It took eleven games but the Dallas Mavericks have finally climbed over the .500 mark with a 90-85 road win over the Boston Celtics.
The game was a physical one with high emotions that saw Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle ejected in the second half and a number of technical fouls handed out to both sides. The game got really exciting down the stretch when with Dallas up by three, Paul Pierce buried a three-pointer to tie the game at 85-58 with just 35 seconds remaining.
After a Mavericks' time out, Dirk Nowitzki drove around Kevin Garnet and was fouled at the rim by Brandon Bass while converting an impossible lay in to give Dallas the lead once again. Dirk converted the free throw and Boston's final possession resulted in a turnover to seal the victory.
Jason Terry led the way for Dallas with 18 points and four steals. Nowitzki finished with 16 points and seven rebounds while Shawn Marion added 15 and seven. Delonte West finished with 12 points, three assists and three steals for the Mavericks.
Rajon Rondo scored a game-high 24 points and handed out seven assists. Kevin Garnett added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Ray Allen and Keyon Dooling each finished with nine points.
Mavs Moneyball has you covered for everything you want to know about the defending NBA champions, while CelticsBlog has all the latest news and notes on the Celtics.
The Dallas Mavericks are clinging to a 42-41 halftime lead in Boston after a big half from Rajon Rondo and a strong second quarter from the Celtics.
Rondo had quite a half and kept the Celtics in the game all by himself finishing with 16 points, three assists and two steals at the intermission. He went 4-9 from the field but 8-10 from the free throw line. Kevin Garnett chipped in eight points and seven boards but Ray Allen and Paul Pierce combined to score four points on 2-6 shooting in the first half.
Shawn Marion leads the Mavericks with nine first half points and five rebounds. Jason Terry came off the bench to score eight points while Dirk Nowitzki has seven but is just 2-8 from the field. Boston clamped down in the second quarter defensively and Dallas will have to answer back with some solid execution in the half court during the second half.
Mavs Moneyball has you covered for everything you want to know about the defending NBA champions, while CelticsBlog has all the latest news and notes on the Celtics.
