Everyone In The World Wouldn’t Have Stopped Dirk…
Dirk Nowitzki (photo. Monte Isom)
Dirk Nowitzki is kind of a decent player. We can give him that because we already used up pretty much every adjective, verb, adverb, noun, clause, subject-predicate, picture, sentence, word ever associated with the English language to describe his 48-point performance on 12-for-15 from the field and 24-for-24 from the line (an NBA playoff record by the way) in the Mavs’ 121-112 Game 1 win over Oklahoma City. That boy is a bad man. So much for rust … Dirk jumped out right away, scoring 10 of the game’s first 18 points. The Notorious J.V.G. immediately thought they needed to take Serge Ibaka off him, saying “This is just too much for him right now.” Nowitzki had 16 points before he even missed a shot. We love Ibaka (17 points), but he was so confused. We can just see Scottie Brooks in the huddle, trying to calm his young forward down. Dirk missed just one shot in the entire first half on his way to 21 points. Then in the second half, it just got stupid. In the third quarter, they tried KD on him, and Durant had two fouls within 30 seconds. Dirk was going through the whole OKC roster: Serge? Busted him. Check. Collison? Please. Check. KD? Nope. Check. Perk? Don’t even try. Check. By the end of the third quarter, it was over. Every jumper was pure. He hit one shot, a fadeaway off one foot, banked it in…all we could do was shake our heads. That was some Larry Bird right now. His shot-making rattled the Thunder so much that they nearly unraveled in the third quarter; Dirk was so good that he could’ve had the Dos Equis man saying: I once guarded Dirk Nowitzki…and he didn’t score on me. All night, Dallas did whatever they wanted offensively, whether it was getting to the line, hitting shots in the lane or finding open threes for Jason Terry (24 points). After the first 10 minutes, it was automatic. OKC could never really make a run because they couldn’t stop the Mavs … As crazy as Dirk was playing, J.J. Barea (21 points in 16 minutes) might’ve been even more outta control. In the fourth quarter, he was making Nate Robinson look like a high schooler (even though he already does). We almost felt bad for Nate; Barea was scoring from deep, in the lane, all of it in Robinson’s grill. He was such a beast that even Andrew Bynum had to shower him with love. Mark Jackson called Barea the Puerto Rican Allen Iverson, setting up the perfect comeback: “So he doesn’t like to practice?” … Our favorite matchup of the WCF? Tyson Chandler vs. Kendrick Perkins, or the guy OKC didn’t want vs. the guy they did. Remember, Chandler would’ve been a Thunderman if he hadn’t failed a physical two years back. Then Boston never trades Perk, all of their players don’t whine and cry, Danny Ainge doesn’t look like a fool, Miami doesn’t win and Doc Rivers gets to say “OUR STARTING LINEUP IS STILL UNDEFEATED!!!” Yeah! … So are these still the same Mavs? Have they shut everyone up now? Or do they have to win a championship to, you know, not be called soft as pudding anymore? … Weirdly, OKC jumped out early as Dallas missed their first six threes. The first quarter felt close, but after Durant (the quietest 40 point, eight rebound game ever) covered the entire court in like four seconds to finish at the buzzer, OKC was up seven. But it didn’t take long for the Dallas bench to turn the game around. The second quarter is going to be a key all series for the Thunder, and in this one Dallas just kept coming with a 16-3 run to end the half to put the hosts up. The Thunder are going to need more from Russell Westbrook (20 points, 3-for-15 shooting) if they want to get it going, and at least a little from some of the other guys on the roster … James Harden wore a headband last night. This guy gets more retro 1970′s every game. We guarantee that by the start of next year, he’s rocking some nut huggers and knee sleeves … What’s Vinny Del Negro doing right now? Probably sitting on his couch shaking his head and saying to himself, “Ah, so close to having another great young guard I could try to screw up with my intricate late-game strategy and head-scratching rotations.” Cleveland can thank L.A., who traded them the pick that became this year’s top draft pick in the Baron Davis/Mo Williams February deal. The Clippers were doing damage control almost immediately last night, and might’ve been saying something like: “Um…well, we traded the pick…but if we hadn’t, we would’ve never gotten Williams who helped us finish the year 11-11…um, damn it!” We’re sure Clipper fans are glad to hear that considering they missed out on a Kyrie Irving/Blake Griffin combo … For Cleveland, all current signs (like Dime’s first mock draft) point to them taking Irving with the top pick. It’s a good day in Ohio. When your owner’s son has more swag than anyone on the team, you know it’s time to upgrade the on-court product … If you’re a Nets fan, would you rather have Deron Williams (with no clear future intentions)? Or the No. 3 pick (with no clear choice)? … We’re out like Clipper damage control.
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May 18th, 2011 at 1:10 am
Big Island says:
This is a garbage draft. The Clippers should be happy that they got rid of Baron Davis and all they had to give up was a #3 pick. B Diddy should be happy he isn’t a Clip.
So my day goes Chuck Liddell at the gym, 30 pack of beer, Dirk raping OKC, and the season finale of Castle on DVR. Sweet.
So Ibaka is still Hakeem or no? Get the fuck outta here with that.
May 18th, 2011 at 1:12 am
Big Island says:
Number 4 pick. My bad. I am hammered and should have my computer taken away. I don’t even want to know what I’ve ordered online…
May 18th, 2011 at 1:13 am
Big Island says:
#1 pick and I am turning it off right now.
May 18th, 2011 at 1:25 am
johnsacrimoni says:
“If you’re a Nets fan, would you rather have Deron Williams (with no clear future intentions)? Or the No. 3 pick (with no clear choice)? ”
Dumbest question I’ve ever seen.
May 18th, 2011 at 1:28 am
smoove chips says:
The dos equis guy woulda took one look at the barbeque Dirk was having and faked a groin injury to save his swag. He lit up OKC on some other shyt.And what’s worse he got dead eye shooters around him..damn.Vintage Peja is filthy.
You gotta be wondering if the Magic GM is looking at this series and throwing up every game…isn’t this how he envisioned his team to be playing.
