Dirk's defining moment
SAN ANTONIO – In a defining moment in his career – and in the history of the Dallas Mavericks franchise – Dirk Nowitzki came up huge for the Mavs on Monday night.
In a 119-111 overtime victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Nowitzki scored 37 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and saved his team after the Spurs' amazing comeback threatened to break the hearts of the Mavericks and their fans.
Dallas established a sizzling tempo right from the start, shooting an astonishing 15-of-18 in the first quarter and then building a 20-point first-half lead. With Jason Terry back in the lineup following his suspension, the Mavericks were able to push the ball, play fast and knock down shots.
The Spurs, though, fought back like the champions that they are and seemed poised to pull off a shocking comeback. But throughout the fourth quarter, Nowitzki attacked the rim, refusing to settle for jump shots and instead taking the ball strong to the hoop. He made 15 of 16 free-throw attempts to settle Dallas and keep San Antonio at bay.
What a performance by the Mavericks' superstar.
PLAY OF THE NIGHT
After Manu Ginobili's clutch three-pointer with 32 seconds left in regulation, the Mavericks found themselves trailing by three. Considering Dallas had played the perfect game to that point and had by all rights outplayed the Spurs for most of the game, it appeared the Mavericks were in for one of the all-time crushing defeats. In the huddle, Gregg Popovich told his team not to give up a three and not to foul. Nowitzki then took the ball and made the play of the game. Not settling for a jumper, he attacked Bruce Bowen off the dribble and went right to the rim. Nowitzki made the tough layup, drew the foul and made the free throw to tie the game. The play epitomized Nowitzki's transformation from a 7-foot three-point shooter to a dominating, versatile force. Dirk made just one three-pointer in the seven-game series – in only eight tries – but attempted 80 free throws. His aggressiveness ultimately was the difference in the series.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
41-34 – That was the rebounding total in the game in favor of Dallas. Why is that significant? It was the 11th straight playoff game in which the Mavericks outrebounded their opponents. The transformation of Dallas from a free-wheeling, jump-shooting finesse team to true championship contender is complete.
STAT OF THE NIGHT, PART II
32-32 – That was the final rebounding tally in the Game 7 between the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns. The entire series was about Phoenix's ability to match the Clips on the boards. When the Suns were able to do so, they won. When they couldn't, they had no chance. Ultimately, the three days off between Games 6 and 7 worked in Phoenix's favor as the Suns played with a bounce to their step that was missing earlier in the series. They were quicker to the ball than the Clippers, and in the end, quickness beat size. In fact, if there is a theme to these playoffs, it is that speed kills in basketball. With the rule changes of the past few years taking effect, it is apparent that the NBA is trending towards versatility and speed. If you have players who can guard multiple positions, rebound and step outside to shoot the ball, you're in pretty good shape. Just ask the Mavericks and Suns.
PLAYER OF THE DAY, PART II
Steve Nash – The two-time MVP took a lot of heat for his subpar play earlier in the series, but with a few days rest, he came through with a masterful performance. Nash hit 11 of 16 shots, including four of five threes, and scored 29 points to lead the Suns into the Western Conference finals. Phoenix was in control from the start thanks to a hot start by Nash, who passed the ball beautifully and got everyone involved. Many of his 11 assists led to open three-pointers for the Suns, who made 15 of them on the night. Shawn Marion played a brilliant game – shooting 5-of-9 from three-point range in scoring a team-high 30 points – and that really threw a wrench into the Clippers' plans. When Marion hits long-range shots, Phoenix is able to spread the floor like no team in the league, making the Suns practically impossible to defend. That's when Nash is able to penetrate and either find an open lane for a layup, or – when the defense reacts – dish the ball to an open teammate.
BEST PLAYERS IN A LOSING CAUSE
Elton Brand and Tim Duncan – Each player continued his brilliant postseason play in dominating on the low block. Duncan scored a playoff career-high 41 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Brand scored 36 points and pulled down nine boards. Each attracted double teams all night, creating scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. But in the end, it wasn't enough.
UNSUNG HERO
DeSagana Diop – He lost his starting role for the first time in the series on Monday and played just 10 minutes. In fact, Diop was only forced into action after Erick Dampier and Keith Van Horn fouled out. But the 24-year-old made several huge stops on Duncan in overtime to help seal the Dallas victory. Diop also made all three of his field-goal attempts and snared a key offensive rebound in the extra session. Diop was part of the tremendous depth that helped carry the Mavericks against San Antonio.
