tyson chandler

Kevin Durant scored 24 points for Oklahoma City, as the Thunder defeated the Mavericks in Dallas last night 106-100. The bigger story for OKC was their superb bench play, led by James Harden. He scored 23, including 10 in the final period, helping his team knot up the Western Conference Finals at one game apiece.

Dirk Nowitzki gave one of the all-time great playoff performances to lead his Mavericks to a 121-112 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Dirk made 10 of his first 11 shots and an NBA playoff-record 24 straight free throws on the way to 48 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks.

Tyson Chandler has never garnered the headlines given to some of his all-star teammates. However, the Mavericks addition of Chandler last offseason is paying huge dividends this postseason. The Mavs identity changed when Tyson showed up. Suddenly defense and toughness were being used to describe Dallas.

Chris Paul was selected to the NBA's all-defensive second team on Monday night. It is the third time Paul has been named to the all-defensive team. He was a first team selection in 2008-09, and the second team selection in 2007-08.

The Dallas Mavericks completed a series sweep of the defending champion L.A. Lakers on Sunday in dominating fashion. With a final score of 122-86, the Mavs advanced to the Western Conference finals where they await the winner of Memphis and Oklahoma City.

The Dallas Mavericks made a statement last night in the Los Angeles Staples Center. A winning recipe of stable defense anchored by Tyson Chandler, coupled with proficient offense led by Dirk Nowitzki, resulted in a 93-81 victory for the road team. The Mavs return home for Game 3 and 4 with a dominant 2-0 series lead over the Lakers.

In their regular season finale in Dallas, the Hornets played a solid first half, leading the Mavericks 61-58. The second half was a different story, as New Orleans rested key players and only scored 28 second half points. The result was a dominant 121-89 victory for the Mavericks.

The Hornets David West and Emeka Okafor are left off the all-star team, as is Minnesota Timberwolves Forward Kevin Love. Clippers PF Blake Griffin is the only rookie selected to the all-star team.

The Hornets beat the Mavericks 99-97 at the Hive to avenge Monday's loss to Dallas. Chris Paul had 20 points and 11 assists.

While Chris Paul took the Hornets first loss hard, he most hard on himself. CP3 picked up his fourth foul early in the third quarter. "You can't do nothing on the bench. That's my fault. I felt like the fouls were here or there, that's my fault, I can't expect the refs to not call it."