“WunderDirk” leads Dallas past the Suns 108-105
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) The Mavs took an early lead (37-20 after one quarter of play) and held off a possible comeback by the Suns in the final minutes to win the game 108-105.
Dallas never trailed in the game as the “zero lead changes” in the boxscore could confirm. Despite that it was possibly the best, at least the most entertaining, game of the year. It was hard-fought, intense and exciting. Read post-game quotes on both sides:
“It’s a heavyweight match-up” said Mavs Coach A. Johnson, “Bodies were flying all over the place, both teams played hard and well” replied Coach D’Antoni.
Phoenix was once again beaten under the boards as the Mavs grabbed 49 rebounds, including 19 on offense and 15 more than the Suns.
Amaré Stoudemire scored 25 points in the game (8 rebounds), Marion added 23 points (on 10-of-14 from the field) and 10 rebounds, while Dirk’s best friend, Nash had 21 points and 18 assists.
The Mavs, led by the great Dirk Nowitzki (31 points, 10-of-20 from the field), are starting to look like last season’s 67-win team. It seems A.J.’s therapy is working and Dallas is gaining back some of the confidence lost from last year’s early playoffs exit.
Dallas got 23 points from the excellent and improving Josh Howard - averaging 21.8 points on the year - and 21 from Devin Harris.
The last couple of games in Texas made clear that both San Antonio and Dallas still present some unsolved matchups for the Suns.
San Antonio can slow down the tempo of the game and create mismatches in the paint with Duncan and Oberto, while Dallas has the pace to run with Suns and the offensive capabilities needed to compete with Nash and Co. Not to mention the fact that Nowitzki can be limited only to a certain extent.
The Suns season will eventually be decided in Texas.
Phoenix (18-8) will now host the Raptors on Friday Night (7 PM) before playing in the biggest game of the regular season: The Christmas Carol with Kobe’s band.
Yours truly, Steve Fan
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Posted by Steve Fan
Blogger and Steve Nash enthusiast. Don't get in his way, he'll MVP your ass.
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