The Dallas Mavericks pulled off one of the most incredible comebacks in recent NBA history, storming back from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Houston Rockets 147-136 in overtime.
This hard-fought victory exemplified the Mavs‘ championship mettle and superstar talent.
First Half Woes Put Mavs in Early Hole
Dallas simply could not buy a bucket early, scoring just two field goals in the first nine minutes.
Sloppy ball handling and poor shooting dug the Mavs an early grave as they trailed the Rockets 42-27 after one quarter.
The Mavericks continued to struggle mightily in the second quarter as Houston‘s red-hot three point shooting stretched the lead to as many as 22 points. Costly fouls put the Rockets on the line 27 times in the quarter, allowing Dallas to scrape back within 5 points heading into halftime down 71-66.
Second Half Seesaw Battle
The two Texas teams traded punches in a back-and-forth third quarter. Every time the Mavericks would inch closer, the Rockets had an answer to maintain their lead.
Heading into the final frame, Houston clung to a slim 106-98 advantage. Just over a minute into the fourth, the Rockets had already stretched the lead back to double digits, and Mavericks fans were left shaking their heads as another winnable game slipped away.
Irving Catches Fire to Spark Epic Mavs Comeback
But when your roster boasts the likes of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, no deficit is ever safe.
Irving shifted into takeover mode, scoring 15 straight Maverick points to knot up the game at 115 apiece.
The two teams exchanged blows down the stretch, neither leading by more than 3 points over the final three minutes.
Dillon Brooks hit a huge three to put Houston up 128-126 with under a minute left, and it looked like Dallas would regret their miserable start.
But the Rockets missed three crucial free throws in crunch time, opening the door for the Mavs.
Dante Exum nailed a clutch corner three at the buzzer to force overtime, capping Dallas‘ unbelievable 22-point comeback.
Mavs Close Out Rockets in Overtime
Dallas finally grabbed their first lead of the night early in OT after four straight points from Irving.
His twisting drive and bucket put the Mavs up 139-136 with under two minutes left, pushing his point total to a season-high 48.
After Doncic rejected Jabari Smith‘s three point attempt, he scored a layup and free throw to seal Dallas‘ 10-0 run to close overtime.
Doncic finished with a 37 point, 12 assist masterpiece, while Irving’s 48 point explosion carried the Mavericks to an improbable comeback victory.
What This Means for the Mavericks
This tremendous win proved the Mavs have the talent and tenacity of a championship contender. For Dallas to overcome abysmal shooting, sloppy play, foul trouble, and double digit deficits shows the type of grit and perseverance needed to make a deep postseason run.
Doncic once again showcased his superstar talent, dominating with a near triple double. But it was Irving’s transcendent fourth quarter and overtime that stole the show.
When Irving is locked in, he is virtually unguardable. His shotmaking and shot creation make the Mavericks nearly impossible to beat.
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Dallas also demonstrated that they can win shootouts or grind-it-out contests. This game had no shortage of firepower with over 280 combined points. But the Mavs dug in defensively when it mattered most, holding Houston scoreless for nearly three minutes in overtime to complete the comeback.
If Doncic and Irving play at this MVP level and the supporting cast chips in, this team could very well be hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy this summer.
Come playoff time, no lead will be safe against these Mavericks.
Sources:
www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/kyrie-irving-stars-mavericks-rescue-win-against-rockets-2024-04-07/#:~:text=April%208%20%2D%20Kyrie%20Irving%20scored,Sunday%20over%20the%20Houston%20Rockets.
www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/4/7/24123637/mavericks-vs-rockets-final-score-recap-dallas-shocks-houston-overtime-147-136