May 18th, 2011 at 1:35 am
beiber newz says:
and once again the mavs have showed why a team with weapons can compete with young superstars. spreading the floor peja, and terry and pick and rolls with barea can beat kobe’s and gasol’s and westbrooks and durants becuz teams need sharpshooters.
May 18th, 2011 at 1:41 am
Soopa says:
Dirk was on fire
But…
24 FT for a guy who drove to the rim 4 times at the most? Every post-up was a foul or a score. Must be the most frustrating thing in the world.
That being said, OKC was in this one. They have what it takes to steal game 2. Westbrook has to have a better game tho. And I dont think Dirk has a near 50 the next game and I dont think JJ is gonna be AI again.
Front Dirk in the post with Serge, have Nick/Perk rotate underneath on catches. Keep Russel going under on those PG PnR unless Terry plays the point. Close out harder, making Terry/Peja dribble.
Those are all doable things which would make the next game more competitive.
May 18th, 2011 at 1:54 am
control says:
Man, Dirk was on some fucking shit there. Some fucking shit. I noticed something about Ibaka being a Hakeem yesterday or some bullshit? Really?
Russell Westbrook…guy reminds me of Eminem song Guilty Conscience. Guy has a good game or two, then suddenly Dre is yelling in his ear “Shoot em both Grady, where’s your gun at?” (and WB misses the shots ironically enough).
Worst part of the fucking game…because of that record Dirk set, they kept putting a picture of Paul Pierce being a fake tough guy. That is just bullshit, the fucking celtics went home, keep em there. Fucking douchebags.
Great Smack today Dime, those lines coming off the press fresh again. About time, but I personally had faith you guys would bring it back, even though others were runnin some yap.
May 18th, 2011 at 2:18 am
Sporty-j says:
Everytime the Thunder tried to get physical with Dirk. There was a whistle. If the Thunder even looked at Dirk wrong he was going to the line. D.Howard would not have stood a chance tonight with those refs. I would say that the Thunder should let Perk stick Dirk since Ibaka is such a great help defender. But Dirk never drives to the rim and is always shooting that off balance fade shot. The Thunder should win game 2 if the refs swallow there whistle. Dirk should have been called for a flagrant foul on Durant but Dallas got some good old home cooking tonight…
May 18th, 2011 at 2:48 am
cdubb says:
@ Sporty-j: “Everytime the Thunder tried to get physical with Dirk. There was a whistle. If the Thunder even looked at Dirk wrong he was going to the line”?
Oh true that is? When I last checked, the Thunder actually shot MORE ft’s than the Mavs. Durant had like 20 ft’s, not to speak of RW. So to say that OKC is gonna win G2 if the Refs swallow their whistle is ridiculous. Show some love and enjoy the Dirk show.
Mavs in 6.
May 18th, 2011 at 2:51 am
Big Hook says:
Can’t believe Dirk didn’t make first team All-NBA. He’s top 10 all time if he keeps playing like this and single handily leads his team to the chip this season!…Nice David Kahn is already hinting about the NBA rigging the lottery.
May 18th, 2011 at 3:05 am
trollne1@yahoo.com says:
dirk and kd gonna cancel each other out in this series since no one from either squad could guard the other. it’s all gonna boil down on who can make shots since both teams are primarily jump shooting teams
damn dirk. 48 pts on 15 shots
May 18th, 2011 at 3:51 am
the cynic says:
Its pretty funny listening to OKC/Durant fans complain about the fouls Dirk got when Kevin Durant is the most babied player in the league
May 18th, 2011 at 4:29 am
Me says:
I dunno. As much as i wanna see Dallas win it all, That game scares me. Dirk won’t do that all series. Dallas plays that well and OKC was never really out of it until JET’s 3 with 30 seconds left. If they weren’t so young I’d give them more of a shot at winning this series than before the game.
If Dirk scored 30 that game they would have lost.
If Westbrook figures out WTF got him to this point (and practices his midrange jumpers) they would have lost.
May 18th, 2011 at 4:30 am
Me says:
Oh yeah, and at least Dirk gets to see what it feels like to have the refs help him win a game instead of handing Wade a ring at his expense.
May 18th, 2011 at 4:36 am
thestradiosmiles says:
Cosign on #13, Russ and KD were gifted with a combined 16.4 free throw attempts per game this season. Tonight they shot 37 total free throws… ridiculous. And yes, that means almost 60 points tonight were scored from the line between only 3 fucking players.
May 18th, 2011 at 4:45 am
common sense says:
Lebron from Ohio goes #1 to Cleveland to resurrect the franchise.. Rose from Chicago goes#1 to do the same.. coincidence? i think not.. NBAs is as rigged as WWE right from the refs (Donaghy acting alone – SURE!!) to the seemingly senseless trades to the so called ‘draft’..
May 18th, 2011 at 4:52 am
common sense says:
lets not even mention how ewing ended up in NYK…
May 18th, 2011 at 4:59 am
morgan says:
DeShawn > LeBron
May 18th, 2011 at 5:57 am
K Dizzle says:
Dirk was ridiculous. Most efficient shit I’ve EVER SEEN. Officially unguardable.
Funniest shit was Brooks callin timeouts to tell Ibaka, “It’ll be ok. It’s Dirk. He’ll make shots…” then repeatin the whole sequence 5 minutes later as Dirk drops another load on Serge. Durant’s attempt to guard Dirk was the worse 30 secs in playoff history.
My boy texted pregame “Dallas better play zone cuz they can’t guard Kev and Russ”.
I replied “Ain’t like OKC can guard Dirk and Terry”.
He replys “Westbrook will shut Terry down”
I finish him off with “Then who is guardin Barea…and only dude Westbrook shuttin down is Westbrook”
This series gonna be good.
p.s. Clippers messed up. Even in a weak draft, the 1st overall pick is gold.
Coulda been 2 diff lineups:
PG: Baron Davis – Kyrie Irving
SG: Eric Gordon – Eric Gordon
SF: Derick Williams – Al-Farouq Aminu
PF: Blake – Blake
C: Kaman – Kaman
Clips wanna move Deandre to the startin 5 so imagine what you could get back by packagin Kaman and the 1st overall pick…..Clips messed up lol
May 18th, 2011 at 6:00 am
Fish says:
Will probably say it again before the playoffs are done, but EVERYONE wrote Dirk off as a stiff when he came into the league. One of Don Nelson’s better leaps of faith, taking him on.
