2011 NBA Playoffs; Dirk Plays Hero (Again), Lifts Mavericks to 3-1 Series Lead
The Oklahoma City Thunder crowd was going crazy. Five minutes remained, and their team led 99-84. A 2-2 series was what everyone saw.
Except Dirk Nowitzki.
Dirk scored 40, Jason Kidd was huge during overtime and the original four periods, and the Mavericks stunned the Thunder 112-105 in overtime.
During the 17-2 run, Dirk went back to making tough shots, draining a three and converting a three-point play on back-to-back possessions. Dirk calmly knocked down a pair of foul shots to tie the game.
Oklahoma City had a chance to win the game, but a busted possession is what went down next. Kevin Durant's three-point attempt was blocked by Shawn Marion, and the game went into overtime.
The game was tied with under one minute to go in overtime, until Jason Kidd stepped up. Kidd knocked down a triple from the right wing, and the Mavericks led by three. Russell Westbrook missed a layup, and the Mavericks drained four free throws to end the game.
Dirk was huge early in the game, scoring 21 in the first half and helping Dallas keep pace. But in the early fourth, Dirk was on off mode, and the Thunder erupted. It took free throws and dumb plays by the Thunder to let Dallas cut into the gap, and Dirk to finish it.
The Mavericks came out sloppy in the first, trailing by as much as 12 during the quarter. However, Dirk and the Mavericks were stronger in the second, as Dirk put up 16.
Oklahoma City dominated the boards, racked up more assists, and picked up more blocks, but they also turned the ball over a whopping 25 times. However, Dallas made 34 of 39 free throws, while the Thunder only made 19 of 25.
If you looked at the stat sheet, you would think Oklahoma City came out victorious, because they dominated most of the categories. But maybe you forgot Dirk, who knocked down 12 of 20 shots and shot 60 percent.
The road teams have won the past three games, but Dallas looks to end that on Wednesday, in Game 5. The Mavs need one victory to move on to the NBA Finals, where either the Heat or the Bulls will meet them (or OKC).
Except Dirk Nowitzki.
Dirk scored 40, Jason Kidd was huge during overtime and the original four periods, and the Mavericks stunned the Thunder 112-105 in overtime.
During the 17-2 run, Dirk went back to making tough shots, draining a three and converting a three-point play on back-to-back possessions. Dirk calmly knocked down a pair of foul shots to tie the game.
Oklahoma City had a chance to win the game, but a busted possession is what went down next. Kevin Durant's three-point attempt was blocked by Shawn Marion, and the game went into overtime.
The game was tied with under one minute to go in overtime, until Jason Kidd stepped up. Kidd knocked down a triple from the right wing, and the Mavericks led by three. Russell Westbrook missed a layup, and the Mavericks drained four free throws to end the game.
Dirk was huge early in the game, scoring 21 in the first half and helping Dallas keep pace. But in the early fourth, Dirk was on off mode, and the Thunder erupted. It took free throws and dumb plays by the Thunder to let Dallas cut into the gap, and Dirk to finish it.
The Mavericks came out sloppy in the first, trailing by as much as 12 during the quarter. However, Dirk and the Mavericks were stronger in the second, as Dirk put up 16.
Oklahoma City dominated the boards, racked up more assists, and picked up more blocks, but they also turned the ball over a whopping 25 times. However, Dallas made 34 of 39 free throws, while the Thunder only made 19 of 25.
If you looked at the stat sheet, you would think Oklahoma City came out victorious, because they dominated most of the categories. But maybe you forgot Dirk, who knocked down 12 of 20 shots and shot 60 percent.
The road teams have won the past three games, but Dallas looks to end that on Wednesday, in Game 5. The Mavs need one victory to move on to the NBA Finals, where either the Heat or the Bulls will meet them (or OKC).
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