Chauncey Billups hits game winner as Los Angeles Clippers win against Dallas Mavericks 91 – 89 – NBA Recap(Part 2)
The highly entertaining spectacle was just as enthralling after the break. Although the scoring wasn’t at the same level as the first period, the teams were going toe to toe and matching each other all the way. The Dallas Mavericks were able by the end of
the third quarter to draw level with the Los Angeles Clippers at 71 apiece.
The penultimate period thus promised some nervous moments and delivered with some huge plays at the death. The two sides didn’t let each other get out of sight at all and the there for the taking for both with the clock winding down.
The Clippers had a 5 point lead with just one minute remaining on the clock but the Mavericks weren’t prepared to go down quietly. With just 36 seconds left, Mavs guard Jason Terry drained a huge 3-pointer, after being set up by Jason Kidd, to get within
two points at 88 – 86.
Terry then struck again from beyond the arc, with just five seconds on the clock, to put the Mavericks ahead by one point. Clippers though were determined to have the last word.
They ran a cleverly devised play and were able to get an open shot for Chauncey Billups, who drained his 3 pointer with just a second left in the game. That proved to be the winner as Mavericks couldn’t answer back.
The Mavericks have been a little hot and cold so far this season but it was a good performance from them on the night despite the loss. Jason Terry had 12 points off the bench, Delonte West scored 17 while Shawn Marion added 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Veteran power forward Dirk Nowitzki contributed with 17 points and was on hand after the game to speak about his battle on the night with Clippers sensation Blake Griffin. The reigning NBA Finals MVP said he was pleased to see the youngster progressing and
marked him as a star of the future.
"Griffin is very explosive and always looking to attack," Dirk Nowitzki said. "He's the future of the league and he's fun to watch. We actually thought we did a decent job on him tonight."
Veteran point guard Jason Kidd was more focused on the Mavericks deficiencies after the game. He said his side had been losing out at the death due to a lack of concentration and they needed to improve in that aspect.
"We must lead the league in last-second shots made by our opponents, so we've got to figure out a way to close the door," Kidd said. "We left it open, but there were a lot of plays that led to that just to get us back in the ballgame. And those two shots
Jason Terry made were huge."
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