May 18th, 2011 at 6:43 am
QQ says:
Thoughts bout the game:
1. Why the fuck is Joey Crawford allowed to ref a basketball game? Seriously. All you Durant AND Nowitzi fans out there, yall can’t argue: every time someone breaths into one of them, there would be a whistle.
And it really takes away from such an awesome guy, cause when they let the guys play, both superstars are just DOMINATING out there.
Joey Crawford (and the other 2 guys), no thanks for ruining an otherwise classic ball game.
May 18th, 2011 at 7:11 am
common sense says:
joey crawford aka david sterns hit man.. does all the NBAs dirty work..
May 18th, 2011 at 7:11 am
common sense says:
it was donaghy before he started gambling..
May 18th, 2011 at 7:29 am
First & Foremost says:
Off the top, I didn’t watch the game but it really couldn’t be that exciting with all of those free throws. Let them play or have them shoot on a moving basket, pop-a-shot style.
Of course the Clippers are mad but these things happen when your owner is Donald Sterling. This was David Stern’s way of punishing him for hosting a BHM celebration game on March 2nd. The Clippers will only be as good as Blake Griffin. Eric Gordon will be traded for Brandon Roy. Roy finishes out the season and retires.
May 18th, 2011 at 7:30 am
Atom says:
OKC, hope you enjoyed your hot steaming plate of Dirk because your coming back for seconds, thirds, and fourths.
JJ Barea definitly scored an impressive amount of buckets for the number of minutes he played, only out-performed by the number of Good Times references Mark Jackson was able to squeze in during the same sequence. I get it, there was a JJ on Good Times. It time to move on Mark. My guess is a good 2/3 of the audience arent getting the refference anyway so let it go.
May 18th, 2011 at 7:36 am
EN FUEGO says:
Hail Diggler!!!!
May 18th, 2011 at 8:14 am
QQ says:
Thoughts about the game number 2:
Russell Westbrook… The game’s enigma. Basketball’s Jekyll/Hyde.
Can’t he ever decide to go Jekyll when he and KD are kicking it in a summer run with their boys, and not in the fucking playoffs?
It’s frustrating cause you see him go on a garbage game, then the next game he drops a triple double while playing like the best PG in the L…
Who is the real you, Mr. Westbrook?
May 18th, 2011 at 8:17 am
Josh Tha roc says:
Good contest. Too many free throws. Harden out plays Terry in gm 2 thunder win.
May 18th, 2011 at 8:24 am
Ian says:
i will post this again (ive said it like 50 times but i dont care) easily the second best pf of the decade. 15 shots for 48pts the man is unguardable. fuck kg(the only player i hate more than kobe).
May 18th, 2011 at 8:35 am
Ian says:
common sense
good thing the ewing thing didnt work out and they got the most overrated player in the history of the nba. sorry im in hate mode today.
May 18th, 2011 at 8:37 am
JAY says:
@C-Dubb: In response to Sporty Spice.. “When I last checked, the Thunder actually shot MORE ft’s than the Mavs. ”
Sporty is a clown. Dude sees through his rose colored glasses. He sticks to his opinions like their his skin. Once he says something, he stays with it… forever. I’m still waiting for dude to admit Spoelstra is a shitty coach. That’s the most obvious thing coming out of these playoffs and he avoids it like the plague. How does a coach run an isolation play OUT OF A HUDDLE in the playoffs?!?! Genius play-calling.
May 18th, 2011 at 8:38 am
BUFFALO BRAVE says:
“Dirk was so good that he could’ve had the Dos Equis man saying: I once guarded Dirk Nowitzki…and he didn’t score on me”
ROFLMFAO!
Great smack today!
Dirk was fucking RIDICULOUS out there. Yes there were some pastry calls but when he’s facing ibaka wiggling the ball around for 5 seconds to just let off dead in his face what can you do?
Crazy
Might Dirk actually be the best player in the playoffs right now?
May 18th, 2011 at 8:41 am
First & Foremost says:
@Ian – come now… the only thing noteworthly was that he made his free throws. All he had to do was the hold the ball long enough for the refs to blow the whistle. Just like my Dwight vs Rose arguments, I feel you have to have played both ways in order to be considered the best at your position.
Next decade Ben Wallace won’t even be in the discussion for top # Center of last decade because he was 1-dimensional. The same SHOULD apply to Dirk. His 1-dimension is phenomenal but if he doesn’t have the last shot can he come up with a clutch stop? Same can and will be said for Kevin Martin. Great scorer but no one will put him in the top 10.
IMO, KG > Dirk for having a more complete game.
May 18th, 2011 at 8:51 am
Ian says:
first
its just my opinion i like dirk more yeah kg is has a better all around game but he couldnt carry a team offensively like dirk has. dirk has a better chance of making a key stop than kg of getting your team back in the game being down a couple of baskets in crunch time.
cant use ben wallace and martin here cuz we are using superstars. thats like using longleys rings to say he was better than ewing i cant do that but i sure can use the ring thing when talking hakeem or admiral over ewing. hell shawn marion had a better overall game than many superstars doesnt mean he was better.
May 18th, 2011 at 8:52 am
Ian says:
sorry delete the “is” after kg
May 18th, 2011 at 8:52 am
JAY says:
Like everyone has said, GREAT Smack article today. Funny as shit.
I like what F&F is saying. Dirk’s work is on the offensive end, so we notice it a lot more. Offensive players tend to get more recognition because that part of the game is “pretty”. Wetting the net from 25 feet is easier to appreciate than a guy making the proper defensive rotations, barking out positioning on defense to teammates, or keeping his hands up to bother shots.
KG is my 2nd best PF so far this millenium. It’s not an easy choice, but for me, KG gets the nod.
