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Oh, Dirk
As Dirk Nowitzki goes, so go the Dallas Mavericks.
It is the definition of "franchise player": The level of desire, talent and testicular fortitude that separates a pretty good player from a great player.
Nowitzki, probably, is a once-in-a-lifetime NBA player and one most Mavericks fans will not see for a long time. The dude turned it on again.
With their backs to the wall, Nowitzki exploded for 31 second-half points in downing the pesky Houston Rockets, 117-110. All after logging 52 minutes two nights ago in the three-overtime loss. With the Rockets aching to get into the playoffs. With the Mavericks' season hanging by a thread, and it was the superstar, naturally, that came through.
He scored 35 giving him at least 24 points the last four games. He grabbed five boards (some of which were huge down the stretch) and did not turn the ball over. Most importantly, he got to the charity stripe 12 times, and hit all 12.
In March and April, he's scored at least 27 points 12 times and in the teens just seven times.
You are looking at the one and only significant key for the Mavericks in the playoffs, if there's a run left to take. What you get out of the likes of Brendan Haywood, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry or whoever is questionable from game to game. I wouldn't waste a plug nickel trying to gamble when they might put together a good games.
Nowitzki, however, I can depend on. He's the rock.
****
I would like to lay down some props for Vince Carter, a guy I've written off after horrendous months of February and March.
He's not necessarily shooting the ball well or scoring (just at 40 percent for April), but he ha suddenly turned into the team's best crunch-time rebounder, he's competent on defense, will pick up assists, steals and blocks and generally not stink. Not stinking is good. He scored 23 tonight. Did not shoot well (8-18 FG, 1-6 3PT). But he grabbed four boards (three offensive), pitched in three assists, turned the ball over once and posted a team-best +20.
He's not supposed to be this team's second-best player. As of April 18, he is. Almost all we really got.
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