Paul George shines as Indiana Pacers subdue Dallas Mavericks 98-87 - NBA Recap
Friday night turned out to be one of the most memorable nights for Indiana Pacers in the franchise’s 36 years history.
For the first time in eight years, the Pacers won in Dallas, by beating the reigning Champions Dallas Mavericks 98-87.
And for Paul George, the night was extra special.
George was phenomenal and scored his career high 30 points on 11-for-19 from the floor including a massive 7 for 11 from the long range, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
"You got to be excited to play the defending champs. I went out there and really just gave them my all. The way I've been playing, I've grown to a comfort level. I just feel like I can knock down any shot now." George said.
Pacers Coach Frank Vogel was thrilled with the outcome of this historical game and was all praise for his young sharpshooter George.
"He's oozing confidence, as is our whole team. The kid is just good at pretty much everything. And he's pure. He's refreshing to coach and he's just got a pure desire to be great, and it's showing up on the court."
David West contributed 20 points on a near perfect shooting, netting 9 for 11 from the floor and 6 boards while Danny Granger added 16 points on 3 for 8 from downtown, grabbed 5 rebounds and distributed 5 dimes. Guard Darren Collison
also chipped in with 13 points and 6 assists.
Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 30 points on 12 for 17 from the floor and 7 rebounds whereas veteran Vince Carter pounded 14 points. Jason Terry (10) was the only other player who managed to end with a double digit tally.
The game was pretty much in balance by the end of the first half.
Mavericks were only behind by 2 points 57-59 within the first three minutes of the third quarter, however what followed next was a game deciding 12-2 burst, led by George, Granger and West, that changed the complexion of the game
completely and put Mavericks in the driving seat, ahead by 71-59.
The run allowed Pacers to finish the quarter with a significant 7 point lead 76-69 and. Indiana pushed their momentum into the deciding quarter and nailed the final nail in the coffin by rattling a fierce 14-6 spurt, capped by
Granger’s 3, to get ahead by 15 points 90-75.
The Mavericks, despite scoring quickly in the ending minutes failed to make a comeback and lost by a double digit margin.
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