May 18th, 2011 at 8:57 am
Ian says:
jay you and first arent wrong i just like dirks game a bit better. (i know offensive players get more recognition spurs fan here all my life thats one of the reasons i think all spurs have been underrated hehe)
May 18th, 2011 at 8:57 am
JAY says:
^ That said… Dirk is going crazy right now.
May 18th, 2011 at 9:02 am
First & Foremost says:
Ian, that furthers my point. Ben Wallace isn’t a superstar because he lacked offense. He won the DPOY FOUR times while being 6’7 in shoes with cornrows. But when we look back he won’t even make the top 10 because he lacked in one area. However, Dirk is in the top 3 in the past 15 years ONLY because he can score. Stopping someone from scoring is just as important.
I’ll respect your opinion since this debate comes down to what you want out of a PF.
May 18th, 2011 at 9:32 am
Mikey says:
If you are not allowed to body up on Dirk, you can’t guard him. If that was Kevin Garnet playing defense i doubt any of those fouls would have been called.
Ref’s need to let the players play.
May 18th, 2011 at 9:44 am
Ian says:
first
i see it another way its all great and all that wallace won that 4 times but you cant stop a superstar. almost all teams have a good pg right? and imo nash is the best (well not counting last season still avged a double double) and he plays even less defense than dirk why cuz no matter how good the other pg is on d he still is going to get 20 and 10 shooting 50percent. so when it comes to wallace a good pf or c will drop 20 on him and wallace cant get 10 back taking open shots. i dont even wanna try and read what i wrote hehehe it made sense in my head.
May 18th, 2011 at 10:02 am
That's What's Up says:
Dirk slapped OKC upside the head with his Bratwurst
May 18th, 2011 at 10:07 am
LeRoy Green says:
Serge Ibaka aka Young Hakeem Olajuwon (LMFAO)
just got lit up for 48 points. STFU & GTFOH Reggie Miller. You too Austin. SMFH
DALLAS BITCH
May 18th, 2011 at 10:13 am
That's What's Up says:
I think Leroy Green’s punctuation is wrong. the above should read:
DALLAS’ BITCH
May 18th, 2011 at 10:16 am
jdizzle says:
Remember, Chandler would’ve been a Thunderman if he hadn’t failed a physical two years ago.
So is that how you say the singular version of a player on OKC? Ex. Kyrie Irving may be a Cavalier or Ben Wallace is a Piston again. THUNDERMAN??? LMAO
Didnt watch the game but it sounds like they shot part 2 of Boogie Nights. Wait, so ”Hakeem” couldnt guard Dirk last night? Reggie Miller please slap yourself! 48 points on 15 SHOTS!? If that aint efficient I dont know what is.
May 18th, 2011 at 10:46 am
First & Foremost says:
Okay, now people are overreacting to Reggie’s overreaction. First, he was compared to a Hakeem that controlled the paint in a time where 7-footers were always in arms reach of the rim. Then Dirk scored 24 points from free throws. True 12-15 is still great but do you expect Ibaka to put a hand up on his free throws as well. Dirk is a tough shot maker… so all ANYONE can do is try to make those shots even tougher.
Had the real Hakeem been out there all Dirk would have done was bring him out to the deep end too. And still draw fouls on him.
I wish someone would block a free throw…
May 18th, 2011 at 10:55 am
Chicagorilla says:
while i do think DRose gets fouled a lot and its not called, i actually prefer the refs don’t give him 15 fts per game. If the refs actually give Rose the foul the times he gets fouled according to the rule book, Rose would ruin the NBA.
But that is Rose who drives the lane looking for contact.
Dirk on the other hand is shooting fallaway jumpers. FALLAWAY JUMPERS!!!!!! And he’s going to thw ft line 24x’s.
And people are bussing a nut over him hitting 12-15 shots for 48pts. Well guess what happens when the refs blow the whistle everytime down court for you? The defense then is afraid to touch you so then you are allowed to run wild because they cant get close enough to challenge or bother your shot.
It’s the Lebron effect. Its why i don’t respect what Lebrons does scoring wise.
Also i’d like to point out that Durant was getting the same BS calls, just not as bad.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:01 am
dagwaller says:
Dirk > KG. At the very least, like that article said, they’re 2A and 2B.
Dirk is not BAD defensively, the same way you wouldn’t say that KG is BAD offensively.
If you pay attention to the games, or even just listen to the coaches, they go on and on about how Dirk’s dominance creates space for everyone else on offense.
In other words, dude makes his teammates better. Not to mention his vision and passing has been on point.
KG makes his teammates better on D, Dirk makes his teammates better on O. Everyone that says KG has a more complete game is ignoring the fact that offense is half of the game.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:06 am
LeRoy Green says:
its amazing to watch the differece in officiating in the two conference finals series. In the Heat/Bulls series guys are gettin hacked on the forearm with minimal whistles, in the Mavs/Thunder series you can’t breathe on Dirk or Durant cuz its a foul lol
it’ll be interesting to see how the NBA finals are called, whether Durant or Dirk make it there they BOTH depend alot on gettin the refs to blow the whistle in their favor. I’m a Dallas fan but i’ll admit….a few of those fouls on the perimeter committed by Collison/Durant/Ibaka/Collison were bullshit. But the same can be said for some of the fouls called on Durant. Players have to adjust and COACHES have to adjust. When Dirk is scorin point after point why do you NOT double team?? Force Jason Kidd to make a wide open three. And Westbrook gets discouraged to easily, he’s kinda predictable when he drives thru the lane. If he tried doin a jumpstop or euro step sometimes it would at least throw off defenders momentarily and give him a small window to get a high percentage lay up to the rim or kick it out to an open man when the defense slides over to help.
I also agree with what Van Gundy/Mark Jackson were saying, if Durant gets the ball at the elbow he’s gonna penetrate easier and get into his shots faster. Its not like he had a bad game tho lol Everyones sayin how they couldnt stop dirk…shiiiit….we couldnt stop durant for NOTHIN last night. Good shit tho. #DALLAS
can’t wait 4 tonights game, expect Wade and Bron to both play at their highest intesity. I got my blue/white Lebron 8 V2′s in the mail from Eastbay yesterday…def some of the most comfortable kicks i’ve ever put on my feet.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:06 am
Big Island says:
@that’s what’s up – LOL!!! Well played punctuation joke sir. Well played.
