A shot that releases at eight feet, a monsterous post-up game that will burn you on most occassions, picking up 13 boards a game. He is truely the German Bomber.It's no wonder Drazen Petrovic's mom think she sees her son playing inside of Dirk. Dirk, in the regular season, averaged 26.6 PPG, 9 RPG, and 2.8 APG, and in this postseason, he's brought it up 28.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, and 3.1 APG!So the question: How do you stop him?You don't. In this series vs. Phoenix, he's been conservative on three's, and tried not to make any, and is still 2-4 in 3 games. In the Spurs series, he knew he had to punish Bruce Bowen, and the only trey he made in that series was a three of a fast break ignited by him. Against Memphis, he knew he would be free, and in 4 games, he was 8-17 from beyond the ark.So let's take a review of Dirk's playoffs so far. If he's really invincible, let's see it...Series vs. MemphisDallas is obviously expected to take this series over in four or five games with Nowitzki having no troubles finding his shot.The Bad? In the first two games vs. Memphis, Dirk had around 20 points at the halftime at both, but finished with 31 in game. The German Bomber admitted that he needed to respond with better games.His Response? In Game 3 @ Memphis, Dirk gets an offensive rebound off a broken-play and launches a three with 16 seconds left. Nuttin' but net! Dallas would go on to win in overtime.The Clutch? What I just mentioned above.The Stats?Game 1: 45 minutes, 31 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 13-15 FTGame 2: 37 minutes, 34 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 12-14 FTGame 3: 48 minutes, 36 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4-10 3FGGame 4: 35 min., 27 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 12-21 FGTotal: 41.3 minutes, 31.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 50.6% FG, 42.1% 3FG, 86.8% FTSeries vs. San AntonioMost are saying that in a 6-game series, Dallas could have a good chance of winning, but if it went to 7, Big D would have problems on the road.The Bad? In Game 1, sure, Dirk got 20 points and 14 rebounds, which sounds nice, but his 8-20 night from the field made his offensive impact low. It was a big surprise to see the last three points from San Antonio come with 2 minutes left in a 2-point victory over Dallas.In Game 6 with the Jet suspended, Dirk had to step up his role. His 26 points, 21 rebounds, and 5 assists looked so disastrous for opponents, but Dirk's impact on the game was very low.His Response? Dallas got a blow-out in Game 2 with Dirk staying efficient. He was 7-11 from the field and perfect on all 7 free throws. He finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals.In Game 7, Dirk came out with 37 points!!The Clutch? Wow, Dirk was simply amazing. In the third game, Stackhouse had a one-on-one with Manu Ginobli, so why not take it? He took the free-throw line jumper, MISSED it, but Dirk was RIGHT there to corral the rebound. He tried to go for the putback and was fouled. He connected on both clutch free throws while humming to himself Looking For Freedom by David Hasselfoff, and Dallas took a thriller, 104-103.The next game, Game 4, put Dirk under even more pressure from the line. Dallas trailed by two, but a careless Bruce Bowen foul on Dirk sent him to the line. Dirk connected on both to square the game up at 111, and after stopping Tim Duncan at the buzzer, Dallas went on for a 5-point overtime victory.Game 7 was magic for Dirk, though. With 31 seconds left, Tim Duncan found Manu open for a trey. Swish. What would Dallas do? Shoot the 3 or go for a lay-up? Dirk got the ball with 18 seconds left, took it to the whole, got the ball rimming innnnn.... and a FOUL! Dallas tied it up on the road and went on for an OVERTIME VICTORY in GAME SEVEN!!The Stats?Game 1 (his only non-monstrous game): 20 points, 14 rebounds (4 offensive), 2 stealsGame 2: 38 min., 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 7-11 FG, 7-7 FTGame 3: 43 min., 27 points, 15 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 21-24 FTGame 4: 47 min., 28 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 7-12 FG, 14-15 FTGame 5: 44 min., 31 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 13-22 FGGame 6: 46 minutes, 26 points, 21 rebounds, 5 assistsGame 7: 50 minutes, 37 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 11-20 FG, 15-16 FTTotal: 44.3 minutes, 27.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.43 steals, 52.7% FG, 91.3% FTSeries vs. PhoenixThe Dallas Mavericks meet up with Phoenix once again, but Dallas has done it with defense. Dirk Nowitzki has had some big defensive stretches in Game 2 and 3, as well. Dallas is expected to win in 5-7 games. Phoenix is either expected to struggle on offense or have a great time on offense every time down the court.The Bad? Nothing so far, but in Game 1, Dirk had some bad footwork on a couple of sequences and didn't have too much of an impact.His Response? Being the same MVP he's been.The Clutch? It's only three games in, so don't be too harsh on Dirk, but he had a great reverse layup drive in Game 2 with about a minute left, and Dirk and his Mavs chewed so much time off of Game 3 with a couple minutes left with offensive rebounds.The Stats?Game 1: 41 minutes, 25 points, 19 rebounds (8 offensive), 2 assists, 9-10 FtGame 2: 44 minutes, 30 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 12-21 FGGame 3: 41 minutes, 28 points, 17 rebounds (6 offensive), 5 assists, 2 blocks, 2-4 3 FGTotal: 42 minutes, 27.7 points, 16.7 rebounds (5.3 offensive), 4.3 assists, 48.4% FG, 87.5% FT, 50% 3FG 1 stealCan Dirk continue on this streak? Most likely. And if he does? Title for Dallas...-Article by Waqas
Dirk has been playing much etter during the playoffs, I don't need to give any examples you posted them above. I do not think that Dirk will have a tough time here on out against the Suns. They will probabely win in 5 or 6. Dirk has proven he is clutch and he can make the shots when he needs to so this should go on, but how will he cope the Heat defence next round. I'm not sure who the heat are going to put on him (shaq prob), but i'm sure he's going to have at least one more "ok" games this playoff's, i'm guessing game 1 or 2 in the finals. However if Dirk continues to rebound and score like he is then this could be very close finals.
