The Mavericks would not be denied, despite going down by double digits a few times, rallying to tie the game late as Kawhi Leonard missed at the buzzer. Overtime would see them seize control and hold off the Spurs comeback, courtesy of a strong 3rd quarter swing, 32-17, spoiling Tony Parker's big night. Dallas finished on 54% shooting to San Antonio's 44%, a gutsy road victory, becoming just the second team to win at the AT&T Center.
How did they do it: Harrison Barnes had 29 points and 7 rebounds on 60% shooting; Dennis Smith Jr had 21 points with 8 assists; Nerlens Noel had a strong double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds; Wes Matthews had 15 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists and LaMarcus Aldridge had 11 points with 14 rebounds. JJ Barea (pictured above) had 11 points and so did Seth Curry with 11 points, burning the Spurs whose defense let him shoot, watching him make a trio of 3PT bombs. All this production, yet Dirk Nowitzki had just 7 points in 18 minutes.
In the loss, Kawhi Leonard had 23 points and 7 steals after a quiet first half. Pau Gasol had 20 points with 9 rebounds, Jeremy Lamb had 19 points. The highlight, despite the loss, was 19 points and 9 assists by Tony Parker, a pleasant sight that gave the Spurs a chance due to Patty Mills' 1/13 shooting night. Bismack Biyombo had 12 rebounds with 7 points, 4 steals and 3 blocks.
In the end, it was a rare loss at home to end the season series in this bitter rivalry.