Big D too Much for the Lake Show, Mavs Beat Lakers
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by user UNT66
Thursday Night at the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 114-95. With the win, the Mavs separated themselves from the Spurs in the Southwest Division, gaining a game as the Lakers defeated San Antonio on Wednesday Night.
After a 1st quarter where the Lakers led by 2 at the end of the frame, Dallas took over in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, outscoring the visitors by 25 points. The visitors attempted to rally in the 4th, but could only trim the lead by 4 points, allowing the hosts to claim their second victory this season over the Lakers.
Leading the way for the Mavericks was Josh Howard who scored a game high 29 points and grabbed a game high 11 rebounds. Dirk Nowitzki added 27 points and 10 rebounds.
Notes:
Stack Steps Up:
Many will remember what Jerry Stackhouse did on the court on Thursday, scoring 11 points and playing big minutes allowing starters to rest.
Yet, my biggest memory of the night was when Stackhouse stepped up and sang the national anthem. His rendition of Francis Scott Key's tune was outstanding and cheered throughout the building.
I hope the Mavericks will allow him to sing it again in the near future, as he far exceeded any expectations for an athlete in their attempts to honor out country prior to going to work on the court.
Devean George Starts:
With Devin Harris not in the lineup, out with the flu, Devean George was inserted as the two guard in Avery Johnson's lineup on Thursday. In only his second start of the season, George scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds.
Jet Takes Off:
Jason Terry had a big night, as he dished out a season-high 13 assists and scored 12 points. Yet, the key for Terry's night was that he didn't commit a foul in the game. If Terry had gone into foul trouble, Anthony Johnson would have had to play more minutes then usual and that could have hurt the Mavericks.
Yet, Johnson kept his role as a backup point guard and tied a season high 11 points.
Next Game:
The 2006 NBA Finals rematch with the Heat happens Sunday Afternoon and yet, It will probably get lost in the shuffle of the NFC and AFC Championship Games....
Oh Well....
JG
