Dirk finding his groove
Dirk Nowtizki is starting to return to the Finals MVP form that everybody witnessed a few short months ago. While the Mavs might have stumbled in their Sunday afternoon game against the Knicks they have to be stoked about the way Nowitzki has been playing. The Knicks ended the Mavericks' six-game winning streak. During Friday's game against the 76ers was the point where Nowitzki began his sudden explosion. He finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds but he took over early in the third, knocking down shots from awkward angles and sinking the type of clutch shots worthy of the star player on the defending NBA champions. "I had a couple go in, and we all know when a shooter sees a couple go in, the confidence goes up," Nowitzki said. "I knew in the second half I was going to come out and keep firing. I'm glad they went in." The German is starting to get into a groove that the rest of the NBA is all too familiar with. Against the Knicks, Dirk Nowitzki scored a season-high 34 points who simply looked awesome down the stretch. The Mavericks turn into a well-oiled championship caliber team when Dirk's offense is at a high level but it can get ugly when he's off. The Mavericks had to have been wondering if Dirk's age was finally catching up to him at the beginning of the season. He looked out of shape and his legs clearly were not in his shots. They even shut him down for a few games this season because his knee was swelling. The last few games clearly prove that Dirk Nowitzki is still a force to be reckoned with.
Young guys making headway
Dominique Jones got another shot to show he's improved his game with Dallas missing three guards Friday night against the Sixers. Jones impressed with a strong first half in which he was the Mavs' leading scorer with seven of his season-high 12 points. He was 5-of-9 from the field and one of just three Mavs to score in double figures. Jones' jumper is still in need of major improvement but his penetration skills and passing ability brought a different dimension to the Mavs. He was actively cutting to the basket and reading passing lanes correctly. While Jones may not get much playing time this season, the Mavs can rely on him in short stints. Brandan Wright is pushing his way to becoming the backup to Brendan Haywood. Wright, who started the season rarely getting to play, is routinely logging more minutes than Ian Mahinmi. In fact, in Friday's win over the Sixers, Wright played more minutes than Haywood and Mahinmi combined, finishing with eight points, four rebounds and two blocks in 24 minutes. His athleticism and relentless mindset on the boards is winning Rick Carlisle over. He's also got the ability to create sensational dunks that get the home crowd going. It's clear that Brandan Wright has found a home with the Mavs.
West out with broken finger
Delonte West has fractured his right ring finger. West fractured and dislocated his finger while trying to make a defensive play about halfway through the second quarter last Wednesday night against Denver. It was an ugly injury with blood clearly visible. The Mavericks said West wouldn't return to the game and that it was unclear how many games he will miss. It will be a tough loss for the Mavs, West arguably had been the most impactful new addition to the team thus far. His defense and clutch shot making will be sorely missed as the Mavs are already dealing with injuries at the guard position.