If anything, Durant gets calls like a mofo. I can’t blame him, or Kobe, because he’s using the rules to his favor, but the refs call that fucking sweep your arm through and try to get a shot off for the foul move. I’m just happy Paul Pierce doesn’t have the NBA record for something anymore. Outside of fakest carry me off the court crying award.
As far as Dirk/KG, I am taking Dirk simply because his offensive versatility gives you more options than KG’s defense. I am also a KG hater and a Dirk dick rider, but it doesn’t come into play.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:12 am
dagwaller says:
RE: Last night’s game. I don’t LIKE games in which players shoot free throws to control the game. But Dirk’s fadeaway is like Shaq’s post moves. You simply cannot fairly officiate such a dominant move.
There were plenty of fishy calls on both sides last night, but guys like Thabo Sefolosha (who I like as a player) who get the doo doo face on after they have their arms AROUND DIRK’S WAIST…seriously dude should’ve bought Dirk dinner at least.
Point is, Dirk IS getting fouled. The way they were defending him last night, there was no way they could really stop him.
PS, at least Dirk doesn’t do the BS “Rip Through” that Durant does. The kid seems real humble, and if it were any other team in front of him, I’d root for him. But I was happy to hear the announcers saying the other night that the League needs to look at how that move is officiated. It’s almost as bad as the “guy jumps, I jump into him” move, or the “swing my legs and arms all the way out after a shot and hope to get the call”.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:19 am
First & Foremost says:
Yeah, and KG knocks down shots out to 18 feet, and has his own little dream shake-turnaround shot in the post. Dirk is a slouch on defense.
Dime – I see a whose better article brewing.
They both bring great things to the table but have you ever heard someone say so & so had an off defensive night?
KG’s D = Dirk’s O in terms of gameplanning and effect on a team; AND KG’s O > Dirk’s D. That is more apparent if you look over the course of their careers. Think about it, the Celtics won vs. LA when they established KG on offense. I’m not going to sit here and say that a guy who constantly has a second defender coming to help him is even average on D.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:22 am
Ian says:
Dagwaller and bigisland
Agree
Bigisland I’m on the same boat
May 18th, 2011 at 11:30 am
Ian says:
Yeah kg hits some shots from 18 and has his dream shake version but I want to know how often he hits it. Cuz I remember back in his twolves days he missed that thing a lot.
Dirks offense is far better than kgs d imo. He’s unguardable and that trailing three he likes to hit is just too much. Like I said on d you can’t stop great players I rather have dirk dropping 40 on duncan than kg trying to stop duncan from getting 40 (back in the day timmeh).
No idea why I’m tryin to argue this cuz u like kg more and ill take the diggler but slow day for me I guess.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:35 am
Ian says:
I’m not sayin I rather have just offense over all around game like kevin martin over gerald wallace I just think dirks lack of defense gets blown outta proportion. He still blocks shots and gets boards and dudes aren’t dropping 40 on him.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:48 am
LakeShow84 says:
WELL WELL WELL
24 FT’s is disgusting no matter how u slice it.. playoff basketball and dude getting TOUCH FOULS out there????
But other than that dude still shot they faces off.. i just hate how much control the refs can have over a series if the teams are evenly matched.. bet my meal ticket we see 2-3 more games in this series of BS calls..
The one legger off glass tho was poetic lol
Key to beating Mavs?????? RUN THEM OFF THE 3PT LINE and stifle Barea..
WELL key to slowing them down.. they movin the ball pretty good right now and Dirk got SWAG at the moment.. BUT like someone said OKC was still in it towards the end..
Going to be a 6-7 game series for sure.. but then again i thought we would smash them.. they might just go for a Western conference coupe.. bitches lol
May 18th, 2011 at 11:48 am
First & Foremost says:
The parallels are very similar. KGs D alone never won a ring and Dirks O has never won one. The Mavs over the last few years have upgraded their defense. KG over the last few years went a better offensive team. Both players remained the same. Dirk isn’t a better post defender or a better cover on pick n rolls, he just plays with a tougher defensive minded team. KG uses the same moves and hits the same shots he always has.
Both are consistent at what they do. KG can still carry an offensive load to a degree while no one will consider Dirk the anchor on defense. This is choosing between having a sword or shield.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:50 am
LakeShow84 says:
And everyone saying KG is the complete package wasnt noticing Dirk had 4 blocks last night..
Not saying thats the norm but hes come up LIGHT YEARS defensively.. throw in his OMNIPOTENT fuckin offense with a good defense and dude is the best PF at THIS MOMENT.. and has been all year considering..
Next year who knows.. its always up for grabs..
May 18th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Big Island says:
Last I checked, Dirk had more blocks than the next Hakeem last night. Defense is a team thing. The best defensive player ever can’t stop a really good offensive guy. Not saying that defense is overrated at all, but it’s a team game. If you have one guy offensively who can cause a huge mismatch, you have a bigger advantage over a team that has a great defensive player. Dirk creates a huge mismatch because he brings his defender, usually a PF, out on the perimeter so guys like JJ, Marion etc… can get to the basket and not have the shot blocker in there to disrupt their shot. If you put a smaller guy on him he just gets his shot off more easily. If Dirk were matched up with KG, his bringing KG out of the paint on D disrupts the defense more than Dirk’s good (solid, not great, but just good) defensive skills hurt his team’s defense.
May 18th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Ian says:
First back in my final fantasy days (1-8 letting my inner geek out) I always went for the swords first never upgraded the shields hehe. Good post I agree.
Lakeshow “omnipotent fuckin offense” hahahahahahaha its true the man has gotten better.
May 18th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
dagwaller says:
@Big Island – Agreed.
This is how I look at it: there are such things as defensive and offensive spacing. Good players on either end will create good spacing.
Saying that someone is good on defense because he can influence the space on that end is EQUIVALENT to saying that someone can be good on offense because he can influence the space on THAT end.
It’s all the same space – whoever can exert his will, and influence the space, is making his teammates better on that end.
Dirk is AT LEAST as good at such influence as KG is.
