Finley sets the pace in record half

[MavsFanFinley]

Finley sets the pace in record half

By Dwain Price
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DALLAS - Michael Finley set the tone for a record-setting first half for the Mavericks on Saturday.

The nine-year veteran scored 15 of his season-high 33 points in the first period as the Mavs rolled to a 121-101 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

"I just wanted to be aggressive," said Finley, who made 10 of 18 shots. "I knew Josh [Howard] was a little bit under the weather, so we needed somebody to have a little bit more energy, and I just took it upon myself to do that by driving a little bit more and getting other guys involved."

The strategy worked, as Finley shot 13 free throws; he had 11 in the three previous games combined.

"I just wanted to show the guys the importance of this game," Finley said. "I just wanted to lead by example, so to speak, and let the guys know that it was a game that we needed; we couldn't take a night off, and they followed suit and we got the win.

"We didn't want to come out lackluster, because we knew that despite their record that the Indiana team is the type of team that can beat most teams in this league."

The Mavs are 7-1 in the eight games Finley has scored 20 or more points. The coaching staff also hopes he can become a firm No. 2 scorer behind Dirk Nowitzki, who popped in 34 points Saturday.

"We have to have someone besides Dirk set the pace for the team," coach Don Nelson said. "Finley was the hot man through most of the game."

Finley's shooting played a major role in the Mavs shooting a team-record 74.3 percent from the field in the first half.

"I just got good looks at the basket, my teammates were setting good screens for me, and I was just making the most of the opportunities," Finley said. "I got to the line tonight for a change, which is always helpful, and everything just seemed to open up for me."

[dude1394]

I have noticed mike being much more aggressive lately. He's using the dribble to get with 10-12 feet where he is damn near unstoppable. He may have the best moving "inside" game I've ever seen. Left, right hand jump hooks, off the glass, dunks, fallaway, really outstanding.

He shot TWO of those insufferable fall-away 20 footers last night, made one, other not close. But I really like his offensive play of late.

[FilthyFinMavs]

"I just wanted to show the guys the importance of this game," Finley said. "I just wanted to lead by example, so to speak, and let the guys know that it was a game that we needed; we couldn't take a night off, and they followed suit and we got the win.

This is what I like to hear. Though the Pacers have been our best comp as of late i'd like to see this same type of leadership against the Spurs on Friday.