NBA Playoffs, Early Round Classics Season 2014 Episode 2 Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs, Game 1

In this episode of NBA Playoffs Early Round Classics, viewers are taken back to the 2014 NBA postseason to relive Game 1 of the first-round matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs entered the playoffs as the top seed in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks came in as the eighth seed.

The game started off with both teams trading baskets, but the Spurs began to pull away in the second quarter thanks to stellar play from their big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. The trio combined for 53 points, as the Spurs were able to take a 10-point lead into halftime.

The Mavericks would not go away quietly, however, as Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis kept the game within reach. Nowitzki finished with a team-high 24 points, while Ellis added 16 of his own. The Mavericks were able to cut the Spurs' lead down to just four points with under a minute to play, but the Spurs were able to hold on for a 90-85 victory.

The game was not without its drama, as Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in the third quarter after arguing with a referee. The ejection only seemed to fire up the Spurs, as they outscored the Mavericks 45-38 following Popovich's ejection.

Viewers will be treated to highlights from some of the game's biggest moments, including several clutch shots from Parker and Ginobili. The game also featured a back-and-forth battle between Ellis and Spurs guard Danny Green, who finished with 15 points and three steals.

Overall, Game 1 of the Mavericks-Spurs series was a thrilling contest between two teams that were no strangers to playoff success. While the Spurs would go on to win the series in seven games, Game 1 served as a reminder of just how evenly matched these two teams were. Fans of both teams and fans of basketball in general will enjoy reliving this classic playoff matchup.