There was no one in the states of Texas or Oklahoma, much less in the American Airlines Center, who could guard Dirk Nowitski on Tuesday night. He has been just about as unstoppable as one player can be in the 2011 playoffs. The Dallas Mavericks took Game One over the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-112.The 13-for-13 free throw shooting performance in the third quarter was just an added bonus to go with the turn-around jumpers and all-around great play. Dirk had 48 points on the strength of 12-for-15 from the field and had an NBA record 24 made free throws with no misses. The Thunder had no answet for Nowitski's offense and it seemed that the only reason he stopped scoring was so he could let J.J. Barea go off on Nate Robinson in the fourth quarter.
In Kevin Durant's first conference finals appearance, he put on a show of his own. He shot 10-for-18 from the field and his free throw was almost as good at 18-of-19.
And as much as Russell Westbrook looked like a great point guard in Game Seven of the Memphis series on Sunday, he looked as though the ball was stuck to his hands tonight. Creating only three assists to go along with shooting 3-of-15 from the field simply is not going to get it done in the conference finals.
But the fantastic and timely shooting by Jason Terry and gutsy play from Shawn Marion was overshadowed by an incredible scoring display from the 7-foot Maverick veteran, who didn't even attempt a three-pointer in this one.
It was simply a show for the ages. If you didn't see this one, set up your DVR for the first time it shows up on ESPN Classic.
Coach Scott Brooks has to go back to the drawing board for Game Two on Thursday.
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