Postgame Thread: the best TEAM in the league beats OKC - Page 3 - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Bayliss · 12-27-2010, 11:12 PM

Dammit where's my vicadin! And my tennis ball!

Underdog · 12-27-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Dirk Nowitzki misses second half in win

link

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Dallas Mavericks were without star forward Dirk Nowitzki for the second half of their 103-93 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday because of a sore right knee.

Nowitzki left the game at the 9:10 mark of the second quarter after his momentum from a fallaway jumper caused him to stumble backward to the floor. He was fouled on the play, but it appeared that he tripped over his own foot, causing him to fall.

Despite taking a while to get up and walking gingerly, Nowitzki made the free throw for a 42-36 Mavs lead and then headed to the locker room.

Nowitzki, who said after the game that he was day-to-day, will have an MRI exam on his right knee Tuesday morning. X-rays on his right knee were negative.

"It's been bothering me for the last two weeks, so maybe that's why it [the knee] gave in a little bit. Hopefully it's just a strain, and hopefully I'll be back in action soon."

The Mavs' forward, who is averaging 24.5 points and 7.6 rebounds, had 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting when he exited the game. After he left, the Mavs scored just 14 points and were outscored by the Thunder 20-14 to go into halftime tied 56-56.

"I'll take an ankle sprain over this any day just because this is a weird injury," Nowitzki said. "I never had it, so from a rolled ankle I probably would have walked it off and came right back out there."

The Mavericks play again Tuesday night at home against the Toronto Raptors and then on Thursday against Southwest Division rival San Antonio.

Dallas, which was paced by Caron Butler's 21 points against the Thunder, was also without reserve forward Brian Cardinal (stomach illness), leaving it without a true power forward on the roster. Small forward Steve Novak and fourth-string center Alexis Ajinca were active.

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tcat075 · 12-27-2010, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RareMilk

Who is a legitimate backup for Dirk? Marion? Twin tower lineup Haywood and Chanldler? Alexis? Kidd?

Definitely Cardinal, but I could see Ajinca getting a little burn here and there if Dirk (and he won't be, mark it) is out any amount of time. He's obviously got more of a PF skillset compared to Mahinmi. Still, maybe Ajinca playing over Mahinmi was a Casey thing, whereas Carlisle would prefer to play Mahinmi at the 4. They both could do it, though you won't see Ian spotting up in the corner. Honestly, I think they like Ajinca's potential a lot, but its even possible Novak is active as the preferred forward, whereas Ajinca's viewed as a PF only in emergencies (as today).

Bayliss · 12-27-2010, 11:14 PM

Quote:

After listening to Dirk's interview and 5 minutes of googling, i'm guessing the injury is a strain to the popliteus muscle.

And was that the injury that sidelined him for the whole playoffs?

Maringa · 12-27-2010, 11:16 PM

X-ray will not identify ligament strain, tear or rupture.

If it is not torn, he needs to be fitted with a brace until he is strong and comfortable.

BGMaverick9 · 12-27-2010, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcat075

Definitely Cardinal, but I could see Ajinca getting a little burn here and there if Dirk (and he won't be, mark it) is out any amount of time. He's obviously got more of a PF skillset compared to Mahinmi. Still, maybe Ajinca playing over Mahinmi was a Casey thing, whereas Carlisle would prefer to play Mahinmi at the 4. They both could do it, though you won't see Ian spotting up in the corner. Honestly, I think they like Ajinca's potential a lot, but its even possible Novak is active as the preferred forward, whereas Ajinca's viewed as a PF only in emergencies (as today).

They might like the potential a lot, but not enough (at the time) to give Ajinca an extension...they declined that possibility several weeks ago.

All signs still point to him being an option on trade-bait. They've gotten nibbles but with how they're playing now, they're holding on because they know big men don't grow on trees and might be able to find something better in terms of a deal farther down the road.

LonghornDub · 12-27-2010, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayliss

And was that the injury that sidelined him for the whole playoffs?

Yep: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playof...ory?id=4073024

Bayliss · 12-27-2010, 11:19 PM

Quote:

X-ray will not identify ligament strain, tear or rupture.

So basically, an X-Ray is pretty pointless nowadays.

If he has a torn ligament... he probably wouldn't have been able to walk on it, right?

(I can't remember if Webber did or not that year....)

tcat075 · 12-27-2010, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

They might like the potential a lot, but not enough (at the time) to give Ajinca an extension...they declined that possibility several weeks ago.

All signs still point to him being an option on trade-bait. They've gotten nibbles but with how they're playing now, they're holding on because they know big men don't grow on trees and might be able to find something better in terms of a deal farther down the road.

Hmm. Obviously they've seen much more than I have, but Ajinca seems to have a pretty unique skill set of athleticism and shooting touch that very few seven footers have. Honestly, I have my doubts if he'll ever pan out, but I still love his potential and am a little surprised the Mavericks wouldn't be wanting to keep him around because of that potential.

If they signed him to an extension, his trade value would not be as high, would it? Expirings are much more attractive. I guess that makes sense.

sefant77 · 12-27-2010, 11:22 PM

Without that huge Bucks egg we would be on a 18-0 run...

BGMaverick9 · 12-27-2010, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcat075

Hmm. Obviously they've seen much more than I have, but Ajinca seems to have a pretty unique skill set of athleticism and shooting touch that very few seven footers have. Honestly, I have my doubts if he'll ever pan out, but I still love his potential and am a little surprised the Mavericks wouldn't be wanting to keep him around because of that potential.

Maybe it's their fault or something, but they made a decision and gave Ian a multi-year deal. Carlisle has been more vocal in praising Ian's work over Ajinca, but still gives him credit...it does feel a little more like token praise though. It's not to say that they see him as a stiff, but I think they've got more of their focus shifted towards Ian.

If they can only pick one, they've made their choice. They can always change it but for now, it's Ian over Lex.

tcat075 · 12-27-2010, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Maybe it's their fault or something, but they made a decision and gave Ian a multi-year deal. Carlisle has been more vocal in praising Ian's work over Ajinca, but still gives him credit...it does feel a little more like token praise though. It's not to say that they see him as a stiff, but I think they've got more of their focus shifted towards Ian.

If they can only pick one, they've made their choice. They can always change it but for now, it's Ian over Lex.

I did add an edit to my post. And yes, I guess I should stop thinking of it as them decided that since they have Mahinmi they don't need Ajinca, and aggressively trying to trade him. Instead, they're putting him out there, and if they get a good offer, they have no issues parting with him. If not, they'll keep him, but no extension will come until they are sure that they won't get an offer they like. Its not like they've decided to get rid of him at all costs.

SMC0007 · 12-27-2010, 11:27 PM

That one was one of the top 3 wins of the season so far in my book.

BGMaverick9 · 12-27-2010, 11:27 PM

Dirk Tweet

Quote:

Originally Posted by @swish41

Thx for askin everybody. I will be ok. Got an mri 2mor mornin. Great win. guys came through bigtime and defense down the stretch was sick

LonghornDub · 12-27-2010, 11:28 PM

Dirk says: "Thx for askin everybody. I will be ok. Got an mri 2mor mornin. Great win. guys came through bigtime and defense down the stretch was sick"

jthig32 · 12-27-2010, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayliss

So basically, an X-Ray is pretty pointless nowadays.

If he has a torn ligament... he probably wouldn't have been able to walk on it, right?

(I can't remember if Webber did or not that year....)

I'm pretty sure there are tear scenarios where the knee is relatively pain free under normal conditions and able to be walked on.

b_o_r · 12-27-2010, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayliss

And was that the injury that sidelined him for the whole playoffs?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

Yep: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playof...ory?id=4073024

"The doc told us that the popliteus tendon/muscle strain is a “very unusual injury” for a basketball player, and one that requires extensive rest and rehabilitation. The tendon strain plus the bone spurs likely suggest that KG is developing an arthritic condition in his right knee, something that is not unusual in a player who has logged as many high-intensity minutes as Garnett"

It was a combination of old injuries in addition to the popliteus tendon that ended his season.

ghazi · 12-27-2010, 11:38 PM

we staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacked

dude1394 · 12-28-2010, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marionsucks

I've never seen the Mavs play this tough and physical. When Westbrook got injured on that play, the mavs didn't show any mercy whats so ever.... One word, beautiful!!!!!

Really...d-steve, chandler, caron, shawn have really added some guys who are willing to mix it up out there. Anyone thinking this is a soft team anymore is full of it and they are going to get their ass whupped..

FINtastic · 12-28-2010, 12:02 AM

We really need to start finding more minutes for Stevenson. We got 12 points on what was essentially 5 attempted shots as well as his usual good defensive effort. I don't think it's any coincidence that our team usually starts the game out blazing hot with him out there, and it's because he's providing some incredibly valuable play on both sides of the ball. He's the definition of a great role player right now, and I feel like he deserves at least 20 minutes every night.

