NBA Playoffs, Early Round Classics Season 2009 Episode 3 Dallas vs. San Antonio Game #1 04/18/09

In this episode of NBA Playoffs, Early Round Classics, we take a trip down memory lane to the 2009 NBA playoffs, where the Dallas Mavericks faced off against the San Antonio Spurs in their first game of the series on April 18th.

The Mavericks, led by star player Dirk Nowitzki, had finished the regular season with a record of 50 wins and 32 losses. The Spurs, who were no strangers to playoff success, boasted their own star power in Tim Duncan and Tony Parker and had finished the regular season with a record of 54 wins and 28 losses.

The first quarter of the game saw a back-and-forth battle as both teams looked to set the tone early. The Spurs managed to take a slight lead, thanks in part to their strong defense and the play of Parker, who had 10 points in the opening period. The Mavericks stayed in the game, however, with Nowitzki scoring 9 points of his own in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Spurs began to pull away as they continued their strong play on both ends of the court. Duncan and Parker continued to lead the way, while role players such as Michael Finley and Roger Mason Jr. provided valuable contributions off the bench. The Mavericks struggled to keep up, shooting just 2 for 11 from beyond the arc in the first half.

The second half saw the Mavericks come out with renewed energy as they looked to close the gap. Nowitzki continued to light up the scoreboard, finishing the game with 34 points and 13 rebounds. The Mavericks were also aided by strong performances from Jason Terry and Brandon Bass, who combined for 31 points.

Despite this, the Spurs managed to hold on for the win, thanks in large part to their ability to get to the free-throw line. The Spurs attempted 39 free throws in the game, compared to just 17 for the Mavericks, who were frustrated by the referees' whistle.

Overall, the game was a showcase of the two teams' strengths and weaknesses. The Spurs' defense and ability to draw fouls proved to be the difference, while the Mavericks' offensive firepower kept them in the game until the very end.

This episode of NBA Playoffs, Early Round Classics is a must-watch for fans of both teams and anyone who appreciates great basketball. It provides a glimpse into the playoff battles of the past and gives viewers an appreciation for the talent and skill of both teams.