Mavericks run away with Game 7 victory

? When they needed it most, the Dallas Mavericks put together a record-setting romp in their first really good game of the playoffs.

And take note, Phoenix: They did it despite Dirk Nowitzki still misfiring.

With Jason Terry leading the offense, and Josh Howard setting the defensive tone against Tracy McGrady, Dallas took a huge lead in the opening minutes and built on it the rest of the way for an impressive 116-76 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

It was the most lopsided Game 7 score in NBA history.

Terry scored 21 of his 31 points in the first half, while Howard forced McGrady to miss six of his first seven shots. Although McGrady finished with 27 points, he shot 10-of-26 while trying to force the Rockets back into it. Frustrated that he couldn’t, he punched the air and came close to hitting an official. Teammate Mike James also let his emotions get the best of him and was tossed in the final minute of the third quarter for arguing a non-call.

Dallas led by 15 on a three-pointer by Terry early in the second quarter. It was the Mavericks’ biggest lead yet this series, but they were only getting started.

They were up 24 before halftime and stretched it to 28 at the end of the third quarter. The advantage reached 30 points soon after, and the only drama left was how many records would be set.

For Houston, the blown series lead is one of many things to lament.

The Rockets acquired McGrady believing that teaming him with Yao Ming would help them win their first playoff series since 1997. Instead, their drought continues, and McGrady fell to 0-for-5 in the postseason in his otherwise stellar career. The end of their run also means coach Jeff Van Gundy must answer to the NBA over his accusations about officiating that led to a $100,000 fine.