With the win tonight, Dallas takes a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. In NBA history, the winner of Game 3 in a best-of-seven series that was tied 1-1 has gone on to win the series 75.5% (111-36) of the time.
The Mavericks are 3-0 at home this postseason. Entering the 2006 playoffs, Dallas was 12-12 in postseason games played at American Airlines Center and 0-3 against the Spurs (2003 Western Conference Finals).
Dirk Nowitzki scored a team-high 27 points while shooting just 3-of-9 from the floor. He was 21-of-24 from the line (both franchise playoff highs). As a team, San Antonio made just 22 free throws. Nowitzki has scored 20+ points in 35 straight games dating back to the regular season and in 13 consecutive playoff games.
Tim Duncan scored a game-high 35 points. The Mavericks have allowed an opponent to score 30+ points in 26 of their last 63 playoff games but improve to 10-16 in those games. Duncan is averaging 31.3 points per game this series after averaging just 14.8 ppg in four regular season games vs. Dallas.
Dallas made 39 free throws (50 attempts) while San Antonio attempted just 32 (22 FTM). During the regular season, the Mavericks were 25-4 when making as many or more free throws as their opponent attempted.
The Mavericks had just 12 assists to 14 turnovers tonight and have just 32 assists in the series. The Spurs had just 12 assists to 12 turnovers and have 34 assists to 38 turnovers in the series.
Devin Harris scored a career-high (regular season or playoffs) 24 points tonight after scoring 20 points in Game 2. Harris has now scored 20+ points five times in his career (regular season and playoffs). Three of those games have come against the Spurs.
San Antonio scored 103 points tonight. During the regular season, the Spurs were 27-3 when scoring 100+ points (4-1 now this postseason).
Dirk Nowitzki had 15 rebounds tonight. It is the 10th time in his playoff career he has had 15+ boards. He is averaging 12.7 rebounds per game this series.
The Mavericks attempted a playoff franchise low 66 shots tonight. Dallas is averaging 75.4 FGA per game this postseason after averaging 82.1 FGA in the 2005 playoffs.
