LA Lakers vs. Mavericks: Video Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Grades

The Los Angeles Lakers got a much needed win on the road against the defending NBA champions Dallas Mavericks. This was a back-and-forth contest, but LA pulled ahead late—and then held on in the last seconds for a 96-91 victory. 

LA couldn't make their free throws down the stretch, which let the Mavericks back in it, but Dallas couldn't complete the comeback.

The Lakers were in desperate need of a road win, having entered this game with just a 5-11 record away from the Staples Center. 

Tweets of the Night

ESPN's Mike Hill tweets about Pau Gasol's resurgence in this game.

"

Good win for the Lakers after all the drama. Kobe wasn't Kobe but they got it done on the road and it looked like Pau saw Dr Phil!!

— Mike Hill (@MikeHillESPN) February 23, 2012"

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reminded us that through all the turmoil, the Lakers are still very much a factor in the NBA.

"

Through all the turmoil, the Lakers are20-13 at season's halfway mark and have won 5 of 6 with this 96-91 victory. Don't count em out.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 23, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

Kobe was off for most of this night, but the Mamba still managed to pull off the spectacular. 

 

Grades for Key Lakers Players

Kobe Brant: C-

Kobe was off for the majority of the night, and he was sloppy with the ball. He finished with 15 points, but was just four-for-15 from the field. He also had seven turnovers. 

Pau Gasol: A-

Gasol played one of his better games of the season. He had 24 points on 11-for-18 shooting. He also had eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a clutch bucket with 1:30 left to give the Lakers a five-point lead. 

Grades for Key Mavericks Players

Dirk Nowitzki: C

Nowitzki put up some decent numbers as he finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds, but he was just nine-for-22 from the field.   

Vince Carter: B-

Carter was excellent early in the game, but was non-existent in the fourth quarter. He spent the majority of that crucial quarter on the bench. He finished with 20 points on 7-17 shooting.

Deciding Factors: Fourth Quarter Play

The Lakers were a step quicker in the fourth, and appeared to want this game more in the final quarter. This led to big rebounds and clutch plays. 

Stat of the Night: Six

That is the amount of consecutive free throws the Lakers missed in the closing stretch that would have iced this game. Luckily for them, Matt Barnes boarded the sixth-consecutive miss and drilled his two from the charity stripe.

Game MVP: Pau Gasol

Gasol was efficient and involved all game. He also kept the Lakers in this when they were struggling to score. 

What's Next?

The Lakers have a quick turnaround and will play on Thursday night in Oklahoma City. The Mavericks are off until next Tuesday when they will host the Nets.