Mavs oust Thunder, head to NBA Finals
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots in front of teammate Tyson Chandler, left, and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of Game 5. (May 25, 2011) Credit: AP
Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavericks are going back to the NBA Finals.
Nowitzki (26 points) swished a go-ahead three-pointer with 1:14 left and Shawn Marion (26 points) followed with a three-point play off a steal, the pivotal plays in yet another fourth-quarter comeback, this one sending the host Mavericks to a 100-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night that closed out the Western Conference finals in five games.
After clawing back from 15 down with 5:04 left in Game 4, the Mavericks were down by six with 4:37 left in this one when they rallied again, outscoring the Thunder 14-4 the rest of the way.
Lakers name Brown
The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement in principle with former Cleveland coach Mike Brown to succeed Phil Jackson, the team said Wednesday. "We've met with Mike and are very impressed with him," said a statement issued by the Lakers. "In addition, we have an outline for an agreement in place and hope to sign a contract within the next few days."
Brown, 41, will get a four-year deal worth roughly $18 million, a person with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. -- AP
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