May 18th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Sporty-j says:
Big game tonight! Time to unleash the rebounding machine in Haslem…
May 18th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
ash says:
dirk’s O is 10x better than KG’s d.
Look what Dirk has done to KG when they played. swept them when they played each other in the playoffs.
dirk averages 28 and 10 when he plays KG. look it up on nba.com
May 18th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Austin Burton says:
SportsCenter opened this morning with “Breaking News: LeBron has a cold.” Then they made sure to mention that LeBron isn’t using it as an excuse and didn’t bring it up until a reporter asked him, but of course now that it’s out, people will say he’s using it as an excuse. Anyway…
So you know those moments when Ibaka (or whoever was guarding Dirk) would wave his open hand in front of Dirk’s face trying to block his vision? Has anyone tried to turn that hand 90 degrees and act like they’re trying to poke the ballhandler’s eyes out? I know it’s not the most sportsmanlike thing to do (and falls into the “bitch move” category), but I think it would be effective.
May 18th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Q says:
checkout me and my bro theme song for the Bulls!! we see RED!! http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DOzyMZrBrWMY&h=17740
May 18th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
ZHess says:
This is probably old, but what is the arm/hand gesture that Dirk gave at the end of the game last night?
May 18th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
johnsacrimoni says:
@dagwaller, big island
Completely agreed. I’m tired of people saying that X player, in this case Dirk, “doesn’t play” defense. Does his coach sub him out when the other team has the ball? Does he run downcourt and place his hands on his hips catching his breath while the other team plays 5 on 4? Dirk’s just a big unathletic white guy who stands in the corner launching 3s all game right? Oh wait he was 0-0 from 3 last night in his 48 point game. You mean to tell me he rebounds? (Good but not great). Passes? (Underrated passer). Blocks shots? (4 last night). Posts guys up? Spins and dunks on them? Helps direct his team’s defense? (He’s not an elite KG/Duncan level defender but he’s solid and has come a long way since early in his career).
May 18th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
vintakular says:
I dunno if this has been ever mentioned but every time I see Westbrook I think Bodie from the Wire. Anyone else catch this?
May 18th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
JAY says:
“Has anyone tried to turn that hand 90 degrees and act like they’re trying to poke the ballhandler’s eyes out? I know it’s not the most sportsmanlike thing to do (and falls into the “bitch move” category), but I think it would be effective.”
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!!
I’m taking that to the playground this weekend.
“The best defensive player ever can’t stop a really good offensive guy. Not saying that defense is overrated at all, but it’s a team game. If you have one guy offensively who can cause a huge mismatch, you have a bigger advantage over a team that has a great defensive player.”
2 words…. Dwight Howard. He’s the ONLY defensive player on that team, yet he alone makes them a quality defensive team.
Offense is a team game too. The one offensive guy causes a mismatch but it’s moot if he’s the only dude who can put the ball in the hole. 2 words… Andrea Bargnani.
Barg and Nowitzki are on 2 different plains of existence, but he’s a huge mismatch who can score anywhere. I’d even go as far as to call Bargnani one of the best offensive centres in the game. But he’s shit because his team is shit.
May 18th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
First & Foremost says:
Funny how people pick one of his best block totals and consider it the norm. Why shoot 3′s when you live at the free throw line? Besides, he has migrated from the 3 over the past two years.
Of course coaches don’t take him out due to defense because you’d look stupid if you couldn’t get him back on the floor. If players with free throw problems stay in the game because you need their defense. Dwight doesn’t come off the floor in the last few minutes of a game either. The Magic just don’t inbound him the ball.
Over their careers, rebounding, steals, & blocked shots KG has the advantage all the while not being too far behind on the offensive stats. The comparison is close but I’d take KG over Dirk.
Let me guess, Dirk’s all word D on Pau is the main reason LA lost.
May 18th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
JAY says:
allow me to clarify my last post… Boss walked by, I had to hit Submit. Lol.
Bargnani can score on anyone. He can be double teamed because his teammates don’t keep defenders honest.
Nowitzki can score on anyone also, yet his teammates keep defenders honest so they run the risk of getting burned if defences double him.
How good, offensively of course, would Bargnani be if teams couldn’t double him?
Howard on the other hand, is a dominant defender. He alone is the reason the Magic get defensive stops. If not for Howard, the Magic would be in the Raptors or T.Wolves level of defense. The Magic don’t have to double the post. That’s HUGE for spacing. Same goes for KG in his prime. He needed no help to defend. Not only in the post… the T-Wolves used KG at the top of their 1-3-1 zone when he played with Cassell and Spree. What other big man is any coach using at the top of a 1-3-1? That’s INSANE!!!
That said, I understand the logic of guys picking Dirk over KG… but i think some of you guys are forgetting how ridiculous, and ‘videogame-like’ KG was in his prime.
May 18th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
JAY says:
Just out of curiosity, I checked KG’s rebounding numbers when he played at the top of Minnesota’s 1-3-1 zone.
He grabbed 13.9rb/gm that year and 10.9 on the defensive end. So he’s defending the top of the key and still grabbing the defensive rebounds under the hoop. Damn! I’m not bringing this up to try and convince anyone the should choose KG over Dirk… it’s just completely sick.
May 18th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Big Island says:
Jay, Dwight is a center and his team’s defensive strategy is to overplay the shooters and make them drive to the hoop. Or get blown by and hope Dwight cleans up their mess. It worked great for them too because they are playing in the conference final..wait, what? Oh, sorry, they didn’t get out of the first round because they lost to the Hawks. In 6.
If Toronto had different players Bargnani would be a bigger threat. His numbers aren’t too far off from what Bosh was doing (3 points less and 5 fewer boards per game) but Bosh was a stud stuck on a shitty team? How does it work? If (insert your greatest player ever) were on a team with me, you, Austin, and Chicagorilla, would he be shit because we suck compared to other NBA teams? More realistically, if you were at a park picking a team, would you take the guy who could get buckets from anywhere, pass to you if he got doubled, and stayed with his guy on D, or the guy who was the best defender, can score pretty well, pass ok, but never really cause any problems otherwise?
