L.A. pushed to the brink.

Surely they’d get up for a road game, one they desperately needed to stay in the series mix. For most of Game 3, the Lakers did. But they’re playing the Mavericks, which means the Mavs controlled and executed another 4th quarter push. Which means the Lakers lost again. If there was such thing as a post-season MVP, Dirk Nowitzki (Nike Hyperdunk 2010) would be firmly in the lead to win it based simply on this series. He scored 32, grabbed 9 boards, and started the Mavs’ comeback from 8 points down in the final period. His point guard Jason Kidd (PEAK Kidd III) joined the movement, adding a quiet but key 11 points and 9 assists, as well as effectively shadowing Kobe Bryant (Nike Zoom Kobe VI) into a 17 point outing. Jason Terry (Reebok Zig Slash) performed his super sub role, knocking down 23 off the bench. Even Peja Stojakovic dialed in 15. Kobe and Lamar did break out new kicks flavors, though. Kobe opted for a Tour Yellow POP pair of Kobe VI’s, while Lamar broke out a Yellow/Purple pair of Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 for 18 points. Now up 3-0, Dallas looks to finish off the Lakers Sunday afternoon in Game 4.

The Bulls traveled to Atlanta, where the newly crowned MVP Derrick Rose played like he’d been snubbed in the award’s voting. Rose shot, floated and dunked 44 points on the Hawks to lead the Bulls to a 99-82 win and 2-1 series lead. And he did it in his Black/Red adidas adiZero Rose 1.5. Joakim Noah (Le Coq Sportif Pro Model 2.0) only added 2 points but hauled in a game high 15 rebounds. Joe Johnson (Jordan Prime 5), Josh Smith (adidas Pro Model 2010), and Jeff Teague tried with 10, 17 and 21, respectively, but their output was rendered useless by Rose’s onslaught. Game 4 Sunday night.

These kicks and more ahead in NBA Kicks 2011 NBA Playoff edition…