If it was not for Dallas Maverick forward Dirk Nowitzki, the Utah Jazz may have defeated the Dallas Mavericks on the road at American Airlines Center. The Jazz had a commanding lead heading into the fourth quarter, up 16 points. After struggling all game, Dallas ened up winning 96-85, mainly because of Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk made history by scoring 29 points in the fourth quarter. He broke Mark Aguirre's franchise record of 24 points in the fourth quarter and came four points shy of breaking the NBA record, held by Carmelo Anthony and Wilt Chamberlain. Through the first three quarters, Nowitzki, along with his team, was struggling from the field, rebounding, and playing defense. It didn't help either that Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, who was in foul trouble, was not in the game, forcing Mehmet Okur to defend Nowitzki. The Jazz could not deny Nowitzki the ball in the post or at the top of the key. With Dirk hitting all 14 of his free throw attempts, swishing his three point attempt, and going 7 of 8 from the field, his 29 point 4th quarter put Dallas on top. Dirk also had two assists to Jason Kidd, on a backdoor cut to tie the game, and to hit a three pointer to seal the deal.
