If Friday night was Eastern conference basketball, then Saturday night was definitely Western conference hoops. It was the run and gun, much more fun style of basketball that reminded me of the old rivalry series between Dallas and Sacramento in the earlier part of this decade. Only this time, the Kings really never stood much of a chance as the Mavericks led from wire to wire, claiming an eventual 126-108 victory at Arco Arena. Dirk Nowitzki again shined, leading the Mavericks with 39 points, including another perfect showing (13-of-13) from the free throw line. With those free throws, Dirk set a new franchise record of 68 straight made free throws (dating back to the Nuggets game on March 29), eclipsing his existing record (60) from the 2005-2006 season.
Dirk wasn’t the only Maverick to shine on offense, however. Jason Terry had a good shooting night, dropping in 25 points on 8-of-14 shots, including 3-of-4 from behind the arc. And Jason Kidd racked up his second triple double of the year, the 105th of his career, finishing with 11 points to go along with his 10 rebounds and 13 assists (both team highs). Erick Dampier was a big factor on the defensive end, leading the Mavericks with three blocked shots. One odd stat o’ the night, something I have never in all my years of basketball watching seen before: neither team had a single steal. Very strange, indeed.
On a night when the Mavericks could have chosen one of a variety of excuses (second night of a back to back, had an emotional win the night before, etc.) to justify a loss to the cellar dwelling Kings, the Mavs did just the opposite: they came out ready to play from the opening tip. Again. Just like they had done in Portland only 24 hours prior. And just like in the win at Portland, which allowed the Mavs to clinch the Southwest Division title, the Mavs were able to maintain focus and intensity and keep their collective eyes on the ball – and their ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship.
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