Memorable Mavericks Moments of 2014-15: #8

The Dallas Mavericks had an up-and-down season, starting the year off on a fervid pace offensively, making a semi-blockbuster trade to acquire Rajon Rondo, struggling to incorporate him, and eventually falling in the first round of the NBA Playoffs to the Houston Rockets in five games.

Overall it’s fair to say the season was a disappointment. Dallas made moves to compete but it just didn’t happen.

But there was still a lot to like. We at The Smoking Cuban are counting down the 10 most memorable Maverick moments. Here’s #8.

8th Most Memorable Mavericks Moment of 2014-15

Mavericks Erase Late 4th Quarter Deficit to Stun Portland

The Mavericks didn’t fare so well against the West’s top teams in 2014-15, but got an impressive victory over the Portland Trailblazers in February with a memorable 4th quarter comeback.

Dallas trailed 94-83 when Monta Ellis grabbed a defensive rebound with 2:08 left in the game. An 11-point lead with only 2 minutes to go seemed insurmountable, especially since Dallas had only mustered 83 points in the previous 46.

But Devin Harris hit a three-pointer from the corner just 13 seconds later and suddenly the Mavs had life. Wesley Matthews helped out with an ill-advised reverse lay-in attempt just ticks later, and after Chandler Parsons knocked down a three-pointer from the opposite corner the Mavericks were really in business.

Dirk Nowitzki eventually tied the game at 96, and Parsons was the hero in the overtime period, but Harris’ contribution in crunch time shouldn’t be overshadowed. In addition to his corner three, Harris poked the ball free from Damian Lillard and scored a transition bucket, found Nowitzki with Lillard on him in the high post for the jumper, and came down with two very key rebounds. One of them was the offensive board that led to Nowitzki’s game-tying shot from the top of the key.

Dallas finished the 4th quarter on a 13-2 run, and outscored Portland 28-7 if you include the extra frame to come away with the 111-101 victory. It was improbable, exciting, and one of the best wins of the year, making it an easy choice for our list of memorable Mavericks moments.

Check out the highlights and stay tuned for the rest of the list.

Next: Memorable Mavericks Moments of 2014-15: #7

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