If the Heat win, either the Suns or the Mavs just need to run. Shaq was a non-factor against us this year so if the Mavs just play our style they will win quickly with all the talent they have.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GArenas @ May 29 2006, 11:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Dirk has been playing much etter during the playoffs, I don't need to give any examples you posted them above. I do not think that Dirk will have a tough time here on out against the Suns. They will probabely win in 5 or 6. Dirk has proven he is clutch and he can make the shots when he needs to so this should go on, but how will he cope the Heat defence next round. I'm not sure who the heat are going to put on him (shaq prob), but i'm sure he's going to have at least one more "ok" games this playoff's, i'm guessing game 1 or 2 in the finals. However if Dirk continues to rebound and score like he is then this could be very close finals.</div>Do you mean, right now, if the Mavs win this series, you think whoever wins the East will easily dispatch the Mavs?Because I'd think it'd be the other way around.Right now, I see the Heat and Mavs matching up in the Finals, and if that happens, I think the Mavs will win in 6, as the Mavs have had much success against the Heat the last few years, and match up well with them.If Dirk has the monster games he's had recently, than they could win in 5...but I doubt it.
The only matchup that I see being a problem for the mavs against the heat is Terry on Wade. I think Dallas will be forced to go with Griffin or Daniels instead or Wade will go off. There is no answer for Wade though in general but Griffin and Daniels have a better chance imo.
^Don't even worry about it. Dwyane can score 28 against any player in the League. You just cant stop his explosiveness. So it is not that different whoever you throw at him.As for Dirk, yes, he has been great. He has shown that he cant only shoot the ball. I remember one game agaisnst the Suns I think he played in the post for most of the game, got something like 16 rebounds and got a ton of points inside. He is the best offensive big man in the League. He can shoot, blow by you, score inside, basically anything. And yes, he has shot the ball very well and very well off the dribble. He has proved the critics wrong who thought he couldnt lead a team. Guess what critics? He's going to the Finals.Yeah, I said it. It should be pretty obvious to everyone else too.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Marvinmartian @ May 29 2006, 04:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Do you mean, right now, if the Mavs win this series, you think whoever wins the East will easily dispatch the Mavs?Because I'd think it'd be the other way around.Right now, I see the Heat and Mavs matching up in the Finals, and if that happens, I think the Mavs will win in 6, as the Mavs have had much success against the Heat the last few years, and match up well with them.If Dirk has the monster games he's had recently, than they could win in 5...but I doubt it.</div>Not easily, however I do believe that both the Heat and the Pistons could take down the Mavs if hte tide is turned their way. I would actually say that Heat vs. Mavs would be a Heat win in six or seven.
Mavs have home court and swept the heat this season and last season too, if im not mistaken. Nobody can guard Dirk on the heat and he would score high 20s - low 30s vs. the heat.
Dirk's had some of his best games against the Heat. Haslem is worthless in this series because he is dependent on rebounding and Dirk will take him away from the basket. Haslem won't make Dirk work on defense either. To me Miami will have to change their lineup like this to have a chance against Dallas. ShaqWalkerPoseyWadeWilliams. Very similar to what San Antonio did to Dallas. Walker will spread the floor out more and make it harder for Dallas to double team Shaq or Wade.
^Could be an option.But my main point was, that even with a lineup switch, the Mavs STILL matchup well with the Heat.I don't think it matter if someone can or can't guard Dirk...I think, that just like Wade, Dirk will get his, and it'll be the other player, mainly Terry/Harris/Howard will be the difference in that series...not to mention what Diop/Damp can do against Shaq.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mavsfan1000 @ May 29 2006, 04:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The only matchup that I see being a problem for the mavs against the heat is Terry on Wade. I think Dallas will be forced to go with Griffin or Daniels instead or Wade will go off. There is no answer for Wade though in general but Griffin and Daniels have a better chance imo.</div> :HAHAHA: Dude, Wade gets KILLED by Dallas. Dallas has not just swept Miami in the previous 2 seasons, but they've killed Dwyane Wade...Game 1 this season: 16 points in 33 minutes on 6-13 shootig, 4-6 from the line, 8 assists and 4 turnovers. Not just that, but Miami lost by 36.Game 2 this season: 23 points in 39 minutes along with 4 assists and 5 steals, but only 7-19 from the field, 4 fouls, and 5 turnovers.Game 1 last season: Dirk scored 41 points just like his number. Wade had 20 points, 5 assists, 3 turnovers, and was 6-18 from the field.Game 2 last season: Wade DID had 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, but couldn't make any plays down the stretch. Also had 5 turnovers.<span style="font-size:36pt;line-height:100%">REMEMBER, JASON TERRY DOES NOT GUARD DWYANE WADE. JOSH HOWARD, THEIR MOST VERSATILE DEFENDER WITH HIS LENGTH, DOES.</span>By the way, what would you give as a rating for my article?
7/10, I gotta add in the bias factor. I know how much you obsess over Dirk.I'm surprisingly hoping the Mavs advance to the finals. Against the Heat
^Why? You looking forward to it?I know I am, I'd rather see the Mavs/Heat than the Pistons/Mavs...It'll be the most entertaining matchup to me.BTW Wagas, for someone who post some stupid stuff sometimes, and are too much of a homer, this was a very good and well thought out and organized article.8 or 9/10...
I guess a little. But I have been a Suns hater since like 2004. Not that I like the Mavs though, I just like them moreAnd I'm going for the Heat because I like them
It wasn't a homer thing. Dirk is an amazing player who is gifted with height and a super shot.Some people really love him.
