Dirk Nowitzki
So after tonight's performance, how do you rate his exit opportunities? His group isn't the most prestigious (Lakers and Celtics are clearly a cut above the rest), but surely a top bucket performance like this should pay dividends in the future, correct?
He is more than likely to finish his career in Dallas.
^Well, by exit opps I was referring more to where he'd end up this year (i.e. finals, champion, etc.). But yeah , clearly I failed in my attempt to be a funny troll, so let's make this a legit thread discussing that game lulz.
One of the all-time best performances. Unbelievable. He scored 48 points and didn't even attempt a three pointer. That's so absurdly efficient and unstoppable. He is literally shooting one footed fallaways and hitting them in people's faces. I really like the Thunder and think Durant is going to dominate the league for some time, but after tonight, I'd like to see Dirk get it done and win a title. Simply incredible.
I think whats most impressive is 24-24 FT
Definitely top bucket despite doing equities in Dallas
Those refs are out of their minds... 24 FTs for Dirk, 19 for KD, and 18 for Westbrook...come on man
Dirk does what he wants. How many times does he just stand there, do some random jab step and then arc an 18 footer in someone's face? This series won't be much of one if OKC can't figure out how to defend him without fouling. Durant's incredible as well and OKC's got good depth, just not as much as the Mavs. Westbrook is also an incredibly inconsistent passer and as long as the Mavs work in a zone D, he's gonna have to take some long-range shots. Wouldn't surprise me if Barea has a better series overall.
Listen, Dirk will NOT do that every night. Yes, he was unstoppable, but no one can keep that up. He was actually being guarded fairly well, but the dude was just on fire and half his points came from the FT line. The real problems for the Thunder are Westbrook's performance and stopping the Mavs bench (Barea and Terry especially). Just like Dirk, I suspect Russel will somewhat revert to the mean, but they need to change their defensive scheme all around. No more open 3s and make Dirk work harder for his shots (less fouls).
It also seems logical that Durant would come down a little bit from his great performance tonight, but I think when you look at it, he's got a better night-to-night matchup than Dirk on paper. Ibaka, Durant, maybe Sefolosha, and Collison should be able to put Dirk in tough situations (he just hit them all tonight), but I don't really see anyone on the Mavs capable of matching up with Durant regularly.
^Good analysis
I was at the game. Aewsome performance by Dirk. Top 3 individual playoff performances in NBA history without question.
Barea also had 21 points...in 16 minutes.
You absolutely cannot deem this one of the top 3 individual playoff performances in history... not even close.
Jordan had a 38 distinct 40+ games in the playoffs, with 7 being 50+ and one being 63 points.
Kobe has had 7 distinct 40+ playoff games, Shaq had 12, Lebron has 9, Dirk has 5 other 40+ playoff games apart from this one. Granted, it was a phenomenal performance (most impressively that he made 24 straight free throws and only attempted 15 FGs), but it's not top 3... just too many other more impressive/clutch performances.
Easy there, JeffSkilling. 24-24 from the FT line is great, but the refs should/will let them play. 12-15 is also great, but not anything that hasn't been done before. Great game by Dirk. Top 3 of all time? Give me a break. Do it in a game 6 or 7, or in game 3 when you're leading the Heat 2-0 in the 2006 Finals (oops).
Didn't realize people aren't allowed to have an opinion... if Jeff thinks its top3 then great, if it isn't in your mind who cares but knocking someones opinion because you don't agree...makes little sense.
And by your logic, we are also expressing our opinion. No where did we attack him, just disagreed and expressed our opinion as to why not. Deal with it.
You can monkey shit me if you want, but top 3 performances in NBA playoff history? Michael Jordan alone has had at least 2, if not more, greater performances and then you have legends like Bird, Magic, etc. No way is this top 3 all-time. A historic feat, yes? But top 3 historic feat, no.
when will the refs stop calling phantom fouls that sends durant to the free throw line. it's ridiculous
When OKC stop putting their hands all over him, no more calls will be made. You cant defend him like that.
I liked the idea of Sefalosha fronting him and getting help from Perk. That allows everyone to stay home on the shooters.
Russell Westbrook has to play better. He shot the ball poorly and some of those drives were flat out aimless, hoping for the refs to bail him out.
KD is ridiculous. I like the point the ESPN dudes said about putting KD on the block a little more. He's gonna have the same advantage, i.e. shoot over anyone he wants. His fallaway is sick.
Someone please also knock down JJ Barea. He cant be made to look like he's Steve Nash out there.
Bynum already tried that. If that doesn't stop him nothing will.
Shit
NBA Finals babyyyy
The spread was 7 and right now I feel like a genius.
Disappointed OKC couldnt hold on to leads.
Dirk is..I dont even know what to say. Cant wait for him to destroy Miami. Gotta think he's not losing to them twice.
Dirk will NEVER get a ring. Eat my crap Dallas. Timmy D. > Dirp Nowitzki
Awwww yeaaaaah
You jelly?
+1
Intrigued to see how Dallas expect to defend LeBron and Wade. Stevenson? Marion?
Kidd, he might not be the fastest guy or the biggest guy, but he sure as hell makes everyones life a living hell when hes gaurding anyone.
Jason Kidd? He isnt staying in front Dwayne Wade and he's too small for LeBron. Kidd can't guard either.
Caron Butler would have been good but I dont see Dallas messing up their rotation and chemistry right now.
I don't know how you could understand Van Gundy with Durant's cock in his mouth.
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