Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (R) defends New Orleans Hornets forward David West in the first half of Game 3 of their NBA basketball playoff series in Dallas, Texas April 25, 2008.
(REUTERS/Mike Stone)
Nowitzki powers Mavericks to home win over Hornets
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (R) defends New Orleans Hornets forward David West in the first half of Game 3 of their NBA basketball playoff series in Dallas, Texas April 25, 2008.
(REUTERS/Mike Stone)
DALLAS (Reuters) - An inspired Dirk Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks to a 97-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday, the home team registering a first win in the best-of-seven Western Conference series after two road losses.
Nowitzki had 36 points, 19 rebounds and six assists to boost the Mavericks, who were playing their first home game of the series.
In another playoff game, the surprising Philadelphia 76ers crushed the Detroit Pistons 95-75 to open a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference series.
Samuel Dalembert had 22 points and 16 rebounds and Andre Miller scored 21 points for the seventh seeded 76ers in the home victory.
At Dallas, Jason Terry added 22 points and Josh Howard scored 18 for the Mavericks while Jannero Pargo led New Orleans with 30 points.
Chris Paul, the Hornets' MVP candidate, had 16 points and 10 assists but endured a poor shooting night against a strong Mavs defense.
Game Four is in Dallas on Sunday. (Writing by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina; Editing by John O'Brien)
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