Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Nowitzki's 48 leads Mavs past Thunder in Game 1



source: Jaime Aron | The Associated Press

DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki showed no rust from a long layoff, making 10 of his first 11 shots and an NBA playoff-record 24 straight free throws on the way to 48 points,

..leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 121-112 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night. (Wednesday morning in Manila)

Nowitzki was impossible for the Thunder to cover. Six guys tried stopping him, and the big German either shot over them or put them in foul trouble. He made 13 free throws in the third quarter alone.

Despite going nine days between games, the Mavericks picked up where they left off in a sweep of the Lakers. They have won seven straight games this postseason and are 6-0 at home.

They'll try adding to it in Game 2 at home Thursday night. (Friday morning in Manila)

Kevin Durant scored 40 points for Oklahoma City.