NBA Play-offs Round-up May 8, Game-4: Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks win
Dallas Mavericks 122 – Los Angeles Lakers 86
Jason Terry and the Dallas Mavericks ended the Los Angeles Lakers chance at a three-peat, as they routed them 122-86 in game-4 of the Western Conference semi-finals. The game took place at the American Airlines Centre in Dallas on Sunday afternoon.
With the elimination of the Lakers, Coach Phil Jackson’s magical journey comes to an end, as he announced earlier that he will retire after the 2011 play-offs.
Dallas’ coaches, players and team owner Mark Cuban aligned at the end of the game to pay farewell to the Zen Master Jackson who said, "It's been a wonderful run."
Terry scored 32 points, clutched one rebound, wracked four assists and blocked one shot for the Mavericks.
Dallas were aggressive right from the tip and outplayed the Lakers twice in the period, first with a 9-2 run in 4:15 and then in the final minutes of the first quarter with an 8-4 charge to lead the Lakers 27-23 into the second quarter.
The Mavericks amplified their momentum and shattered the Lakers with a 36-16 run and took a 24 point lead into the half-time.
Both teams tallied 23 points apiece in the third quarter, but the first half lead proved to be the mountain that was too high to climb. At the close of third the Mavericks were leading the Lakers 86-62.
Dallas’ gigantic lead dented the spirits of the Lakers badly and it helped them demolish Los Angeles, as they made 36 points in comparison to the Lakers 24 to seal the game.
Atlanta Hawks 100 – Chicago Bulls 88
Josh Smith led the Atlanta Hawks as they defeated the Chicago Bulls 100-88 on Sunday night at the Philips Arena, Atlanta. With this win the Hawks have evened the best of the seven game series 2-2 and the fans are now expecting a nail biting encounter in
the remaining three games.
Smith added 23 points along with 16 boards and eight assists to reach his game winning double-double.
Luol Deng gave a smashing start to the Bulls with his two consecutive jumpers and Chicago led the Hawks until 3:05. Atlanta snatched the lead with Joe Johnson’s brilliant three-pointer and finished the quarter two points ahead of their rivals.
The Hawks stretched the lead to seven, before the Bulls surged to put them in front (43-44), but it was short lived. Chicago’s shooting faltered and the Hawks led 47-46 into the break.
Atlanta failed to extend their lead and the Bulls remained within the range which not just allowed them to grab the lead but also secure one quarter in their favour (67-69).
The Hawks surged late in the final quarter and outscored the Bulls with a 33-19 run to clinch a crucial victory that tied the series.
Derrick Rose was the major contributor for the Bulls, as he made 34 points and 10 assists.
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