UNSTOPPABLE AS A WOMAN'S TEARS
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 19 May 2011
DIRK Nowitzki is on fire.
But don't worry, the 9-time All-Star from Wurzburg, Germany is in no peril. He merely lit up for 48 points to lead the Mavericks past the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-112, in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals Tuesday night in Dallas.
It wasn't like the Thunder didn't try to stop Nowitzki, they just couldn't. Not on this night anyway, when the 32-year old power forward dished one of the most spectacular performances in the history of the NBA playoffs.
Nowitzki used the length of his 7-feet against big defenders, often fading away beyond reach and swishing one high-arching jumpshot after another. And he used the might of his 245 pounds to overpower smaller defenders
Unbelievably effecient, Nowitzki needed only 15 field goals, 12 of which he sank, to pile 48 points. And he made all of his 24 free throws, an NBA playoffs high that eclipsed the previous record of 21 free throws without a miss set by Boston's Paul Pierce in April 2003. .
The closest thing that Oklahama did to slow Dirk was foul him. Sixteen times.
"I was really looking to shoot early and was able to get my rhythm after the first couple of shots," said Nowitzki, who also finished with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 shotblocks.
No, this wasn't a homerun for the Mavericks, who shot 53.4 percent from the field (39-of-73) and 39.1 percent from 3-point range (9-of-23). Oklahoma led 27-20 after one quarter and came back from 16 points down in the fourth period to come to within 106-105 with 3:25 left to play.
But Dallas put them away for good with big plays in end game, capped by a corner 3 courtesy of Jason Terry.
Riding on the momentum of their Game 7 triumph over Memphis in the West semis, the Thunder played relatively well on the road. They hit 34 of 72 field goals, 7 of 16 triples and 37 of 43 free throws. They just didn't have an answer for Nowitzki.
KEVIN DURANT was spectacular. He drilled 10-of-18 field goals and 18-of-19 free throws. He also made 2-of-5 treys, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 5 assists.
Durant finished with 40, while the Thunder scored 64 in the second half. And they still lost. And that's gotta be deflating.
"We can't get discouraged," offered Durant.
Easy to say. So hard to do.
Because the Mavs are more than just Dirk. They're a team loaded with scorers, as proven in Game 1 when 10 players who saw action all contributed on the offensive end, not to mention providing fresh legs on defense.
JJ Barea was a puzzle on legs, impossible to figure out. The 5-foot-10 dynamo picked-and-rolled the Thunder to death and scored 21 points in 16 minutes. Jason Terry added 24 while Shawn Marion chipped in 11.
Durant, in contrast, had so little help.
His runningmate, Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook, chalked 20 points. But Westbrook failed miserably in facilitating his team's offense, belting out just 3 assists against 4 turnovers. He also missed 12 of 15 shots.
Game 2 of this best-of-7 Western Conference finals stays at the American Airlines Center in Dallas Thursday night.
Somehow, the Thunder must find a way to stop Nowitzki and the streaking Mavs. Otherwise, this could be a short series. (Homer D. Sayson)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Three Pinoy Fighters in Crucial Bouts This December
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 28 Nov 2024Camp Notes: Oscar Valdez & Emanuel Navarrete Prepared for Phoenix Firefight on December 7 LIVE on ESPN
Thu, 28 Nov 2024Mabuhay at Salamat: Long Live and Thanks
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Thu, 28 Nov 2024TODAY: Rolly Fogoum vs Obinna Mathew for WBF Cruise World Title; Toshihiko Era vs Chonlahee for ABF Belt in Highland Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 28 Nov 2024The Final Word: Legendary Rematches of Mexican Boxing Premieres Ahead of Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez II
Thu, 28 Nov 2024Swedish heavyweight Genti Morina Set for Professional Debut in Denmark
Thu, 28 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 286: CHARLY SUAREZ, MARK MAGSAYO, JOHN RIEL CASIMERO, AND CARL JAMMIS MARTIN IN WBO RANKINGS
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 27 Nov 2024Pinoy Fighter Blazen Rocili Remains Unbeaten with Dominant Victory in San Antonio, TX
Wed, 27 Nov 2024Filipino IM Garma trounce foes, stay in hunt for top finish
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 27 Nov 2024Camp Notes: Rafael Espinoza & Robeisy Ramirez Primed for Fight of The Year Sequel December 7 LIVE on ESPN
Wed, 27 Nov 2024Chicharito, Colocha & Manimal Take Center Stage Friday Night on ESPN KO
Wed, 27 Nov 2024Kansas super middleweight prospect 19-year-old Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Capped incredible 12-month boxing stretch
Wed, 27 Nov 2024The Past Week in Action 25 November 2024: Papot KOs Wagner; Guerfi Stops Le Couviour
By Eric Armit, Tue, 26 Nov 2024El Presidente, Grand Maestro, Kamatyas, Flash Arca and Gwapings to grace the 49th IIEE ANC and Golden sports on November 28 to 30 at SMX Pasay City
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 26 Nov 2024DC judokas win 3 golds, 1 silver in Batang Pinoy
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 26 Nov 2024