May 18th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Big Island says:
Jay, I feel like a dick now because I didn’t see your follow up posts. Bargnani sucks because he’s Bagnani. KG was a beast. Dirk is filthy. If I had a choice of a guy who creates a huge offensive mismatch and is good on defense or a guy who is a great defender and good on offense, I would take the offensive guy, especially with the current rules.
I am also the guy who would rather lose every game with guys that try than win 80% of the time with guys who slack and should go undefeated, played pick up basketball instead of getting a ride for playing football, and don’t really care for big tits, so WTF do I know.
May 18th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ F&F
At this PRESENT moment ud take KG over Dirk??
Maybe vintage KG but Dirk brings much more to the table nowadays..
And aint got to use mind games to get an edge..
May 18th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Chicagorilla says:
dirk had 4blks in a game and yall acting like he’s a defender now. So when 5’3 muggsy bouges grabbed 10reb in a game should we start comparing him to rodman? Gtfoh with that ish.
KG = Duncan and both are >>> Dirk.
Saying KG, a former MVP and a guy who put up 22pts 13reb 5ast 1.5stls and blks while shooting 50%FG, is an avg off player is just pure insanity.
Dirk can shoot…so what. So can Bargniani.
KG can run the flucking point or play center!!!!! And you question who is the better offensive option? Thats just stupidty. KG is hitting you with a unblockable high release turnaround (which contrary to Ian’s lie went in most of the time), but he also CREATES DOUBLE TEAMS which allowed guys like Joe Smith, Wally Szerbiak, and Sam Mitchell last many years feeding off KG unselfishness.
About the only flaw in KGs game is that he wasnt selfish enough at times.
Also this stupid thought that KG isnt clutch is really flucking with me. And how is Dirk all of a sudden clutch? Thats the same MFer that allowed SFs to shut him down. Same dude who choked in the 06′ finals. Same dude that choked even worse vs GState!!! None of that ish has ever happened to KG.
KG has always been stuck with shitty teammates and coaches. Dirk has had future HOFer and 2x MVP Steve Nash as a teammate, future HOFer JKidd, allstar Caron Butler, Ty Chandler, All star Shawn Marion, All star Josh Howard pre injury.
KG in his TWolve days had crazy ass Spreewell and Cassell and they went to the west finals with just those guys. Eventually Wally made the ASG, but we knoe that was undeserving. As soon as KG was put with legit stars it took him one year to win a chip.
Like i said, KG is on Duncans level and may even be better in my opinion. But to put Dirk anywhere close to KG is just down right stupid.
I heard Wilbon compare Dirk to Larry Bird…and Magic sat up there and agreed with him. Bird was damn near 50-40-90 for his career and still put up 6-7ast and 10reb. Bird was also an ALL-DEFENSE 1st teamer.
May 18th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Mike says:
-Good game, just remember we don’t watch 2 see Dirk & Durant we watch 2 see Joey Crawford!
-Wat is wrong wit Scott Brooks? Did u see the lineup he started the 4rt with? Nate, really!!?? Durant was on fire & they were down 16 by the time he came back in
-How does Harden only get 9 shots?
-I was looking 4ward 2 Durant TRY to guard Dirk, but they called 2 CHEAP fouls.
-Westbrook forces some bad shots, especially when he don’t have it going
May 18th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Sporty-j says:
Thankyou Chicagorilla! Thats y I like you and have you in my fab 5 of Dime [Mag] top 5 posters because you think a little like me. I was dieing on the inside for somebody to mention how just because Dirk had 4blks, people want to act like hes a Defender all of a sudden and forget about how he use to het punked. KG is the 2nd best PF of this generation and its not even close. He had amazing help from Crawford last might and still will not make it past the Thunder…
May 18th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Big Island says:
Sporty and Chicagorilla – I don’t think anyone has said that Dirk is a defensive guy at all. He just isn’t as bad as people say he is. Same way Kobe isn’t as good defensively as people say he is. On one hand it’s KG is great and carried guys, but he never gets shit for getting knocked out of the playoffs every single year in Minny. The team wasn’t great, I get it. But Dirk averages almost 26 and 11 in the playoffs, 6 more points and one less board than KG. He always shows up, his team hasn’t won, but the dude brings it.
It comes down to personal preference for who you take between the two, but you are out of your goddamn minds to think it’s a landslide decision either way. You can go on all day about all defense, all NBA, etc., but it comes down to whether or not you prefer the soft euro guy or the fake ass thug.
May 18th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Sporty-j says:
Sort euro guy or the fake a$$ thug. lmaol at the end of the day I would take both. Tim Duncan is the greatest PF of all-time and the only guy that comes close to him and his all-around game tzalent wise is KG. KG was more skilled than T.D. and you still have yo look at the fact that Duncan played for a great Franchise and coach.
May 18th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Big Island says:
I think both Dirk and KG have better all around games than Duncan (I consider all around game to be flexibilty), it’s just that Duncan was unstoppable in the post. That fucking guy is a center, I don’t care what anyone says or what they list him as or anything. The guy who anchors your offense and defense in the paint is a goddamn center. I don’t know why that pisses me off so much. HE IS A FUCKING CENTER!!!!
May 18th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Chicagorilla says:
damn sportyj agreed with me. Thats like dime purgatory around these parts lol.
On the real though
@Big Island,
You keep writing Dirk “aint that bad defensively” but think you are trying to fool yourself with that. Dirk is HORRIBLE defensively. He has gotten even worse as he got older and slower.
The Mavs are forced to run a zone and double team whoever Dirk is guarding. I watched Perkins shit on him in the post last night….Kendrick flucking Perkins!!!! you want people to call him the best PF in the game, but he is letting scrubs shit on him.
And you downplay KGs passing and refer to it as “ok”. I seen dude avg 6ast a game one year and 5 over his entire career. KGs body of work is unreal when you look at stats, and throw in he finally got a chip and you have the top player at his position during his generation.
