From Jerry Zgoda/Star Tribune:
Tied after each of the first three quarters, Wittman said the "tide
turned" when the Wolves allowed Dallas only three points in the fourth
quarter’s opening four minutes — but couldn’t score themselves.
"We made some mistakes and you can’t make mistakes against a good team
like that," Wolves forward Al Jefferson said a 22-point, eight-rebound
performance that included one point in the fourth quarter. "Especially
not with Jason Kidd now added to them."
Yet the Wolves rallied from a 63-52 deficit with 6:15 left in the third and pulled even at 71-71 heading into the fourth.
The Wolves started slowly in the fourth quarter, but
Rashad McCants broke their scoring drought with a three-pointer with
7:41 left to tie the score 74-74.
Rashad McCants broke their scoring drought with a three-pointer with
7:41 left to tie the score 74-74.
But Kidd made big baskets down the stretch. He got
inside for a layup and then used a Nowitzki screen before hitting a
jumper that widened Dallas’ lead to 85-77. The Mavs cruised the rest of
the way.
inside for a layup and then used a Nowitzki screen before hitting a
jumper that widened Dallas’ lead to 85-77. The Mavs cruised the rest of
the way.
Wolves record: 11-43
Stephen Litel/Hoopsworld with pregame, halftime, and postgame reports
In his third game with the Mavericks and 1,000th of his career, Kidd
dished 17 assists, and fell three rebounds short of his 100th career
triple-double to lead the way for Dallas.
dished 17 assists, and fell three rebounds short of his 100th career
triple-double to lead the way for Dallas.
Wolves veteran Antoine Walker was on the inactive
list for the second consecutive game despite being healthy enough to
play. Wittman reasserted that he wants to evaluate other players.