Dirk Nowitzki Leads Mavericks In An 18-Point Comeback Over Boston

If the Mavericks believe the cliché “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” they’ll be pleased with their performance on Wednesday night. Despite trailing to the Celtics 31-16 after the first quarter, Dallas turned things around and came back to win 106-102 behind Dirk Nowitzki’s 23 points.

“I thought their energy was great there in the first quarter,” Nowitzki said of the Celtics’ swarming defense. “They were all over us. I don’t think we were ready for how intense they play.”

Despite Dallas’ early struggles, their final frame was strong. After an Isaiah Thomas jumper put the Celtics ahead by seven with eight minutes remaining, the visitors went on a 14-2 run to take the lead. “We did a great job closing it out there in the fourth. That was a fun game,” Nowitzki continued. “Everybody was sharing the ball and making some key shots.”

The game almost ended in Dallas disappointment, however, as Raymond Felton missed two free throws in the closing seconds. With Thomas looking for a game-saving shot, Felton made amends with a crucial steal; Deron Williams would then sink his foul shots to close out the game.

“I can’t say enough about the play Raymond made there at the end after missing the two free throws,” Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. “He sprinted back and he got a deflection. That was the play of the game.”

The comeback gave the Mavericks a fifth straight win; they will look to continue the streak on Friday night when they host the Utah Jazz.

Photo: Mav’s Dirk Nowitzki