Paul Pierce's 29 points were too much for the Mavs in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)Despite having three days rest, Boston being on the second night of a back-to-back, and Dirk Nowitzki going off for 12 points in the fourth quarter; the Dallas Mavericks (46-23) still found a way to lose at home to the Boston Celtics (45-24). All signs point to another horrendous defensive quarter in the second half.
The Mavericks had a seven point lead (82-75) with 8:33 to go after a J.J. Barea three-pointer as Dallas seemed poised to win their 25th home game of the season. The Mavs then allowed the Celtics to make 11 of their next 12 shots led by eight points from Rajon Rondo, who's furthest attempt was from 10 feet away from the basket. Rondo had three lay-ups and spurred the run that saw Boston go from seven down to up six (99-93) with 1:06 left in regulation.
"Rondo was key down the stretch," said Mavs center Brendan Haywood, who had only three points and six rebounds on the night. "He made plays and they really fed off his energy. We didn't get the stops."
Boston made 12 of 17 shots in the fourth and Rondo scored 10 of his 20 points. Rondo also added 10 rebounds and five assists, Ray Allen added 21, and Paul Pierce scored a game-high 29 points leading the Celtics to their 24th road win of the season - second most in the NBA.
"They had three days off, had prep time for us, and we played last night, so to come back at the end and take the game away from them was huge for us," said Boston coach Doc Rivers.
I think that quote just about sums this game up. In the end, one team just wanted it more. Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 28 points, including 12 of the Mavs 21 fourth quarter points but the former MVP didn't get much help from his teammates.
"It's frustrating," said Jason Terry, who was second on the team in scoring with 18. "These are games we've been winning."
Butler's Rough Night
After having his highest scoring game as a Maverick Wednesday against the Bulls (27 points), Caron Butler had possibly his worst game Saturday night, in a game they needed him the most. He made only three of 14 shots (21 percent) and scored only nine points in 30 minutes of action.
Center Duo Comes Up Small
For the third straight game the combination of Erick Dampier and Brendan Haywood at center has been a disaster. The duo combined to commit just as many turnovers (5) as points scored on 1-5 shooting and only 10 rebounds.
Combine that with the fact that they have been unable to guard the paint - the Celtics had 44, the Bulls had 52, and the Knicks had 46 - and these two centers have not responded to the new rotation. While they were each supposed to push eachother to play better, it seems as though they have driven one another to new depths of shittiness for the center position.
Since both returned from injury, Haywood has averaged only five points and six rebounds per game and has scored less than five points in three straight games. Dampier has averaged three points and two rebounds per in fewer minutes.
Whats Next
Dallas continues on their three games in four nights stretch Monday night in New Orleans against the Hornets.
The Hornets have struggled without Chris Paul and are 33-38 on the season, having lost three straight and 10 of their last 12 overall. Dallas is 2-1 against New Orleans this season, having won at home and in New Orleans.
The Hornets are a much better team at home as they are a respectable 21-12 in New Orleans.
Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen nationally on NBA TV.
News and Notes:
- Dallas has lost five of the last six games against the Boston Celtics.
(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)
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