The Thunder Get Nowitzkied!

     Last night's game was very entertaining if you are a fan that can sit and watch 80 free throws in a game. Despite the free throws slowing down the paste of the game, both Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant had great games. Even though Durant had 40 points, last night's game wasn't about him. It was about Nowitzki and his shooting efficiency. Nowitzki shot 12-15 from the field and a record breaking 24-24 from the free throw line, breaking Paul Pierce's record of 21-21 in a game. Not only did Nowitzki only mis 3 shots but he scored in timely fashions. When ever the Thunder made a run to cut Dallas's lead down to 5 or 7, Nowitzki simply faced up Ibaka (the forward from the Thunder who tried to guard Nowitzki last night) and either went by him or shot the ball in his face, keeping Dallas on top throw out the fourth quarter. Even when the Thunder tried to play help defense or double Nowitzki he would make the proper play and kick it out to the shooters. Just like he did at the end of the fourth quarter as Westbrook tried to help, he simply made the correct pass to Terry in the corner for a three that would diminish the Thunder's hope of winning that game.

     Last night's game was mostly about Nowitzki's performance but Nowitzki also had help from quite a few people. The surprise person that contributed 21 points in 16 minutes was J.J. Barea. Barea had his way with the Thunder defense as they had no answer for him. He used the pick in roll well and even create his own shots as he blew by guards from the Thunder like Westbrook and Nate Robinson. He also had help from his typical partner in crime Jason Terry who continues to hit three pointers like they're foul shots. Last night he also helped by scoring 24 points and outscoring the Thunder's bench by himself (24-22). He also had a decent night percentage wise as he shot 50% from the three point line (4-8) and 50% from the field (8-16). Although these two are suppose to help Nowitzki, the most important help he got last night was from Russell Westbrook, who shot a horrible 3-15 from the field (20%) missed key foul shots and turned the ball over 4 times. As bad as the numbers are Westbrook still scored 20 points, some say he was out of control and hazardous to his team. The ending results prove that the Thunder are going to need a better game from Westbrook and a better team defensive effort on Nowitzki if they want any chance of winning.