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Old 03-23-2011, 10:20 AM   #75
BGMaverick9
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One is the loneliest number, but it also marks the number of rebounds Dirk Nowitzki had in the game against the Phoenix Suns prior to the All-Star break on Feb. 17. In the eyes of coach Rick Carlisle, Having the advantage in the rebounding category is considered one of the major keys to success for the Dallas Mavericks. For the season, Nowitzki is currently averaging 6.8 rebounds, his lowest average since his first full season in the NBA (1999-00). His rookie year was the 1998-99 season, but it was shortened to only 47 games due to the lockout.

Based on those numbers, concern was starting to grow where people wondered if Nowitzki's right knee was not fully recovered after sitting out nine games due to a sprained knee (late December/early January). The nine games that he missed marked the longest stretch of games he's missed in his 12-year NBA career. When you add the 12 years, consistent trips to the playoffs and summer commitments to the German National Team, concern about Nowitzki losing tread on the tires could be a legitimate concern. Questions arose whether or not Nowitzki's overall "lift" was completely gone or was he just biding his time until it was time to crank it up?

The 10-time All-Star has started to crank up the intensity in the rebounding department, which has helped the Mavericks' overall rebounding production increase along the way. Prior to the All-Star break, Dallas was out-rebounded by their opponents by an average margin of .3 (41.5 to 41.2). Post All-Star Break, Dallas has out-rebounded their opponents by an average margin of +2.9 (41.6 to 38.7). That is a significant change and Nowitzki has played a big role in their positive results.
read the rest at http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2011/3/...g-playoff-mode
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Last edited by BGMaverick9; 03-23-2011 at 11:33 AM.
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