Underdog · 12-28-2010, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dude1394

Really...d-steve, chandler, caron, shawn have really added some guys who are willing to mix it up out there. Anyone thinking this is a soft team anymore is full of it and they are going to get their ass whupped..

QFT

Underdog · 12-28-2010, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FINtastic

We really need to start finding more minutes for Stevenson. We got 12 points on what was essentially 5 attempted shots as well as his usual good defensive effort. I don't think it's any coincidence that our team usually starts the game out blazing hot with him out there, and it's because he's providing some incredibly valuable play on both sides of the ball. He's the definition of a great role player right now, and I feel like he deserves at least 20 minutes every night.

Yeah, I'd really like to see more of him when Terry goes cold in the 1st half...

BGMaverick9 · 12-28-2010, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

Yeah, I'd really like to see more of him when Terry goes cold in the 1st half...

It was interesting to see Jet and Stevenson out on the floor at the same time. I didn't see any major issues when they were out there together.

Talking about minutes and etc...

JJ got his second lowest total in logged minutes of the season. It was only 16 seconds short of a season-low.

Underdog · 12-28-2010, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Talking about minutes and etc...

JJ got his second lowest total in logged minutes of the season. It was only 16 seconds short of a season-low.

I guess Barea doesn't have any incriminating pictures of Dwane Casey...

sike · 12-28-2010, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

Co-sign the first paragraph of thig's post.

exactly. that is the most impassioned I've read thiggy in a long while...and I like it.

For the 2010 Dallas Mavericks its Business Time and the dress attire is NASTY.

mavs777 · 12-28-2010, 01:08 AM

Butler is getting a lot more arc on his 3 point shot this year, I have noticed that

Flacolaco · 12-28-2010, 01:14 AM

I do not support the cockiness of this thread title.

quietsavant · 12-28-2010, 01:23 AM

Ballsy win @ OKC. My Recap:
http://4ptsplay.blogspot.com/2010/12...n-numbers.html

mav4ever · 12-28-2010, 01:28 AM

i feel like crying about dirk hurting.

fluid.forty.one · 12-28-2010, 01:53 AM

You guys have me freaked out that Dirk has a torn ligament. Not going to be able to sleep tonight, thx.

dirno2000 · 12-28-2010, 01:57 AM

I fully understand that when your owner commits $55M (or whatever the guaranteed portion is) to a player then you have to give him every chance to get it together but at what point do we just bench Haywood? At least Mahinmi will play hard.

Rick41 · 12-28-2010, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fluid.forty.one

You guys have me freaked out that Dirk has a torn ligament. Not going to be able to sleep tonight, thx.

I'm worried too, and that's that I never worry about Dirk
in any aspect. Got dammit.

mavs777 · 12-28-2010, 02:20 AM

Shocker of the 4rth was Ajinca's three

quietsavant · 12-28-2010, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mavs777

Shocker of the 4rth was Ajinca's three

3rd

GermanDunk · 12-28-2010, 03:26 AM

nashtymavsfan13 · 12-28-2010, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fluid.forty.one

You guys have me freaked out that Dirk has a torn ligament. Not going to be able to sleep tonight, thx.

Same. Really worried, but hoping for the best.

DevinHarriswillstart · 12-28-2010, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirno2000

I fully understand that when your owner commits $55M (or whatever the guaranteed portion is) to a player then you have to give him every chance to get it together but at what point do we just bench Haywood? At least Mahinmi will play hard.

A fantastic win all around, but Haywood really is just playing for the paycheck this season. I just don't really get it on a team like this. I don't think he is going to turn it around unless Chandler gets hurt (knocks on wood). I give Rick so much respect for starting Chandler over Haywood to start the season.

JHT · 12-28-2010, 04:43 AM

This was the first time since he's been here that Tuff Juice's nickname actually made any sense.

This team played tough. They didn't just play great defense and shut down the other team, they manhandled them with absolute aggression from all five of the players who were out there on the floor in the last half of the fourth, all at once.

They didn't just manhandle the OKC players, they manhandled their fans. I was worried someone was going to get a T for taunting the crowd.

Loved it. This team has never, ever played anything like this before. This is the kind of stuff that other teams used to do to them, and they'd just roll over the way OKC did tonight.

Finally they have a tough mindset... maybe the swagger will pay off in the playoffs.

41mvp · 12-28-2010, 07:04 AM

Great win!!!

Thespiralgoeson · 12-28-2010, 07:56 AM

Does anyone know if there's a recording of this game anywhere online? I'm sad to say I missed it.