Congrats Dirk

[mavsfanforever]

For not only breaking the franchise record but also making the national audience realize what an amazing talent you are. Thanks for a great moment you gave us. I am definitely feeling great and lucky to have witness history and legendary performance tonight. GO DIRK.

[XERXES]

Here Here!!

[bgantz]

yeah that ruled, congrats. and in retro uni's

[bernardos70]

In case someone is wondering, 57 efficiency points. Congrats Dunking-Deutschman

[mavsfanforever]

This was just an amazing performance to watch and I take pride in letting you all know that I was at the game. Thanks Dirk.

[Ninkobei]

Woot.

[Mavs Rule]

Sweet game by Dirk, he was a monster tonight against the double teams. The rockets knew who was getting the shot in OT, but it didn't matter. That is the sign of greatness IMO.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally posted by: mavsfanforever
This was just an amazing performance to watch and I take pride in letting you all know that I was at the game. Thanks Dirk.

thank you MFF for getting tanked, and thank you for not picking a fight with the players. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

That's 6-0 when you drink. You know you are drinking next Tuesday, right?

[dirk2003]

New word for greatness... Dirk!

[LordOfTheMavs]

Dirk added 4blocks and 3 steals to go with 16 boards and a couple of assists to go with his 53pt game.

Is thier any doubt he is this franchises greatest player?

Kudos to Dirk and Yea for me as a Mavs fan.

[samoan-maverick]

If you dont know now you know.

I wasnt the only one who heard it i know that but who else heard. BuT Marv put Dirk in the same breathe as KG and Duncan. Dirk was freakin ugly tonight.

[GP]

I thought Dirks defense tonight was outstanding!!!! What a game!!!! I love how he is looking to be the primary option on every play. This is the way it should be.

[JLEEHASMUCHGAME]

Originally posted by: samoan-maverick
If you dont know now you know.

I wasnt the only one who heard it i know that but who else heard. BuT Marv put Dirk in the same breathe as KG and Duncan. Dirk was freakin ugly tonight.

kerr was really complimenting dirk towards the end of the game. He was talking about how dirk is "revolutionizing" the power forward position, and then just to be politically correct, he would say, "oh and garnett and duncan too." HA

Congratulations dirk, I loved the way the fiftieth point just kind of hung on the rim before dropping!

[EricaLubarsky]

Stupid Kerr mentioned Marion as "one of those power forwards" that revolutionized the position. Either he doesnt know that Marion is a 6'7" small forward that was played out of position when Amare was injured, or he is just mentioning him because he's a part-owner of the Suns.

Maybe its both.

[EricaLubarsky]

Congratulations dirk, I loved the way the fiftieth point just kind of hung on the rim before dropping!

dont forget 51,52, and 53. That 3 was a pure exclamation point. The entire arena was electrified like the best run of 02-03

[JLEEHASMUCHGAME]

Originally posted by: EricaLubarsky
Stupid Kerr mentioned Marion as "one of those power forwards" that revolutionized the position. Either he doesnt know that Marion is a 6'7" small forward that was played out of position when Amare was injured, or he is just mentioning him because he's a part-owner of the Suns.

Maybe its both.

I remember this too. I was thinking he said this because perhaps Marion did in fact play power forward for the suns, but then again, why should I have expected him to actually know that. Regardless, I don't think Marion should have been mentioned.

[digit]

Damn...it's about 7 am, just went to work and I'm sitting in my office...
I'm getting f*ckin` goose bumps just from reading what Dirk accomplish last night...

Dirk is da man...

[mavsfanforever]

Originally posted by: EricaLubarsky
Stupid Kerr mentioned Marion as "one of those power forwards" that revolutionized the position. Either he doesnt know that Marion is a 6'7" small forward that was played out of position when Amare was injured, or he is just mentioning him because he's a part-owner of the Suns.

Maybe its both.

Also I kept getting aggravated about the fact that they kept saying 6'10 and 6'11 and dirk is 7'1.

[Waschdel]

Originally posted by: JLEEHASMUCHGAME

kerr was really complimenting dirk towards the end of the game. He was talking about how dirk is "revolutionizing" the power forward position, and then just to be politically correct, he would say, "oh and garnett and duncan too." HA

Congratulations dirk, I loved the way the fiftieth point just kind of hung on the rim before dropping!

Speaking of political correctness - if Dirk is still "revolutionizing" the power forward position it is probably one of the slowest revolutions history has even seen (because he´s doing this for years now). I think the process of revolutionizing is done. Tonight we´ve witnessed new government. Congrats Dirk!!!

[#41]

Finally, Dirk! RESPECT!

[#41]

Wow, he also had just 1 TO!

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally posted by: mavsfanforever

Also I kept getting aggravated about the fact that they kept saying 6'10 and 6'11 and dirk is 7'1.

