Weird +/- last night.

by Wes Cox on Apr 30, 2007 1:08 PM CDT in News

Dirk Nowitzki, who played 47.2 minutes last night, ended up being the only Maverick with a positive +/- last night.

In the 45 or so seconds he was off the court Dallas was -7.

Dirk is getting a lot of crap today, and he should -- he had just 2 points in the 4th quarter before making two threes when the loss was just about wrapped up. The Dirk hate is so high right now that Mike Fisher felt obliged to add this in his article today.

OK, I'll say it: Don't boo Dirk on Tuesday, please. It won't help.

I actually did manage to come across some Dirk praise today though, and it came from an unlikely source -- Ric Bucher.

The game went to the wire but the mano-a-mano battle occurred with 3:20 left when, with the Mavs leading by four, Nowitzki grabbed the rebound of a missed 3-pointer by Jerry Stackhouse. The smart play would've been to burn time off the clock before taking another shot. The gutsy play would've been to go right back up with it. Dirk was gutsy. He just wasn't successful.

Nowitzki's animation didn't end there. He was as MVP-like as I've seen him. When he drove and dished the ball to where he expected Jason Terry to be and saw the ball sail into the Mavs' bench instead, he visibly cursed at Terry for being in the wrong place. Walking his talk, he then buried a turnaround jumper at the left elbow and harassed Jason Richardson with energetic ballhawking (!) into a turnover.

Dirk's Postgame Press Conference

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Not Dirk's Fault

I think Dirk played a fine game last night. Scored, rebounded, blocked shots, steals and assists. Look at his line. It's not like he got 6 points.

The reason the Warriors are able to defend him is that no one else has a go-to move. They all play off of Dirk and when the defense tactic sacrifices an extra man to take the ball out of his hands, it is a 4 on 3 for the rest of the team. Someone else on the Mavs should really be making hay. Someone else could get 30 points, right? Stackhouse did it once, ok. Howard gets hot then Pietrus shuts him down and he can't get any more shots. Terry is running around with his head down.

As a Warriors fan I fear Dirk first, Howard second and no one else. I was at the arena last night. When Dirk hit those two late threes it was truly scary for the home crowd. Those were gutty desparation shots and tremendously difficult.

Look if you want to get rid of Dirk Freakin' Nowitzki, the Warriors would happily accomodate you!

by Dubmanny on Apr 30, 2007 6:34 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks for showing Dirk some appreciation

You being a Warriors fan and complementing Dirk means a lot. I 100% agree with your opinions.

The Mavs didn't lose game 4 because of Dirk, they lost it because almost every single one of them turned the ball over way too much due to the Warriors' pressure defense, especially in the 4th. I knew the Warriors' offense was great, but their defense has really impressed me. Their athleticism and speed is an asset on both sides of the court.

by dirk41 on Apr 30, 2007 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Just thinking

I remember last year when faced with elimination (in both the west semis and the conference finals), Dirk said that he saw the season and all of the hard work the team has done just swimming away and he stepped up to the plate and knocked both teams out of the park.

I wonder if that feeling in him will resurface tomorrow. I sure as hell hope so.

by Marie on Apr 30, 2007 8:43 PM CDT reply actions

Yup, not Dirk's Fault

I concur with Dubmanny. It was not Dirk's fault. As a warrior fan, I fear Dirk. Those two free's were a knife through my heart...the floor dropped out beneath me.

Stack and Howard also scared me a bit...but that's it. Terry is the invisible point guard. I know it's not really his forte. A good penetrator to draw defenders and free up Dirk would be good at this point.

Is it me or is Devin Harris a crybaby? I think everyone is carrying their weight on the mavs except him. Sorry, that's just my perception as a warriors fan. Its funny to see the reaction on his face after he gets torched.

Mavs fans, I have the ultimate respect for your team and fear you in the upcoming games. I feel like we're playing over our heads, and I'm not sure how much longer we can keep it up. Baron keeps pulling rabbits out of his hat, especially with Harrington and Monte disappearing from the playoffs. It's going to be a dog fight. I'm saying my prayers and lighting candles at church!

I expect you guys to coming out with both six shooters blazing tomorrow, I just hope we can hang with you guys.

Peace,

Mr. Jennings

Mr Jennings

by Mr Jennings on Apr 30, 2007 11:08 PM CDT reply actions

Devin Harris

I definitely don't think Harris is a crybaby. As people on this site have pointed out, it seems that refs can't believe he's able to get in position for an offensive call so quickly and instead call a blocking foul on him. He's actually done a good job for the most part of avoiding the refs and just smiling in disbelief.

Avery thinks he's the best defensive point guard in the league. He's also one of the fastest players in the league along with Barbosa in Phoenix. Devin and Josh are the two players whose quality of play has remained the same in the playoffs, while the other players' quality has dropped off.

If you read my diary 'Negativity Amongst Mavs Fans', I don't think the Warriors are playing over their heads. It's refreshing to see the humbleness from the Warriors fans, players, coaches, and even Chris Mullin. You guys could really rub it in!

by dirk41 on May 1, 2007 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions