Dirk Nowitzki poured in 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 93-81 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their NBA playoff series, taking control of the Western Conference semifinals with a 2-0 series lead. The Lakers find themselves in the ever unenviable position of needing to win four of the next five games after dropping two home games. Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register gives the grim details:
The 3 teams of 18 NBA attempts to win best-of-7 series after losing 1st 2 at home: '69 Lakers, '94 Rockets, '05 Mavericks.
The Lakers were simply outplayed by Dallas in Game 2, dominated on defense by the Mavericks. The Lakers couldn't buy a bucket from outside, shooting 2-for-20 from three-point range, with their only two makes coming after the game was already in hand. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 23 points, but had to work hard to score, making 9-of-20 field goals. The Lakers also shot themselves in the foot, making 11-of-20 free throws.
Game 3 is Friday night in Dallas.
For more news on this second-round matchup, be sure to stay tuned to this story stream at SB Nation Los Angeles. For more NBA playoff coverage, check out SB Nation's playoff bracket and schedule. For more news and information on the Lakers, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.