By Art Garcia, McClatchy Newspapers –
DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki has essentially carried the Mavericks for his entire career. But with this season, his 14th, on the brink, Nowitzki couldn’t muster the kind of performance we’ve seen so many times before.
The franchise’s all-time leading scorer managed just 17 points Thursday night as the Mavericks sunk into a 3-0 hole after their 95-79 loss to the Thunder.
(PHOTO: The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant goes to the basket against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, May 3, 2012.)
Nowitzki was solid in the two nail-biting Oklahoma City losses, averaging 28 points. That gave Mavericks fans hope that he would bust out in a Game 3 that Jason Terry likened to a Game 7.
Game 3 was decided in the third quarter, which may turn out to be one of Nowitzki’s worst playoff quarters ever.
Dallas was down a manageable nine points (50-41) at halftime and finished the second period with some momentum. Nowitzki didn’t have the most efficient first half, scoring 10 on 4-of-8 shooting. He even missed two of four free throws.
But the third was downright awful. Nowitzki missed the only three shots he took in the period. He didn’t score until getting to the line with 3:35 left in the quarter. Those were his only two points in the third.
Chased by Serge Ibaka, Nick Collison and the rest of the Thunder’s active defenders, Nowitzki could hardly get a shot off. He repeatedly was forced to get rid of the ball to teammates.
They weren’t much help. The Mavericks were outscored 25-16 in the third. Oklahoma City, up 18, cruised in for a three-game series lead from there.
Role reversal
The Mavericks beat Oklahoma City in the West finals last season largely on their ability to close tight games. The Mavericks’ veteran experience, coupled with the Thunder’s youth, was seen as the main reason Dallas finished strong.
Oklahoma City has flipped the script in this series.
Carlisle hot
If the Mavericks were lacking any fire going into Game 3, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle did his best to supply the lighter fluid. When Thunder center Kendrick Perkins tipped in a miss with 4:01 in the first quarter, Carlisle’s normally stoic sideline demeanor was replaced by a fist-pumping fit of fury.
Carlisle had to be restrained by assistant Terry Stotts or risk getting tossed. The outburst seemed to inspire the Mavs, who finished the period on a 13-4 after the technical.
