The rivalry has begun. On March 17, the Dallas Dirks out-dueled the Oklahoma City Durants 48-40. Oops, no, wait... The Dallas Mavericks out-dueled the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-112 to take a 1-0 lead in the Western Finals.

Game one featured two of the most prolific performances by players that a game in the Western Finals has ever seen. Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant couldn't miss the basket if they shot with beach balls. Possession after possession, Dirk would sink another fade-away, one-footed, turn-around jump shot, and Durant would then break apart the Dallas defense by swiftly sneaking into the lane for another short shot or a lay-in.

Game one was a 60-minute highlight reel. By the game's end Dirk, who had 48 points, 24 free-throws made out 24 attempts, and 12-15 shooting, had the last laugh. The German became the first player in 11 years to score over 45 points in a playoff game.

"He's as strong as anybody in the league," said Thunder head coach Scott Brooks in game two's pre-game show. "He knows how to play. He uses everything to his advantage. We have to do a much better job on him. He's a great player."

Dirk's teammate Tyson Chandler said it best, "He's defenseless."

Durant explained quite frankly why Dirk is defenseless in game one's post-game interview

In response to the question, "specifically, what makes Dirk so hard to guard?" Durant said "he's a seven-foot jump-shooter and he shoots one-legged fade-aways... Yeah."

Dirk and the Dallas "D" also have a lot on their mind in preparation for the remainder of the best-of-seven series. Durant's 40 points, 10-18 shooting, 2-5 three-point shooting and 18-19 free-throw shooting will be Dallas' main concern.

If the following games in this series are anything like game one, than fans have a lot to look forward to. Will this match-up turn into a rivalry? Will this series be labeled a classic? There's no telling. For a 'classic' status, the game has to go to six or seven games. Boy, there's a lot to look forward to...

2011 NBA Playoffs, Dirk Nowitzki vs Kevin Durant Pics

Game 1 Highlights of Kevin Durant vs Dirk Nowitzki in 2011 NBA Playoffs season.


Above is a photo of Dirk Nowitzki 2011 NBA season.


Above is a photo of Kevin Durant 2011 NBA season.