NBA Playoffs 2011: Dallas Mavericks Draw First Blood on Portland Trail Blazers

Game 1 of the battle between the third and sixth seeds of the Western Conference was just what everyone was expecting.  Both teams showed passion, hustle and determination. 

The game came down to the final few minutes, where the Mavericks were able to execute just enough plays to win the game.

In the first half, both teams were just about neutral.  However, none played their own brand of basketball.  Portland, known for offensive rebounding, was out-rebounded offensively by the Mavericks. 

Wesley Mathews was a non-factor for Portland, Dirk Nowitzki was sluggish and inefficient, and out of all people, Jason Kidd led the Mavericks in scoring.

Some things were still familiar.  Dallas showed they could not stop LaMarcus Aldridge, especially on plays designed for lobs to the rim.  Portland showed their well-known defensive pressure and slow but assertive offense.

The second half started just like the first one did.  LaMarcus Aldridge got more lobs to the rim, Nowitzki kept struggling, Wesley Mathews was still a ghost, and Jason Kidd kept scoring.

The fourth quarter was a completely different story. 

Portland started the quarter on a pair of quick runs to put themselves ahead by five early.  The Mavericks started getting to the rim and getting to the foul line, which was the only thing they were able to get offensively.

As the quarter came to the last few minutes, everything changed.  The Portland Trail Blazers were all of the sudden unable to score.  Meanwhile, Dirk Nowitzki kept getting free throw after free throw, making all of his attempts in the quarter and in the game.

With only four minutes remaining, the Mavericks and Blazers were tied at 72.

Over the next four minutes, things got very interesting.  After a layup by Andre Miller in traffic, Dirk Nowitzki answered with a three-pointer and two free throws to put the Mavericks up by three.

It only got better for Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks from there.  Nowitzki continued his fourth quarter onslaught with an unconventional three-point-play. 

After a defensive stop, the dagger of the game was delivered by Jason Kidd, who hit a three-pointer as the shot clock buzzer sounded.

The Blazers got back into the game with a Nicolas Batum three-pointer, but Dallas hit four straight free throws to seal the victory.

Notes

Jason Kidd scored 24 points with six three-point field goals.  Marcus Camby grabbed 18 rebounds in just 29 minutes. 

Dirk Nowitzki led a Mavericks 12-0 run by himself in the fourth quarter, finishing with 28 points after only eight in the first half. 

Brandon Roy scored just two points on 1 out of 7 field goals in 26 minutes.