Apr

26

Nowitzki’s Monster Game Leads Dallas To Take Game 3 From New Orleans 97-87

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA PLAYOFFS 

Dirk Nowitzki recorded a double-double, Jason Terry and Josh Howard complimented him with strong performances, and the New Orleans Hornets at times Friday night could not buy a basket. Put all those factors together and they led to the Dallas Mavericks defeating the New Orleans Hornets 97-87 in game three of their first round NBA Playoff series 97-87. The victory was the first for?Mavericks in the series as the two teams played their first game in the Lone Star State. Game four will also be played in Dallas.

The Mavericks were the aggressor from the start of the game, and they held a 23-16 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Hornets were able to locate the basket in the second quarter, but failed to cut anything off the Dallas lead as the two teams reached the half with the Mavs ahead 47-40. Dallas extended their lead to double digits in the third quarter, as they were up 74-63 heading into the final 12 minutes. New Orleans never posed a legitimate threat in the fourth quarter.

Dirk Nowitzki scored a game high 32 points, grabbed a game high 19 boards, 6 assists, 2 blocks, in the Dallas victory. Jason Terry was moved to the starting lineup, and the move payed off not only offensively, but especially defensively. Terry had Chris Paul as his defensive assignment, and he was far more effective shutting down the Hornets All-Star than J-Kidd had been in the first two games. Offensively Terry scored 22 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals. Josh Howard whose day was filled with controversy Friday after admitting to smoking marijuana in the off-season on a Dallas radio station, did not let it effect him on the court. Howard scored 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal. Team Owner Mark Cuban said that Howard would be disciplined by the team for his comments. Howard expressed remorse to reporters, and said he did not mean to hurt any body’s feelings.

Jannero Pargo came off the bench for the Hornets to lead the team with 30 points, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 rebound. Chris Paul after scoring 30 or more in the first two games scored 16 points, 10 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 block, David West scored 14 points, 9 boards, 3 assists, 1 steal.? Peja Stojakovic scored 13 points, with? 10 rebounds. The Hornets now lead the series 2-1.

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