NBA: The Matrix Shows Up in Minnesota, Kevin Love "An Obvious Foul"

Shaw Marion makes a game winning defensive play to win the game. Photo
credit NBA 

by +Rodney Fisher 

The Dallas Mavericks are now 2-0 on their road trip after Shawn Marion leads them over the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-98. Marion was able to turn back the clock, scoring 32 points and playing lock-down defense that earned him the nickname “The Matrix” to win the game.

The Mavericks came out in the firing. They shot 60% from the field in the first half to take a 19 point lead into halftime. The Wolves seem to forget to play defense in the paint as they allowed the Mavs to make easy close buckets. Marion scored 21 of his 32 points in the first half, including a buzzer-beater at the end.

The Wolves made it much closer in the second half as both teams went on runs. Kevin Love continued to be as unstoppable as he has been all season scoring 36 points and 11 rebounds. He has now put up 30 or more points with 10 or more rebounds in all 30 games he has played this season.

The play of the night was not an offensive play at all. It was defensive play by Marion preventing Love for attempting a game-winning three pointer at the buzzer. Coach Rick Adelman and Love wanted the foul call on the play.

Kevin Love: “I’m the type of person that if you see a foul, an obvious foul, you call it. I thought that was pretty, pretty obvious...You look at the replay and it was obvious he got arm.”

Marion was the star, but it was a total team effort with 33 assists and holding Minnesota to only 23 free throws.

Rick Carlisle on the play of Marion: “Shawn was the key to the game, no question about it. If we’re giving out game balls, it’d be two game balls in a row for him. Activity was great. Played both ends of the floor. Didn’t run one play for him. He just produced.”

The Mavs will look to make it a perfect 3-0 road trip on New Years Day when they take on the Washington Wizards.

Game Notes: Ricky Rubio made his 1,000 assist in the first quarter. He finished with 13 total for the game. Brandan Wright played a solid game, 6-8 for 14 points in 17 minutes. Dirk Nowitzki had 16 points. No other Maverick scored double digits.