Dirk Nowitzki pulls Dallas Mavericks past Houston Rockets 101 – 99 in overtime – NBA Recap
The Dallas Mavericks had just enough in the tank to overcome the Houston Rockets in overtime 101 – 99 on Saturday. The Mavericks and Rockets battled hard throughout regulation and only two points separated them after extra time at the Toyota Center.
Mavericks have had a rocky NBA season and coach Rick Carlisle was ecstatic after a win he termed the most important for them yet.
"It's the biggest win of the year for us. It really is. We were fighting back all night ... and the guys just kept hanging in there. ...These are big games, because ... one win or loss and you can move up or down three or four spots."
Dallas super star Dirk Nowitzki once again carried the scoring load for his side. The German forward had a game high 31 points along with 7 rebounds. His effort kept the Mavs in the game throughout, before Jason Terry hit some big shots near the end.
Terry, who came off the bench, finished with 24 points.
"I love playing in this building. It's a great shooting background, and I'm very comfortable here. It's just a situation, again, where my team needs me to step up. They said it was a playoff game, and that's all I needed to hear."
Veteran Shawn Marion was also vital for the Mavericks, racking up 15 rebounds and 12 points for his double-double.
Point guard Goran Dragic was most prolific for the Rockets. Dragic scored a team high 24 points, had 8 assists and 5 rebounds.
Luis Scola scored 19 for Houston while Samuel Dalembert ended with 16.
The first quarter was played at a frantic pace. Both sides attacked with ferocity and the defences suffered. Houston managed to outgun the NBA World Champions, ending the quarter up at 30 – 26.
The Mavericks however charged back in the second period. They went up 40 – 38, near the half way mark and managed to stay ahead until halftime, 56 – 54.
The play was intense throughout the second half. The sides matched up perfectly and the third frame ended with the scores tied. A well contested fourth saw the Mavs get their noses in front just before the end, however an effort from beyond the arc pulled
Houston level and sent the game into overtime.
Jason Terry hit some big shots in overtime, and Dirk came up with the clutch free throws that handed Dallas a 101 – 99 win.
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