We know Dirk will show up tonight..
What about the rest of the team??
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http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archi...en-mavs-b.html
Dirk usually brings his best when Mavs' backs are against the wall
Tim MacMahon
Until he wins a ring, there will always be debate about whether Dirk can be the centerpiece of a championship team.
But there's no doubt that he routinely shows up for big games.
As pointed out on this here blog on the eve of the postseason, Dirk's stats indicate that he's a premier playoff performer. His career playoff averages (25.4 ppg, 11.0 rpg) are significantly better than his regular-season numbers. He's one of five 25/10 playoff producers in NBA history.
And he's even better when the Mavs' backs are against the wall. Tonight will be the 16th time Dirk has played in a win-or-go-home game. He has averaged 30.8 points and 13.3 rebounds in the previous 15 elimination games. The Mavs won eight of those games, highlighted by Dirk's epic 37-point, 15-rebound performance to carry the Mavs over the Spurs in a road Game 7.
So Dirk putting up 44 points and 13 rebounds to in a sweep-preventing Game 4 win wasn't stunning. It'd be surprising if he doesn't have another outstanding performance in the Pepsi Center tonight.
(Follow the jump for a list of Dirk's elimination game efforts.)
2001
Game 3 vs. Utah: 33 points, 10 rebounds (W)
Game 4 vs. Utah: 33 points, 10 rebounds (W)
Game 5 vs. Utah: 18 points, 4 rebounds (W)
Game 4 vs. San Antonio: 30 points, 9 rebounds (W)
Game 5 vs. San Antonio: 42 points, 18 rebounds (L)
2002
Game 5 vs. Sacramento: 32 points, 12 rebounds (L)
2003
Game 7 vs. Portland: 31 points, 11 rebounds (W)
Game 7 vs. Sacramento: 30 points, 19 rebounds (W)
(Did not play in deciding game of conference against San Antonio due to knee injury)
2004
Game 5 vs. Sacramento: 31 points, 14 rebounds (L)
2005
Game 7 vs. Houston: 14 points, 14 rebounds (W)
Game 6 vs. Phoenix: 28 points, 13 rebounds (L)
2006
Game 7 vs. San Antonio: 37 points, 15 rebounds (W)
Game 6 vs. Miami: 29 points, 15 rebounds (L)
2007
Game 6 vs. Golden State: 8 points, 10 rebounds (L)
2008
Game 5 vs. New Orleans: 22 points, 13 rebounds (L)
2009
Game 4 vs. Denver: 44 points, 13 rebounds (W)