Mavericks Hold On, Defeat Cavaliers
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by user UNT66
On Thursday Night at American Airlines Center, The Dallas Mavericks Defeated The Cleveland Cavaliers, 95-92. With the win, the Dallas Mavericks won their 14th straight game, setting another mark for the longest winning streak of the season.
Through the first three quarters, the Mavericks handled the Cavaliers, leading the visitors by 12 points. Yet, the fourth quarters became tense as the Cavaliers went on a run, bringing them within 3 points of the Mavs lead. Yet, on the last possession, Lebron James took two three pointers to tie the game, but missed both of them and the Mavericks held on for the three point victory.
In the end, the close game was a shock for most at the American Airlines Center, as the previous three games were all blowouts by 20 points or more. Only Cleveland getting hot in the 4th quarter and the Mavericks losing their shooting touch and defensive intensity allowed the visitors back into the game.
Once again though, the Mavericks found a way to win a close game and continue their incredible historical season in fine fashion.
Notes:
Lebron on display last night at the AAC:
"King" Lebron James was as advertised on Thursday Night, scoring 39 points and nearly leading his team to the victory. Unfortunately, he couldn't deliver the final three pointer when his team needed it.
Yet, my favorite highlight was his posterization dunk of Josh Howard. Just when it seemed he was going to execute a simple lay-up, James completed a drive past Howard toward the basket and threw it down emphatically.
When the dunk occurred, it was one of those dunks that makes you stop what you are doing, react to the dunk and then make you wish they replayed it over and over again.
For those who want to see it, go to ESPN Motion or NBA.com ( http://www.nba.com/games/20070301/CLEDAL/gameinfo.html?nav=scoreboardhome) and watch the game highlights of Cavs/Mavs and see one of the sickest dunks I've ever seen. I'd say it's on par with the dunks I saw from Vince Carter when he played for the Raptors.....
Oh, one flaw flaw in Lebron's game is his free throw shooting. Coming into the game shooting less then 70% from the charity stripe, he missed two critical free throws that would brought the Cavaliers to only a one point deficit, making the chance to win the game much easier for the Cavs. If Lebron wants to be mentioned with Michael Jordan, he better start hitting 4th quarter free throws because Jordan excelled at late game situations to help push his team to victory.
More Records For The Mavs:
Dirk recorded his 36th Double-Double of the Season on Thursday (He Had Only 35 In 2005-06), scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds and was named the Western Conference Player Of The Month In February.
Avery Johnson was named the Western Conference Coach of the Month In February, leading his Mavs to the first undefeated month in February.
-Anybody else thinking that the regular season, as good as it is and it has been outstanding, is just an appetizer for the playoffs, a playoffs that could be gargantuan for the Mavericks. Just a thought....
JG
