Looking back at the Dallas Mavericks first playoff series win

Game 1

The Dallas Mavericks finished 20th of 23 NBA teams in defensive rating in 1984. They were not strong in that area. It showed early as the Sonics scored 33 points in the first quarter of game one and held a ten-point advance after 12 minutes. It was a bleak start for the Mavs.

Dallas clawed back the entire game. Ultimately, the defense allowed just 14 points in the fourth to propel the Mavericks to an 88-86 victory.

The Mavs used a balanced attack to get the job done. Mark Aguirre finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Rolando Blackman had 19 including hitting the game-clinching jumper with less than ten seconds remaining. Jay Vincent scored 18. Brad Davis gave the Mavericks 17 points and ten assists.

Gus Williams was the man for the Sonics dropping 37 points on 23 field goal attempts. He also had eight assists.

Game 2

The Sonics stole game two in Dallas. It was a similar story to the first encounter. Seattle started hot. They scored 56 points in the first half to put them up by nine. The Mavs clawed back, but it was not enough this time. The Sonics won 95-92 on a Gus Williams buzzer-beating three.

Dallas used their balanced attack. Blackman had 28 points and seven assists. Aguirre finished with 27 points and 17 rebounds. Jay Vincent chipped in 19, and Pat Cummings had 12.

Jack Sikma, Tom Chambers, and Williams all stepped up for the Sonics. Chambers had a game-high 30 points with Sikma and Williams producing double-doubles.

The series shifted to Seattle in the Sonics favor.

Next: Games 3 & 4