I've never heard 7'1", but every source says 7'0" or 213cm

[bloodyhell]

Dirk is a legit 7 footer and those pricks kept saying 6'10-6'11. The jerks don't want to give him any credit. He was standing next to dampier at one point and you could easilly tell he was a little taller. About an inch. That's a 7'0 footer bringing the ball up the court. Who else can do it better than dirk at that size? I don't think garnet can.

Then we have racist jerk kenny smith trying to ruin the night by saying,
"dirk didn't even shoot 50%? Oh then he should have had at least 60 points' and mumbling some other crap trying to make fun of dirk. What a load of crap. Anyone else catch that? Kenny midget smith also made some obnoxious noise when they were showing dirks highlights. We don't catch them doing that with kobe bryant. Even though he's been very inconsistant this year at times. We've got dirk
out there busting his ass and all they can say is for him to "try to improve" ? What a load. Fire the tnt crew.

Hey this has pissed me off a bit. If Anyone wants to start a make fun of kenny smith website let me know and i'll send you some nice photoshop pics of kenny looking like a clown.

Dirk was awesome tonight

[sike]

Originally posted by: EricaLubarsky

I've never heard 7'1", but every source says 7'0" or 213cm

not once has he ever been touted as being anything other than 7'.

[ames7]

I am so, so glad Dirk plays for us. Have I mentioned that? I'm so proud of him for having such a remarkable year.

[twelli]

more impressive than the 53 points are the 21 of 22 free throws

being on the floor almost the entire game, playing decent defense, getting doubled or fouled a lot, even bringing the ball from one end to the other, and then making nearly all of his free throws is really awesome

he leads by example, and hopefully his teammates are inpired by that rather than being satisfied by standing around and watching him...

[ZueriMav]

Originally posted by: JLEEHASMUCHGAME

kerr was really complimenting dirk towards the end of the game. He was talking about how dirk is "revolutionizing" the power forward position, and then just to be politically correct, he would say, "oh and garnett and duncan too." HA

Congratulations dirk, I loved the way the fiftieth point just kind of hung on the rim before dropping!

Haha! OK guys, Kerr just put his blurps in writing. What a difference a game makes ;-) I didn't see the game, but look forward to getting it on DVD next week.




----------------------

Em-powered
by Steve Kerr, Yahoo! Sports
December 3, 2004

Headshot
Logo
DALLAS – Before Thursday night's game against Dallas, Houston Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said to me, "The power forward position in the NBA has been revolutionized. It's no longer a big bruising players' spot – guys like Dirk Nowitzki are changing the way the position is played."

Unfortunately for Van Gundy, Nowitzki then went out and proved his theory. The Dallas Mavericks star scored a career-high 53 points in an overtime victory over Houston.

Dirk scored every way possible – postups, three-pointers, fast-break layups, offensive rebound putbacks and free throws. His ability to handle the ball, run the floor like a gazelle and shoot from 25 feet belies his 7-foot frame. Yet his size allows him to do the things traditional power forwards do, like rebound and clog the lane.

He is a unique talent, and I struggle trying to think of anyone in basketball history who can do the things he does. Larry Bird comes to mind, but Nowitzki runs the floor much faster. Kiki Vandeweghe? Maybe. But Dirk is much bigger and a better ball handler. James Worthy? Didn't have the shooting range.

The reality is that Nowitzki and a group of athletic big men are carving out a new position in the NBA, just as Van Gundy noted. Many players manning the four spot today are no longer just rebounders and defenders in the Maurice Lucas/Kurt Rambis mold. They're ball-handling, play-making big men who take over games and run offenses – guys like Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Lamar Odom, Rasheed Wallace and Andrei Kirilenko.

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They are shot blockers and rebounders; scorers and assist men. They're big enough to guard opposing centers and quick enough to extend to the perimeter to cover three men. Some of them you can post up or run a perimeter screen and roll – with them handling the ball. Basically, they're talented guards who are living in centers' bodies.

For those unfortunate coaches who don't possess one of these freaks of nature on their rosters, it has made the game much more difficult. Van Gundy knows all about that. Houston had a nightmarish time trying to match up with Nowitzki defensively, and on offense, they couldn't spread the floor with a big, versatile big man of their own.

Imagine how much easier the game would be for Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady if they had a guy like Nowitzki next to them. The defense would be spread out, the ball would move and there would be open shots for everyone.

That's why players like Shawn Marion, Malik Rose, Robert Horry and Kenyon Martin are so valuable. Teams need athletic big men to defend what is becoming a glamorous position in the NBA.

Perhaps we should rename the position because, these days, there's a lot more than just "power" that goes into it.

Steve Kerr is Yahoo! Sports' NBA analyst. Send him a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Updated on Friday, Dec 3, 2004 4:07 am EST
_________________________________________

[DCowboysGal]

Originally posted by: twelli
more impressive than the 53 points are the 21 of 22 free throws

being on the floor almost the entire game, playing decent defense, getting doubled or fouled a lot, even bringing the ball from one end to the other, and then making nearly all of his free throws is really awesome

he leads by example, and hopefully his teammates are inpired by that rather than being satisfied by standing around and watching him...

