An incredible fourth-quarter comeback led by Dirk Nowitzki (35 PTS, 7 REB) kept the Mavericks’ playoff dream alive. He hit 14 of 17 shots including five triples, and scored the final eight points of a 15-1 closing run. Vince Carter (17 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST) and Brandan Wright (17 PTS, 13 REB) were excellent off the bench. Three Bulls scored exactly 25 points, with Nate Robinson a perfect 7-for-7 from downtown and Carlos Boozer adding 11 rebounds, but they couldn’t stop the miracle finish.
Other Saturday Results
OKC @ MIL: In crunch time, the Thunder turned up their defensive pressure and pulled away. Russell Westbrook had a triple-double (23 PTS, 13 REB, 10 AST, 3 STL) and Kevin Durant (30 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST) led a 19-2 run in the fourth. Ersan Ilyasova (29 PTS, 14 REB) was terrific for the Bucks, but both guards had poor shooting nights. Brandon Jennings (8 PTS, 4 AST) was 3-for-13 and Monta Ellis (9 PTS, 7 AST) missed 14 of his 17 attempts. Owners of Serge Ibaka (16 PTS, 7 REB) enjoyed a season-high eight blocks.
ORL @ ATL: Even without Al Horford (illness) the Hawks took care of business. Josh Smith (21 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 3 BLK) led the way, with Ivan Johnson (21 PTS, 10 REB, 3 STL) coming off the bench for his best game of the season. Devin Harris (17 PTS, 6 AST, 4 REB) was sharp after missing three games with a sore foot. It was great to see Nikola Vuvecic (17 PTS, 15 REB, 2 STL) back for the Magic; he had been out with concussion symptoms. Beno Udrih (20 PTS, 8 AST, 7 REB) was very good as the starting PG with Jameer Nelson (ankle) sidelined.
MEM @ MIN: I was concerned that Marc Gasol (21 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 3 BLK) might be rested in a back-to-back, but he’s obviously feeling fine. Mike Conley (19 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL) was 3-of-3 from deep as the Grizzlies dominated the fourth quarter. Nikola Pekovic (ankle) was a late scratch for Minnesota; his replacement Greg Stiemsma (12 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK) was no match for Gasol. Ricky Rubio (23 PTS, 10 REB, 9 AST) just missed another triple-double in defeat.
CHA @ PHI: The visitors kept this one surprisingly close until the end, led by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (21 PTS, 9 REB) and Gerald Henderson (19 PTS, 7 AST, 3 REB, 2 STL). Jrue Holiday (14 PTS, 9 AST) saved his best work for the end, Evan Turner (22 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST) has put together two good games for a change, and Spencer Hawes (19 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST) is finishing the season very well.