By Compiled from Times wires
Published May 18, 2003
DALLAS - The "Big D" is not just a nickname for Dallas anymore.
That moniker also belongs to Dirk Nowitzki after his best game of the second round put the Mavericks into the West final.
Nowitzki had a tremendous game Saturday night with 30 points, 19 rebounds and a timely 3-pointer, one of 11 by the Mavericks, who defeated the Kings 112-99 in Game 7 of the conference semifinal.
"I wasn't a big factor the whole series. I couldn't find my rhythm," said Nowitzki, who worked on his shot before the game with his personal mentor, Holger Geschwindner, to add a little arc. "I'm glad my jumper was a little better than it was a couple days ago."
Many had waited for this kind of breakout game from Nowitzki, whose struggles in the series were so pronounced the Dallas Morning News listed him as a 20-1 underdog to be the star of the game.
But that was what he was, with strong supporting roles from Nick Van Exel, Michael Finley, Steve Nash, Raja Bell and Shawn Bradley, as the Mavericks advanced to the conference final for the first time since 1988.
The all-Texas showdown with the Spurs begins Monday night, with the winner advancing to the NBA Finals.
Van Exel, the consistent offensive producer in the series, had 23 points and four 3s. Finley added 18, Nash had 18 points and 13 assists and Bell scored 12.
As the Mavericks left the court, Finley carried Nowitzki off, fitting for a player who carried Dallas with 12-of-20 shooting. Mike Bibby scored 25 for the Kings, whose season ended in a Game 7 loss a second straight year.
LAKERS: Shaquille O'Neal was a no-show at exit interviews, drawing a negative reaction from coach Phil Jackson.
"I am upset. It's disrespectful to us as a staff," Jackson said. "It's closure. It's adult responsibility to do that."
Team spokesman John Black said O'Neal and Rick Fox were the only players on the 13-man roster who didn't make appointments for Saturday's meetings. Two nights earlier the Lakers' three-year run as NBA champions ended when the Spurs eliminated them from the playoffs.
Fox is in New York recuperating from surgery on his left foot.
Nine kept their appointments. Brian Shaw called to reschedule for Monday, and Samaki Walker, an unrestricted free agent who rarely played in the postseason, did not call or show up, Black said.
Jackson said O'Neal's physical condition will be a major factor in the Lakers attempt to return to the top. "Our team needs the infusion of his energy at full throttle," he said.
O'Neal had surgery on his arthritic right big toe Sept. 11 and missed the first 12 games recuperating.
Jackson said there will be changes on the roster next season, and improved defense is the biggest priority.