That's the great thing about having a post player who is also a great FT-shooter as your go-to-guy. Even if he's not having a great game shooting-wise, if he's aggressive driving to the net or attempting tough shots in the post where the traffic is usually dense or fighting near the net for offensive rebounds to make putbacks with, he's going to rack up a lot of free throw opportunities and subsequently he's still going to produce a lot of points. Dirk = my hero.

[jibikao]

"He is a unique talent, and I struggle trying to think of anyone in basketball history who can do the things he does. Larry Bird comes to mind, but Nowitzki runs the floor much faster. Kiki Vandeweghe? Maybe. But Dirk is much bigger and a better ball handler. James Worthy? Didn't have the shooting range."


This is probably the best compliment on Dirk. Dirk is UNIQUE. If he can keep playing like this, he will make it to Hall of Fame and when he is retired, the reporters will try to find new players to compare with Dirk because he is in the league of his own. Dirk is revolutionizing PF position and he's been doing it for quite a few years.

Keep up the great work Dirk!!!!

Jimmy

[V2M]

Dirk's in a league of his own. He has no doubt revolutionised the 4 spot. No 7 footer in history could ever do the things that Dirk does routinely. For instance, prior to Dirk, I haven't seen (and probably won't ever see) a 7 footer who could rebound the ball in traffic, take it full-court and drop a cold-blooded 3. That just zaps all energy from the defense.

Hope Dirk stays healthy to win his first and a well-deserved MVP while helping the Mavs win their first championship. Nothing but the ring, folks!!!!

[madape]

That was the single individual performance in the history of the Mavericks organization.. and the whole world got to watch it on national television. Dirk is now officially a superstar.

[LRB]

Originally posted by: bloodyhell


Then we have racist jerk kenny smith trying to ruin the night by saying,
"dirk didn't even shoot 50%? Oh then he should have had at least 60 points' and mumbling some other crap trying to make fun of dirk. What a load of crap. Anyone else catch that? Kenny midget smith also made some obnoxious noise when they were showing dirks highlights. We don't catch them doing that with kobe bryant. Even though he's been very inconsistant this year at times. We've got dirk
out there busting his ass and all they can say is for him to "try to improve" ? What a load. Fire the tnt crew.

The TNT half time crew are more akin to a group of circus clowns than any serious basket ball analysts. And while Dirk didn't even shoot over 50% from the field he did shoot over 95% from the line while getting there 22 times. Dirk was 15 for 32 from the field or a little under 47% which is certainly more than respectable. Add in that Dirk only had 1 TO, 16 rebounds, 3 steals and 4 blocks and Dirk had one hell of a game any way you want to look at it. Now if you want to talk effective FG%, Dirk did shoot exactly 50% from the field. Of course no way an inept dumbass like Kenny Smith would ever know that. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[sike]

has anyone else noticed how 12-16 rebounds games are no longer a rare occurance for Dirk....he has taken that next step

[LRB]

Has anyone realized that Kevin Garnett is the only player pulling down more defensive rebounds per game than Dirk and Dirk is #3 in the league in defensive rebounds. Throw in the fact that one of his 16 games he was injured for any entire half and this points to the fact that Dirk is flat out amazing on the defensive boards.

[Murphy3]

I've gained a bit of respect for TMac. From the post game reports that I've read after last night's game, he's appeared to be rather humble. With the game he had last night, he had every reason to beat his own chest even though the Rockets lost. Yet, all TMac has done is give Dirk props. Obviously, Dirk has done the same, but that is expected from him.

[sike]

Obviously, Dirk has done the same, but that is expected from him.

Obvious, but not overlooked...he is simply a class act.

[Dirkenstien]

Congratulations Dirk. You deserve this so very much.

What a way to show his talent by having a career night on national television.

53 points, 4 blocks, 16 rebounds, 3 steals and only one turnover. My Lord, can I get an Amen!

It's a great day to be a mavs fan.

[kg_veteran]

53 points on 32 shots is a fantastic rate of production, whether Kenny Smith knows it or not.

As for Dirk, he has arrived at a new level. He is NOT just a scorer, although he is perhaps the most difficult player in the league to defend. He is a tremendous defensive rebounder, a thief, a shotblocker.

He is an MVP.

[sike]

Dirk second in ppg 27.3, TD is eighth 23.4, KG is tenth 23.1
KG is first in rpg 15.0, TD is second 12.9, Dirk is fifth 11.4
KG averages 6.4 apg, Dirk 2.8, TD 2.3

Close

[LRB]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran
although he is perhaps the most difficult player in the league to defend

That's right now with the Mavs offense out of sort and not giving Dirk a lot of help where teams can double Dirk without paying so dearly. Imagine the Mavs fully in sink with Fin back and healthy and the rest of the rotation healthy?