Nowitzki Leads Mavericks Over Thunder to Win First Game of Conference Finals

Coming in to Tuesday night's game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks everybody knew that Dirk Nowitzki was going to create matchup problems. Nobody knew that he would play as well as he did once the game tipped off. Nowitzki finished the game with 48 points, perfect from the free throw line and only missed three shots all night. The Mavericks won the game 121-112.

Nowitzki didn't have to rely on his teammates for the game but they played well too. JJ Barea continued his impressive playoff run with 21 points and Jason Terry put up 24 as the team from Dallas continued to roll through the postseason. The victory last night was the seventh straight victory for the Mavericks.

Nowitzki's game overshadowed his counterpart, Thunder star Kevin Durant. Durant finished with 40 points and eight rebounds, generally considered a good night in the playoffs. Unfortunately teammate Russell Westbrook was not able to match his level of play. Coming off of a triple double in his last game Westbrook finished with 20 points, three assists and three rebounds. He missed all but three of his shots and started the game one for eleven from the field.

Westbrook has faced criticism this season for no getting the ball to reigning scoring champion Durant. The Thunder's problems Tuesday had less to do with distribution and more to do with stopping Nowitzki. Game 2 is Thursday night in Dallas.