<font size="+1">7:30 p.m., today, American Airlines Center, FSNSW; ESPN-FM (103.3), KFLC-AM (1270 Spanish) </font>Series: Mavs won both meetings last season; Celtics lead, 29-19 KEY MATCHUP PAUL PIERCE VS. DIRK NOWITZKI Every time these two get together, it's a chance to re-examine the 1998 NBA draft, when Nowitzki was picked ninth and Pierce 10th. If that draft happened again today, they would go 1-2. They play different positions, but don't be surprised if they end up guarding each other a lot. Last season, Nowitzki averaged 32.5 points, 10 rebounds and 4.5 assists in two meetings, compared to 19, 6.5 and four for Pierce. Inside the Celtics Sharpshooters: The Celtics have plenty of problems but shooting usually isn't one of them. They were sixth in the league before Friday night, hitting 46 percent from the field. They also were sixth in 3-point shooting at 38.4 percent. They are led by Ricky Davis and Paul Pierce, who combine for 47.9 points, the third-best scoring duo in the league. Briefly: Former Beaumont schoolboy Kendrick Perkins has come of age in his third season, averaging 4.8 boards per game in barely 13 minutes. ... Tony Allen (right knee) and Marcus Banks (left knee) are probably out. Inside the Mavericks Looking for an assist: Avery Johnson would like to see his team get more assists. They are No. 10 in the league in scoring but only 26th in assists. "A lot of times, we penetrate and score," Johnson said. "We don't penetrate and pitch. You can't penetrate and score in the playoffs, you've got to pitch." Briefly: The Mavericks have won three in a row and 11 of the last 13 against the Celtics ... They have won five in a row at home over Boston. The Mavericks have been slumping at home, however, losing two of their last three at AAC.
The Mavs are gonna have their hands full with Pierce tonight. But I think hell have an off game tonight anyways. I expect Harris to have a huge night tonight.
<font color=""Blue"">Well.... Im thinking that Dirk will have yet another 30+ point game, Devin will probably have a good night.. and Theyre going to be the 2 most noticable people on the floor..Does anyone know if Jason Terry is starting?</font>
Dallas with a 7-0 run to start the 3rd quarter, we are leading 59-47 and everyone seems to be playing well On 22 made FG's, Dallas has 15 assists...great work Dirk with a good game so far 12 pts/6 rbs/3 asts
They've boht shaken it off, Dallas is up by 9 (78-69) with about 11 minutes left in the 4th. Devin Harris' development this season has been great
I was pretty impressed with the way we responded after losing such a good sized lead and putting right back up to a respectable win margin. Diop with a huge block tonight in the closing minutes and I think Griff had some clutch rebounds/bringing up the court as well.
Mavs 103 Celtics 94 Grades: Diop Saves the Day The Mavs on the second game of a back to back figured to be a tired team tonight, and with the Celtics pulling within one point (88-87) late there certainly was mounting evidence. The Mavs responded with locking out the Celtics and going on an 8-0 run of their own. Any Celtic comeback was literally blocked by DeSagana in the final minutes. FSSW : B+; Watching the Pacemates only showed how far the Mavs? Dancers have come since the Sonju?s days. Viva la difference! +36 Johnson: B, Avery managed to get his team to make the defensive stops when it counted, although watching the Celtics eat up 16 points of the Mavs 17 points was certainly nerve wracking. Griffin: A; Another amazing night for Adrian on his way to a double-double with 11 points (5-8 FG) and 10 rebounds, not to mention the Zero turnovers. The Celtics have to be kicking themselves. +23 Nowitzki: A-, Perhaps a sub-par game for Dirk, but as the Celtics closed within a point, Dirk was a key part (4 points of the Mavs 8-0 run) in closing out the Celtics. +25 Dampier: B-, Erick delivered 6 points (3-3 FG) but Erick really needs to show up more in the rebound department where he only had 3 defensive rebounds tonight. +9 Daniels: B+, Marquis had another solid game as he delivered 15 points (6-13 FG, 3-6 FT) along with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. +13 Terry: B, Jason is not 100%, but he gave it a go tonight pitching in 12 points that included some clutch baskets. Devin carried the load tonight thankfully keeping Jason?s minutes to only 22. +10 Van Horn: B-, Keith pitched in 9 points (4-8 FG, 1-3 treys), 2 rebounds and 1 steal against Zero turnovers. +8 Harris: B+; Devin was back to the bench tonight with Jason back in the lineup, but it was Harris carrying the load tonight against the Celtics. Devin?s relentless driving to the basket kept the Celtics on their heels, but you?ve got to wonder how long Devin?s youth will carry him with him getting slammed to the floor so much. +20 Armstrong : B, Darrell got only 3 minutes tonight but nailed his 4 free throws on a night when the rest of the team (outside of Dirk) struggled from the charity stripe. Zero turnovers. +4 Diop: A, DeSagana knows where his game is at : in the paint. Diop delivered two key blocks at the end of the game to keep the Celtics at bay. Zero turnovers. +11 Marshall : DNP-CD. Powell: DNP-CD. M?Benga: DNP-CD. Howard: DNC-CD, Josh is out with an ankle sprain. Podkolzin: DNC-CD, Pavel had surgery to repair his right foot and ankle and is expected to miss three to four months. Stackhouse: DNP-CD, Jerry was inactive, out with a sore knee that continues to swell. Typical Chef Ed Type
