. Chandler had 11 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots in addition to huge defensive plays down the stretch.
The Lakers were led by Kobe, who poured in 36 points in 35 minutes. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom both had 15 points for L.A.
Game 2 will be played on Wednesday and will also take place in Los Angeles. With another win, the Mavs could go from underdogs to huge favorites to win this series.
Dirk Nowitzki Beats Lakers (Image: TSN.ca)
Post from: EveryJoe
With the Lakers up by five points with three minutes remaining, Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion and Dirk Nowitzki all scored two-pointers to close the game to one-point. After the Mavs got a stop, Nowitzki drew a foul and then sank both free throws to give the Lakers the lead. Following a Lakers turnovers, Jason Kidd hit one of two free throws to give Dallas a two-point lead. Kobe Bryant missed a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the game.
Nowitzki finished with 28 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot. Off the bench, Jason Terry poured in 15 points. Chandler had 11 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots in addition to huge defensive plays down the stretch.
The Lakers were led by Kobe, who poured in 36 points in 35 minutes. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom both had 15 points for L.A.
Game 2 will be played on Wednesday and will also take place in Los Angeles. With another win, the Mavs could go from underdogs to huge favorites to win this series.
Post from: EveryJoe