"I had to perilously face the danger..."
Lauryn Hill - Lose Myself
Watching Game 4 on Tuesday night left me with a familiar feeling...it was as if I've seen pieces of this contest before.
Redemption
Dirk Nowitziki once again carried his team to victory, as the Mavericks edged Miami 86-83 to tie the series at 2-2. Nowitziki scored, rebounded, and defended in the 4th quarter, pouring 10 of his 21-points, which included a driving lay-up with seconds left in the period.
In Game 2, he was able to turn it on, as well as score a high percentage shot with a few ticks to go on the clock that lead to a Dallas win. Throughout the playoffs, the Mavs have made a habit of mounting great comebacks in a stunning fashion.
What stood out more in my mind, was the duress that Dirk Nowitziki was able to play under. Flashback to June 11, 1997...as Michael Jordan was ravaged by the flu, however he was able to score 38-points (15 in the last quarter) , and grab 7-rebounds, while leading the Bulls to a Game 5 NBA Finals win over the Jazz.
I not making a comparison...I was just reminded of MJ, watching Nowitizki play through a sinus infection, amongst numerous other ailments.
The history books will be rewritten by the time this matchup is said and done. Miami didn't have much of an identity late in the game, and Dallas was able to capitalize on that.
It's now a best of 3 scenario...so instead of making a prediction, I'm just going to sit back, and enjoy the next game, which I'm sure will prove to be on par with the other four.
Words: @axgilbert
Photo: Mike Ehrmann
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2 comments:
Amazing! That was a great game. Both teams are really playing hard to win games.
The contrast between LeBron James having left the team that helped bring him to greatness in search of more money, and Dirk Nowitzki just having signed a deal to finish his career with the team that gave him his big break (and that he's stuck with through thick and thin) really makes me want to see the Mavs win, if for no other reason.
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