Dallas Mavericks take Game 1 of NBA Western Conference Finals

Dirk Nowitzki

Dallas - German star forward Dirk Nowitzki scored 48 points and had a record setting night hitting 24 out of 24 free throws with out a miss as Dallas Mavericks drew first blood of the NBA Western Conference Finals 121-112.
He had an efficient game with 12-15 from the field, none of them from three point distance. The 7 foot forward got into a rhythm early starting the game 7 for 7 from the field. “I really looked for my shot early and was able to get a good rhythm,” said Nowitzki, who also had six rebounds, four assists and four blocks. “For a shooter, obviously when the first couple go in, that’s even better for the confidence, and I just attacked from there. So, yeah, it was a good game.” During the 8 day rest after the sweep of the defending champion LA Lakers, he told the media after the post game conference that he still worked on his game shooting tons of jump shots. “He’s a man on a mission right now,” said Mavs center Tyson Chandler. 

 JJ Barea, the 6'0" guard from Puerto Rico continued his impressive play scoring 21 points, including 10 straight in the fourth quarter. Jason Terry was at his usual self adding 24 points with 4-8 from 3 point range. 


Despite the impressive play of Nowitzki, Barea and Terry, the Thunder was able to hang in there and make the game close with Kevin Durant scoring 40 points of his own and grabbing 8 rebounds. His partner Russell Westbrook was not able to get his game going with just 3 - 15 from the field and dishing only 3 assists. 


Game 3 will be in Dallas Friday morning Philippine Time.