Leading for most of the way Thursday night against the Boston Celtics, Jason and the Mavs just couldn’t hold on in the fourth quarter.
Shooting 38.9% from the field to Boston’s 48.6%, outrebounded 50-31, and outscored 30-17 — all in the final period — Dallas wound up falling at home, 99-92.
No. 2 talked about the Celtics’ great defensive intensity the fourth quarter, which forced the Mavs into some bad shots, with the Star-Telegram:
“They’re a great defensive team that makes you take tough shots. We were right there and had a great opportunity, but we let it get away.’’
Jason, who had another great passing night (10 assists, three points, two steals), had the Mavs offense working great for three full quarters. The final 12 minutes, however, saw a Boston defensive stand coupled with 18 points from the Celtics’ star, Paul Pierce.
“Paul got going and made some tough shots," Jason told the Star-Telegram. He’s an All-Star. That’s what he’s supposed to do. We tried to play him straight up and we just couldn’t get a stop. He made a shot or got to the free-throw line.’’
NOT LOOKING TO TERRY
While some chalked up the Celtics’ loss to the fact the Mavs were without Terry’s bench points, J.Kidd doesn’t think that is an excuse.
As Jason told the Star-Telegram, the Mavs can’t look to Terry to save them:
“We’re all professionals, we all understand what we have to do. We just had some shots that went in and out. We settled more than we should’ve.”
“Terry’s not going to play. I don’t know why we’re asking for Terry. Unless he’s cheering on the sideline that’s the only way he can help us right now.”
WEEK IN REVIEW
If you missed Jason lead his team into the All Star break on a strong note, here’s what happened:
2.10.2009 | Call Him Clutch
Jason stepped up and nailed a three pointer to send the Mavs into overtime in an eventual win over the Chicago Bulls.2.11.2009 | A Resounding Win
Jason’s double-double led the way in the Mavs run-away victory over the Sacramento Kings in a game where the Mavs as a team shot 55.3% from the field.
NEXT UP
After a nice long break where Jason and his teammates will look to cheer on Nowitzki at the All Star game, the Mavs get back to work Wednesday against the Nets at 6:30 pm.
RELATED STORIES
Celtics 99, Mavericks 92 (ESPN.com, Feb. 12th, 2009)
http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=290212006
Coaching absent in Dallas Mavericks’ loss to Celtics, Carlisle says (Star-Telegram, Feb. 13th, 2009)
http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/1203033.html
Dallas Mavericks miss Jason Terry in fourth quarter loss to Boston Celtics (Star-Telegram, Feb. 13rh, 2009)
http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/1202558.html