Western Conference Finals: Nowitzki, Mavericks Outscore Thunder 121-112

DALLAS -- Dirk Nowitzki wants a ring, and his performance on Tuesday night reflected it.

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-112 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals in American Airlines Center, shooting 53.4 percent from the field and knocking down 34 of 36 free throws.

Nowitzki exploded for 48 points, making his first 10 of 11 shots. He successfully hit 24 of 24 free strikes from the line; a new NBA playoff-record. Jason Terry landed four threes as he contributed 24 points, and J.J. Barea added 21 in just 16 minutes.

"I was really looking to shoot early and was able to get my rhythm after the first couple of shots," Nowitzki said. "I kept attacking and my teammates kept feeding me and feeding me and I was able to take advantage over some smaller players."

Kevin Durant followed his last act with yet another stellar game, scoring 40 points- one shy of his career playoff record. Russell Westbrook added 20, but the duo was unable to keep up with Nowitzki's Mavs.

The Thunder led by as many as nine in the second quarter, but squandered the lead after a 6:28 drought between baskets. This gave plenty of time for Dallas to catch up, to say the least, as it scored 35 in the second to give Oklahoma City a seven point deficit at the half.

The Mavericks never looked back.

Even when the game became close in the final minutes, it was put away when Nowitzki came up with two solid jump-shots over the 6-foot-10 Serge Ibaka. Jason Terry nailed a three-pointer with 28.9 seconds left on a sharp pass from Nowitzki, and "M-V-P!" was shouted throughout the arena.

The big German took the second-fewest shots in a 40-point playoff game in NBA history and had the top shooting game in Conference Finals history.

Its safe to say that Thunder coach Scott Brooks needs a new game plan. Game 2 is Thursday night in Dallas, where the Mavs are 6-0 this postseason.