One game after rallying from 15 points down with under five minutes to go, Dallas rallied from an eight-point, fourth-quarter hole to capture the Western Conference crown with a 100-96 victory over the Thunder in Game 5.
VIDEOS: Dirk Nowitzki Lifts Dallas Mavericks To NBA Finals With Dunk, Circus Shot, Clutch Three
What Dirk Nowitzki did in the Dallas Mavericks’ Western Conference Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder was nothing short of astonishing when viewed from a box score: Nowitzki averaged 32.2 points per game in the series, shot 55% from the field and 36% from three-point range, and missed just two of 61 free throws.
But his Game 5 performance can be summed up in just three videos. First, he puts Serge Ibaka in the spin cycle and dunks early.
Read Article >Dallas Mavericks Return To NBA Finals Playing Team Basketball, Tough Defense
The Dallas Mavericks are headed back to the NBA Finals, with Game 5 vs. the Thunder just the latest improbable win propelling them deeper in the playoffs. But with all eyes on Dirk Nowitzki,, Dallas owes just as much to defense and team basketball.
So says SB Nation’s Mavericks blog, Mavs Moneyball. Wednesday night’s game was just a microcosm of what’s worked all spring long. As Lisa Rotter writes, “the Mavericks decided to play team basketball, and started making better decisions with their passing. In addition, they followed shots and were able to get second chance points, including a resounding dunk from Shawn Marion.” It’s a formula that’s been more successful than anyone could have expected. Dirk has been unreal, but that’s been true for the past decade. It’s guys like Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd that have been the difference for Dallas in 2011.
Read Article >Kevin Durant Is Not At All Happy For Dirk Nowitzki
From Wednesday’s post-elimination press conference, after the Dallas Mavericks had eliminated Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in the Western Conference Finals (via Daily Thunder):
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Read Article >Mavericks Vs. Thunder: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Focused On NBA Finals, Not Win Over Oklahoma City
Dallas Mavericks Champions Of The West And They Have The Belt To Prove It
The spoils, of course, being the mythical Western Conference Championship Belt. Don’t believe me? Check out the guy in the crowd keeping it warm for them (H/T Mocksession):
ENHANCE...
Read Article >Mavericks Vs. Thunder Final Score: Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki Deliver 100-96 Dallas Victory
Mavericks Vs. Thunder Score: Russell Westbrook’s 12 Points In 3rd Quarter Keeps Oklahoma City’s Lead
Mavericks Vs. Thunder, Game 5 Adjustments: Run Pick-And-Pop To Score, Don’t Hedge Off Of Dirk Nowitzki
I have been a fan of the Thunder’s pick-and-pop all season long, telling everyone who would listen that the Thunder need to run this play more during the end of games. However, in the end of Game 4, the Thunder ran it and didn’t have success with it. The reason? Well in my opinion, the Thunder were running the pick-and-pop/roll not to score, but to force a switch:
So what do I mean when I said run the pick-and-roll to score? Take a look at this possession from earlier in the series.
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