Mavs Edge The T-Wolves
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by user UNT66
Saturday night at the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-93, keeping their slim lead in the Western Conference over the Phoenix Suns.
Also, the victory was the Mavs 15th straight victory, marking their second longest home winning streak in franchise history.
For the Mavs, they simply held on for the win. After leading by 9 points at the start of the 4th quarter, the combination of the T-Wolves defense and Mavericks slumping field goal shooting and not taking the ball to the hoop, looking for a foul led to a Minnesota nearly making a comeback.
Yet, the Mavericks strengthened their defense in the final minute of play, using stops and free throw shooting to hold on for the victory. Only a three pointer from well beyond the three point line brought the Timberwolves within one at the end....
Notes:
J-Ho Comes Back:
In the first game since leaving the team for the birth of his first child, Josh Howard scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. With Howard back into the lineup, the Mavericks became a stronger team, as they have depended on Devean George during Howard's time off from the team.
Yet, Howard's motivation for the game was not just his first child, he was not selected to the 2007 NBA All-Star Game. There is some hope that the commissioner will select Howard as an injury replacement for either Yao Ming or Carlos Boozer.
Saturday's game vs. the T-Wolves should be a boost to his All-Star hopes.
KG was good, but....
Kevin Garnett led the Timberwolves with 25 points and 12 rebounds, but it was his time off the floor in the 2nd quarter that helped the Mavericks build a nine point lead by halftime.
When Garnett was on the floor, the Timberwolves gained a lead. However, when Garnett had to come out of the game, as he picked up three personal fouls early in the contest, the Mavericks took advantage, going on a 20-8 run during the 2nd quarter and turn a deficit into a lead.
T-Wolves Good, but Mavs Better This Season:
In Both Games at the American Airlines Center, the Mavericks have had to hold onto a lead and use their improved defense to prevent Minnesota from winning.
Saturday Night: Mavs escape with a 1 point victory.
November 27th: T-Wolves tie it late, but Mavs win in the end by 6 points.
If the first two games are any indication of how this series will go, the remaining two contests in Minnesota should be outstanding, nail biting affairs....
JG
