Ri-DIRK-ulous: Nowitzki Explodes

By - Kris Fletcher

Last night, Dirk Nowitzki scored 48 points on just 15 shot attempts as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-112 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Nowitzki went 12-for-15 from the field, and broke the NBA record for free throws made in a game without a miss, going 24-for-24 from the line. He also contributed on the defensive end, hauling in 6 rebounds and recording a game-high 4 blocks.

Photo by: Getty Images

Jason Terry and JJ Barea were also big for the Mavericks, as they combined for 45 points off the bench.

Kevin Durant led the way for the Thunder with 40 points, but his supporting cast didn't pull enough weight. Russell Westbrook had 20 points, but most of them came from the free throw line, as he shot a dismal 3-for-15 from the field.

At this point, Nowitzki has to be the sentimental favorite to win the NBA title. This guy is one of the best players in the history of the game, and a championship would be the final piece needed to cement his legacy as an all-time great.

Game 2 is set for Thursday.