Mavericks vs. Lakers: Video Highlights, Twitter Reaction, Grades and More
The Los Angeles Lakers once again looked like contenders without Kobe Bryant, taking their game against the Dallas Mavericks 112-108 in overtime.
Dallas led by six at halftime but struggled to score in the second half, putting up just 45 points against a more energetic Lakers defense. Currently sixth in the Western Conference standings, the Mavericks are now in danger of slipping even further if Houston or Denver can get hot. This team has yet to feel like a championship club this season.
The Lakers, meanwhile, improve to 4-1 in their last five games without Bryant. Los Angeles got another surprise performance from Ron Artest, who scored 18 points two games after dropping 26 on the San Antonio Spurs. He's averaging 17 points over his last five contests.
The Lakers, meanwhile, will host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday and attempt to confirm their domination of Gregg Popovich's club last week was no mistake. After winning eight of their last 10 games, it looks like Los Angeles stands a good chance of doing just that.
Highlights:
Tweets of the Night
The USA Today's J. Michael pointed out an embarrassing play by Jason Terry and the root of the Mavericks defensive problems.
"Jet Terry blocked by rim on a chip shot. #Lakers may win but again their pick n roll coverage is inadequate. #Mavs #NBA
— J. Michael(@jmikeNBAusat) April 15, 2012"
At one point, things were looking great for the Mavericks in this game. ESPN's Jeff Caplan tweeted at one of those points.
"Dirk is 8-26 from the field and still leads Mavs in scoring with 19. Gone to the line once on a def 3 seconds.
— Jeff Caplan (@ESPN_Caplan) April 15, 2012"
Sideline reporter Mike Trudell tweeted out that the Mavericks could not stop the Lakers this season—even without Kobe Bryant.
"LAL will get a tough OT win to improve to 4-1 without Kobe, beating Dallas in all 4 reg. season matchups.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 15, 2012"
Player Grades
Finally, here are some grades for this afternoon's key individual performances.
Dirk Nowitzki: B
Tha Maverick's superstar had a solid outing, especially on the glass with 13 rebounds. His shooting performance (9-28) could have used some work, however. Dirk started the game cold and wasn't a factor in overtime. Had he played up to his usual standards, this contest good very easily have gone the other way.
Delonte West: B+
West had an especially strong game by his standards, collecting 20 points on 9-15 shooting. The combo-guard has fit in nicely alongside Jason Kidd in the Mavericks' backcourt and shown why Rick Carlisle had enough faith him to make him a starter.
Jason Terry: B+
Jason Terry did what he so often does, providing a scoring jolt off the bench—this time, 21 points on an efficient 8-15 shooting night. He also hit five treys, including one in overtime that ultimately wasn't enough to put the Mavericks over the top.
Andrew Bynum: B
Bynum's numbers look like an "A performance" on face, but his 23 points and 16 rebounds cover up a game that remains less mature than it should. It took Bynum 24 field goal attempts to get his points, and he still doesn't look anything like a first option on offense.
Pau Gasol: B+
The production isn't what's impressive here so match as the timing—Gasol hit two clutch three-pointers from the corner in overtime, bringing his point total to 20 for the afternoon. His 10 rebounds may not turn heads, but the five assists are a reminder that Gasol remains one of the most talented and versatile power forwards in the game. His ability to facilitate the offense becomes all the more crucial with Kobe Bryant sidelined.
Ramon Sessions: A-
While he may not have had Gasol's overtime performance, there's no way the Lakers could have won this game without Ramon Sessions' consistently strong play. He scored 22 points while shooting over 50 percent while distributing five assists and committing just one turnover.
