Dirk Scores 30 Mavericks Stampede Over T-Wolves 101-78

Dirk Nowitzki shot a game high 30 points, and played just over 32 minutes as the Dallas Mavericks?just?thrashed?the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday 101-78. The Spurs were so dominant in this game that the 23 point lead they held at the half was the exact same margin that they ended up winning the game by. This one was basically extended garbage time the entire second half. Dallas was without “Old Reliable” Jerry Stackhouse who was out with a thumb injury, as well as Erick Dampier who has a balky knee, but they still had more than enough to hand the T-Wolves their eighth straight loss.

Realistically this game was probably over after the first quarter as Dallas grabbed a quick 31-16 lead at the end of the quarter, and extended it to 58-35 at the half. Minnesota seemed a little less lethargic in the second half, but it was far too little and far too late. When Dallas swingman Maurice?Ager is in the game for almost four?minutes, considering this was only the eighth game he has made an appearance in, you know it was a blowout! Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Randy Wittman, when asked by reporters what aspect of the game he was most concerned about, he said the team’s effort, that it was the second game in a row the team had come out flat. No one can ever fault you for losing, especially when you are in a rebuilding mode as the Timberwolves are. But when your own coach publicly questions your effort, that is far beyond the pale.

Nowitzki who has been on fire for the last 9 games shot 12-20 from the floor, 5-5 from the line for his game high 30 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 1 assist.? Josh Howard scored 22 points, 8 boards, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 assist, Jason Terry scored 14 points, 4 rebounds,?4 assists, 1 steal, Devin Harris scored 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist.

Guard Rashad McCants came off the bench to lead Minnesota with a game high 21 points, shooting 6-10 from the floor, 2-3 from outside the arc, and 7-10 from the line 4 rebounds, 1 assist. One of the few bright spots in the Minnesota season has been the performance of Al Jefferson, he had a double-double 16 points, 11 rebounds, 1 block, Marko Jaric scored 14 points, 3 steals,?3 assists, 1 rebound in the loss. Dallas is now 23-11, while Minnesota is 4-29.