The Dallas Mavericks scored 33 points in the first half. They also scored 33 points in the fourth quarter alone to complete the comeback and defeat the Miami Heat, 93-72. 

Dallas got a huge contribution from one of their most unlikely players. Their leading scorer was not Dirk Nowitzki or Monta Ellis, but somewhat sparingly used forward Charlie Villanueva who scored 20 points in 23 minutes. Nowitzki and Ellis each scored 12 points, and Tyson Chandler joined them in double-figures with 11, and he led the team in rebounds with 13. 

Without Dwyane Wade, Shabazz Napier started in the backcourt for Miami and scored eight points in 17 minutes. Luol Deng also missed this game as well, and Danny Granger started in his place at small forward. Hassan Whiteside led the team in points with 16 and absolutely crashed the glass with 24 rebounds. 

Both teams struggled to hit shots in the first quarter. After the opening 12 minutes, the Heat had a 15-13 lead. Hassan Whiteside had the most rebounds in a quarter by any player this season with 14, more points than Dallas scored. 

Things didn’t get much better for Dallas in the second quarter. They scored 20 points in the frame, but Miami scored 30 to take a 45-33 advantage into the intermission. Dallas shot under 30 percent in the half. 

After going down 49-33 a couple of minutes into the second half, Dallas suddenly started to find their rhythm offensively. Two quick threes cut the deficit to 10, and they finished the quarter strong to tie the game at 60 heading into the final quarter. 

By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Heat had gone completely cold. They managed just 12 points in the final 12 minutes, while Dallas rolled with 33. Dallas built leads as big as 24 points in the fourth before finishing with the 21-point win at 93-72. From the time they were down 49-33, Dallas outscored the Heat the rest of the way, 60-23. 

Dallas heads to Orlando tomorrow night to face the Magic, while Miami gets Saturday off before playing the Celtics on Super Bowl Sunday. 

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About the author
Josh McSwain
Texas born and raised, but I bleed black and gold--Mizzou forever. Just a small town boy looking to take the midnight train. Football is my favorite sport but my favorite sporting event is the Stanley Cup Playoffs.