4/25/11

Mavericks 100 Thunder 96
Dal win 4-1

Dirk Nowitzki and his Dallas Mavericks are heading back to the NBA Finals after eliminating the Oklahoma City Thunder in game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

Nowitzki again hit the game’s most important shot. With 1:14 remaining in the game, Dirk drained a 3 from the top of the key to put the Mavericks up one 95-94. Dallas would force a turnover on OKC’s next possession, which led to a Shawn Marion 3-point play. The Thunder would never recover and the Dallas Mavericks are heading back to the NBA Finals, 5 years after their last visit.

Dirk Nowitzki finished with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Shawn Marion had his best game of the series scoring 26 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Russell Westbrook put forth a admirable performance with 31 points, 5 assists, and 8 rebounds. Kevin Durant and James Harden finished with 23 points a piece.

The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals 5 years ago, we may have a rematch in store.