NBA Playoffs, Early Round Classics Season 2011 Episode 33 L.A. Lakers vs Dallas Game #4 05/08/2011

The NBA Playoffs, Early Round Classics is back with another exciting episode featuring the Los Angeles Lakers facing off against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 8th, 2011. This game was a pivotal moment in the series as the Mavericks were up 2-1 and a win here would give them a commanding lead, while a Lakers victory would even the series.

The Lakers, led by superstar Kobe Bryant, were looking to bounce back after a disappointing Game 3 loss where they were blown out by 36 points. The Mavericks, on the other hand, were firing on all cylinders and determined to continue their dominance over the Lakers.

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that both teams were ready to leave it all out on the court. The Lakers came out with energy and aggression, playing with a sense of urgency that had been lacking in their previous game. Kobe Bryant, as always, was the focal point of the team's offense. He was aggressive early on, attacking the basket and drawing fouls, and was able to put the Lakers up by double digits early in the first quarter.

However, the Mavericks were not about to roll over and let the Lakers take control of the game. Dirk Nowitzki, the team's veteran leader, responded with a flurry of baskets to keep the Mavericks in the game. He was able to get to the free-throw line frequently, knocking down all of his shots and keeping the score close.

As the game wore on, the Lakers continued to control the pace, with the Mavericks struggling to keep up. Pau Gasol provided a massive boost for the Lakers, dominating the boards on both ends of the floor and making several key baskets in the process. Lamar Odom also came off the bench to make a significant impact, scoring 10 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

Despite the Lakers' dominance throughout the game, the Mavericks never let up. With Nowitzki leading the way, they slowly chipped away at the Lakers' lead, cutting it to just four points with under four minutes remaining in the game. The Lakers were feeling the pressure, knowing that a loss in this game could effectively end their playoff hopes.

Kobe Bryant, however, was not going to let that happen. He took over down the stretch, hitting a clutch three-pointer to put the Lakers back up by seven. He continued to attack the basket, drawing fouls and knocking down free-throws to seal the victory for the Lakers.

With the win, the Lakers were able to even the series at 2-2, setting up a crucial Game 5. The Mavericks, despite their best efforts, were unable to overcome the Lakers' dominance and now found themselves in a battle for their playoff lives.

Overall, this was a thrilling game that showcased the intensity and skill of both the Lakers and Mavericks. With both teams fighting for their respective playoff lives, every possession mattered, and the players left everything out on the court. The Lakers were able to come out on top in this critical game, but with each team taking turns dominating the series, it was clear that anything could happen in the next game.