The Lakers began their final seven games with a match up with the Dallas Mavericks. Nick Young rallied the team to become “player haters” and ruin the playoff chances for other teams. Friday night gave the Lakers a chance with the Mavericks fighting for a postseason berth. The Mavericks had their way with the Lakers in the paint and scored 64 down low. Dirk Nowitzki led the way for the Mavericks scoring 27 points while missing only three of his 14 field goal attempts. During the game, he passed Dominique Wilkins for 11th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list as the Lakers fell 107-95. For all of our post-game videos, click here!
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First Quarter
Jodie Meeks scored a three pointer on the first Laker possession. However, the Mavericks took a quick 9-5 lead with 8:13 left in the quarter. Dallas would go on a 12-0 run and lead 21-11.
Kent Bazemore free throws ended the Lakers scoring drought. The Lakers would fight back and come within two before Dirk Nowitzki hit a 20-foot jump shot. On the following Laker possession, Steve Nash found Meeks open in the corner but missed. The Lakers would end the quarter down 27-23.
Second Quarter
Both teams traded baskets as Nowitzki scored at will for the Mavericks. The Mavericks held a 35-30 lead into a timeout with 8:25 remaining in the quarter.
After more back and forth, the Lakers went on a 10-0 run that put them on top 44-42. A Jose Calderon three-pointer would give the Mavericks the lead again 47-46 at the 3:09 mark. Kendall Marshall found a cutting Meeks to tie the game at 50 apiece. Entering the break, the Lakers would be ahead by two with the score 54-52.
Third Quarter
Sloppy play characterized the beginning of the third quarter. The Lakers struggled on field goals and allowed the Mavericks to continue scoring in the paint. Nowitzki was sent to the free-throw line with 8:47 left in the quarter and passed Dominique Wilkins on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
The Lakers fell behind by seven until an 8-0 run gave them the lead 72-71. The Mavericks relied on Nowitzki’s scoring and entered the final frame up 82-78.
Fourth Quarter
The Lakers allowed the Mavericks to score nine quick points to open the fourth quarter. The Mavericks lead grew to 14 until Nash cut through the Dallas defense for an easy bucket at the rim. Nick Young would leave the game after appearing to roll his ankle. The Lakers couldn’t cut into the Mavericks lead and continued to allow points down low. They Lakers would ultimately fall, 107-95
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VIDEO: Nick Young Jokes That Steve Nash Should’ve Passed Him The Ball More, If He Wanted To Move Into Third All-Time On Assists List