Tag Archive | "Dirk Nowitzki"

Udonis Haslem’s Defense Leads Miami Heat Over The Mavs

Posted on 30 March 2012

Tags: basketball, Chris Bosh, Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Erik Spoelstra, Indiana Pacers, LeBron James, Miami, Miami Heat, NBA, NBA Finals, Vince Carter

[Miami, FL] Coming off of a disappointing blow-out loss against the Indiana Pacers, the Miami Heat were looking to get a win at home, and in the process avenge last year’s NBA Finals loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

In the last game, the Heat looked worn out and exhausted. But on Thursday night, Miami was ready to play.

The Mavericks jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter. Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter both scored 6 points each, with Carter’s 6 coming off of a pair of 3-pointers. Although Dallas earned an early lead, Miami came back strong and cut the lead back down.

Chris Bosh scored 7 points, while LeBron James added 8 points. At the end of one, the Mavericks were up 29-24.

Dwyane Wade and the Heat rebounded in the second, playing with determination and force. Wade scored 8 points, but did pick up a couple of fouls. Udonis Haslem came off the bench to score 6. Norris Cole also played great off the bench, putting up 8 points. At halftime, the Heat were on top, 60-53.

The third quarter was basically a draw. Miami did keep Dallas at bay, only allowing the visitors to score 19 points. At the end of the third quarter, the Heat were up 80-72.

Men in black: Miami Heat get a big win against the Dallas Mavericks

The Miami Heat officially took over in the final quarter. Haslem again came off the bench to great effect, scoring 8 points and playing tight defense on Nowitzki during crucial moments. With the Heat playing great on both sides of the ball, Dallas simply could not dig themselves out.

The final score was Miami Heat 106, Dallas Mavericks 85.

Udonis Haslem scored 16 points off the bench and played stellar defense against Dirk Nowitzki. LeBron James and Chris Bosh each scored 19 points.

“The best thing about tonight … is we didn’t take another step back,” said James, taking into account the team’s uneven play as of late.

“We go right back out on the road, no feeling to be comfortable,” said Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra, with the fact that the team has lost six of their last eight games on the road weighing on his mind.

“What now? What’s next? It’s a time for a response on the road,” he said. The gauntlet has been thrown down boys.