Dirk Nowitzki helps Dallas Mavericks edge past Boston Celtics 90-85 - NBA Recap
Those that had gathered at TD Garden to watch a clash between the home team Boston Celtics and the reigning champions Dallas Mavericks witnessed a nail biter as the two giants went at it for the duration of their game.
After a brilliant fight throughout the 48 minutes from both teams, scores were tied at 85 all and the game was heading into O.T, however with 25 seconds remaining, Dallas Big man Dirk Nowitzki posted a layup, then drew a foul and netted one from the free
throw line to see his team gain an important victory.
"It's a fun situation to be in," said Nowitzki, "Everybody's looking at you and your team really depends on you, so I like to be in the position where I can make something happen."
Nowitzki finished with 16 points and 7 boards. Jason Terry, who put the final nail in the coffin by driving a layup after Nowitzki’s three points to make it a 90-85 win, contributed with 18 points on 3 for 8 from long range. Shawn Marion drained 15 points
on 7 for 14 from the floor and Delonte West chipped in with 12 points for the winning team.
While there was nothing much to differentiate between the two sides in the shooting department, Dallas held an upper hand in the rebounds and outrebounded the C’s 43-35.
Rajon Rondo led the Celtic’s with a game high 24 points and 7 assists including 8 for 12 from the charity stripe while the veteran, Kevin Garnett completed yet another double-double by scoring 16 points and forcing 10 rebounds. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen
failed to fire tonight which played an important role in the Celtics loss.
The Mavs started the game dominantly and finished the first frame with an 8 point lead 23-15. In the second quarter, Celtics made a comeback and with the help of flurry of free throws in the ending moments by Ray Allen and Rondo, made sure they entered the
second half just behind at 42-41.
First few minutes of the third frame were intense as both teams were neck to neck most of the time. With 7 minutes remaining, the Mavs, who were ahead at 51-50, shifted gears and rattled a game changing 15-3 burst, capped by Terry’s 3 that helped them in
ending the third frame with complete control on the proceedings at 68-59.
Celtics however were up to the task and started the deciding period with an 18-8 spurt to get themselves back in the game, making it 77 all. Terry and Mahinmi fuelled a 5-2 run to again put the Mavs in the driving seat, only for the Celtics to level matters
again at 85 – 85.
In the end, it was Nowitzki’s strikes that proved to be the difference between the both teams as the German showed why he was named the NBA’s Finals MVP.
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