#NBATogetherLive: Dirk Nowitzki drops 40 points, leads Mavericks to epic Game 4 comeback vs. Thunder in 2011 Conference Finals

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In Game 4 of the 2011 Western Conference Semi-finals, Dirk Nowitzki powered the Dallas Mavericks to an improbable comeback win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in overtime, 112-105 to take a 3-1 series lead.

Nowitzki scored 40 points and delivered down the stretch as the Mavs roared home, despite trailing by 15 points in the final five minutes of regulation. 

Down 99-84, the Mavs reeled off a 17-2 run to tie the game at the end of regulation and from there it was all Dallas. 

They outscored the Thunder 11-4 in the extra period, with Jason Kidd's three-pointer with 40.3 seconds remaining breaking the deadlock, before Jason Terry and Kidd sealed the W at the free-throw line.

"There's times and situations where they are going to test the courage and the mental inner strength of your team," Terry said. "This was one of those times.

"This was a defining moment in our season where we look back and say, 'Hey, that was the game.' "

Terry scored 20 points off the bench, while Kidd recorded 17 points and seven assists as the Mavs became the first team in 15 seasons to win a playoff game after trailing by 15 points or more with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Watch the game below:

For the Thunder, Kevin Durant finished with 29 points and 15 rebounds, while Serge Ibaka had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Russell Westrbook 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

The Mavs would go on to win the series 4-1, before going to defeat the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in six games. 

The views expressed here do not represent those of the NBA or its clubs.

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Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.