Dirk Nowitzki was perfect on 24 free throws, setting an NBA postseason record for most foul shots made without a miss as he scored 48 points, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 121-112 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The German Wunderkind made 10 of his first 11 field goals, and 12 of 15 overall. His 48 points were the most by anyone this postseason. It was two shy of his most ever in a playoff game, which came in the finale of the 2006 Western Conference finals.

Six guys tried to guard Nowitzki, and he either shot over them or put them in foul trouble. He made 13 free throws in the third quarter alone.

Serge Ibaka started against Nowitzki, got two quick fouls, and was replaced by Nick Collison. Kendrick Perkins, Durant, Thabo Sefolosha and James Harden all took turns with little success.

The playoff record for free throws without a miss was 21 by Boston’s Paul Pierce against Indiana in April 2003. Only Bob Cousy has ever made more free throws than Nowitzki had. The Boston star made 30 in a four-overtime game in 1953. Nowitzki’s 19 free throws in a half tied a record held by Magic Johnson, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley.

Watch the video below of Nowitzki’s 24 free-throws:

Game 2 of the Mavericks vs Thunder series is on May 19 in Dallas.

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Tags: 2011 NBA playoffs, dallas mavericks, dirk nowitzki, oklahoma city thunder