Dirk Nowitzki did it again. He was nothing but spectacular this entire series, no, scratch that, the entire playoffs this year. Tonight he followed up his incredible play with some amazing clutch shots to prove that he is the hottest player in the world right now.
With 1:14 left in the 4th Quarter Dirk Nowitzki hit a big 3 pt shot to put the Mavericks up 95-94, and had the Mavericks up for the first time in the 4th Quarter. This looked so reminiscent of what we saw in game 4 where the Thunder led for a better portion of the game, and buckled under the pressure at the end. Dirk went on to hit two free throws with 13.3 seconds left in the game that put the Mavs up 100-96, and sealed the deal. Dirk went on the have a total of 26 pts on 8-15 shooting, 9-9 from the line, and added 9 rebounds. Dirk averaged 32.2 pts per game during the series, hitting 59-61 free throws and almost averaging 12 pts in the 4th quarter. How's that for clutch?
Just as equally big for the Mavericks was Shawn Marion. He stepped up huge with his defense the entire series on Kevin Durant. With Marion playing extremely physical defense with Durant, and getting him out of his comfort zone it forced Durant to shoot poor the whole series. That's the same results they got once again in Game 5, forcing Durant to shoot 8-20 from the field and 23 pts. Marion exploded for 26 pts in the potential series clincher with 10-17 shooting, and also 8 rebounds. "The Matrix" was once again reborn in this series, and let's hope he can keep it up.
Jason Terry, JJ Barea, and Jason Kidd all played spectacular basketball once again. Proving time again that they are a truely deep team with many threats all around the court. Kidd led with his veteran leadership, and also led his team with 10 assists. Barea added 14 pts, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds in just a little over 22 minutes of play. Jason "The Jet" Terry shot the 3 ball well again, hitting 2-3 from behind the arc and adding 12 pts. The Mavericks are going to give whichever opponent they face in the Finals some real trouble with their depth and veteran leaders.
The Thunder head home for the second straight year after making it into the playoffs, but not for the lack of trying. They just simply weren't ready for the pressure and play level of the crafty and veteran players of the Dallas Mavericks. Twice in the series the Thunder had the lead going into the final 5 minutes of the 4th quarter and lost. They just don't have the experience to know how to finish, and that will come with time and of course, losing. The Thunder had 6 total turnovers going into the 4th quarter, and ended up having 7 turnovers in the 4th quarter alone. Dallas capitalized on the young Thunder's mistakes, and didn't look back.
Coach Scott Brooks had this to say after the game: "Next year when they're 23, they're still going to be young. We're not going to use it as an excuse. We all signed up to play this game and you have to take pride in what you do because it's not a hobby. It's our life. This is what we do. This is what we believe in." Coach Brooks will have them back in the running again next year, and hopefully by then they have matured enough as a team to be a title contender.
One question that does come to mind for the Thunder is, what if you had Jeff Green? Would the outcome have been potentially different, having an extra threat on offense to help relieve some pressure from Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant? Who knows. But it sure does make you wonder.
We could be looking at yet another Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat NBA Finals matchup if the Heat win their next game against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday at Chicago.
Regardless of their future opponent, the Mavericks have to feel like this is there title to lose with how well they are playing this year, and how hungry that entire team is. For Dirk Nowitzki and 38 year old point guard Jason Kidd, the title is so close they can smell it. Neither whom have won an NBA title have that edge this playoffs that should have any opponent worried.
After 11 straight years of 50+ regular season wins, the Mavericks need a title to make up for it, and prove that they are no slouch that can be pushed over when it comes to the big time stage.
Winning a title would also take Nowitzki and Kidd out of the conversation of best players to play without winning a ring. And we all know Mark Cuban would love to shut up his critics.
Dirk and Kidd have both been in the Finals before, but this time, can they pull it off and bring a championship to the city of Dallas?
All hail Dirk.
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