Side note: i think Duncan is a Center not a PF.
and to answer your question Big Island,
If i were playing pick up ball with NBA players, no flucking way i chose Dirk over KG. Not even today. I will take KGs ability to get buckets in the paint at a HIGH % plus know that he has my back if my guy gets past me. Dirk’s jumper will have off games, but as a damn 7footer i would expect him to protect the lane behind me. Instead he’ll be having a tough enough time checking a 6’7 250 forward while asking for help! Defense wins championships, offense sells tickets, hopes, and dreams.
The playoffs will not be filled with 100pt games….it’ll come down to how many stops can you get. AS A COACH I DON’T WANT MY TALLEST PLAYER 20FT FROM THE RIM FADING AWAY ON EVERY SHOT. How the hell are we going to rebound?
Dallas was lucky/smart enough to pick up Marion who is a sf that rebounds like a pf, along with JKidd. them along with Chandler and Haywood are also good defenders, which can mask some of Dirks bad D and shot selection. But a good coaching staff will take advantage of Dirk not being able to guard anyone. and when his jumper goes south and the refs start to swallow their whistles instead of Dirks Diggler…. Thats when the women and children will be put to bed and the men go out hunting (like that reference from The Program).
May 18th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Blue tops says:
@ jay
As a raps fan I get so mad when dirk plays amazing cuz raps front office keep salivating at the thought of bargs being that good.
Sadly it will NEVER happen, got dammmmm WTF was dirk on yday?
@ chicagorilla and anyone else who likes to mention 80s and 70s NBA superstars…
Those dudes could not hang with these machines of NBA players we have now. The conditioning and overall level of play is insane right now. If this was 1985, A guy like lebron would avg 50-25-25 in his sleep so it’s not entirely nuts to think dirk might’ve been better than bird had he been playing in birds era. Or is it? I dont know but I am defiantly a firm believer in dirks abilities as an elite NBA superstar of our generation.
As far as 2nd best pf goes (Duncans 1st) 2nd only goes to KG b/c of his one chip. IMO, Dirk is just as amazing and will have a longer career. If he gets a chip this year dirk>KG. But since we all know Miami com in back Fo dat asssssss.
May 18th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
K Dizzle says:
I don’t normally agree with Chicagorilla but this post is truth:
“Thats the same MFer that allowed SFs to shut him down. Same dude who choked in the 06′ finals. Same dude that choked even worse vs GState!!! None of that ish has ever happened to KG.
KG has always been stuck with shitty teammates and coaches. Dirk has had future HOFer and 2x MVP Steve Nash as a teammate, future HOFer JKidd, allstar Caron Butler, Ty Chandler, All star Shawn Marion, All star Josh Howard pre injury.”
It’s easy to pick Dirk right now cuz he’s the Payton Manning of the NBA and his offense is sizzling. Dudes tend to forget the fact that Dirk’s always had Cuban bringin in stud after stud to compliment him. KG’s best squad before Boston wasn’t even as good as Dirk’s worst squad for real.
Ian keeps sayin KG needs help to win his chip. Fact is Boston don’t win in ’08 without KG’s all-around game, and the only reason Orlando got to the Finals the next year was cuz KG was on one leg. I love Dirk’s game right now, but in their primes, KG was runnin the point against my Lakers, then postin up, then guardin Kobe, then guardin Shaq, then runnin out on shooters, rebunding, outlet, then sprint to follow Troy Hudson’s miss with a jam.
Some of y’all need to youtube KG cuz I think you forgot or you just didn’t know:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC2R1sqJDAc
Right now, Dirk’s the man, but that don’t change the history of those two. If KG had Manu and Parker with Pop as his coach, he’s got at least 3 rings too(sorry, Ian)
May 18th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
LakeShow84 says:
So you guys are seriously saying RIGHT NOW youd take KG over Dirk????
As of RIGHT NOW????? lol
Dont get me wrong i been waiting for the other shoe to drop on Dirks play as well.. HONESTLY i dont think he keeps it up all the way to the trophy but AS OF RIGHT NOW, and ill even say this year, Dirk is having a WAY BIGGER impact on his teams OVERALL play than KG has had this year..
All that Bird talk is for the birds lol someone up there even said if he keeps it up this year hes a TOP 10(!) ALL TIME PLAYER..
I aint stupid vintage KG used to be DISGUSTINGLY FREAKISH and would make any euro run to the UN for protection.. but as of RIGHT NOW, post knee blown, KG cant keep up with half these players nowadays without pushing, pullin and talkin mad shit..
In his day tho….. DAMN…… TWolves wasted that
May 18th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Sporty-j says:
All I am saying is tha in his prime, KG would have punked Dirk on the court. Ran circles around him and took his lunch money…
May 18th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
Citizen B. says:
Or do they have to win a championship to, you know, not be called soft as pudding anymore? …
Still soft as pudding.
May 18th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
control says:
Chicagorilla
SpunkmasterJ just got the biggest dis in the world on ya:
“because you think a little like me.”
May 18th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
control says:
KDizzle
You mean this video of KG eh? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT-4Lyx-_mM
May 18th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Big Island says:
Sporty – Dude, KG couldn’t steal a 4 year old Dirk’s money. He would be going after a 4 year old Sebastian Telfair or some other little guy. He never steps to guys 1) over 6’3 and 2) over 180 pounds.
Gorilla – I respect the point you’re making, I know the stats (and that 06 title was bullshit, everyone knows it). It ain’t his fault he’s tall and plays the perimeter. If size were the case, Lebron better not ever bring the ball up because he’s Karl Malone’s size. And Barkley should’ve never gone into the paint. And Magic needs to outlet the ball to Byron Scott. And Durant needs to be down low. And Tim Duncan is a MF’n center.
Dirk is more than serviceable on defense. You’d put up just as many points on Melo, Amare, Bosh… And now the game is on. Fuck Miami.
May 18th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Ian says:
Chicagorilla
What lie?? Go google the numbers don’t bring that bs about td and kg being equals and you taking kg now over dirk you sound retarded. Dirk owns kg everytime they go heads up. Cuban giving dirk an elite team?? Gtfoh his second best player since nash left has been terry. When he had nash nash wasn’t nash. Give me one season when dirk has been on the best team in the league?? Yeah ill say it again kg can’t carry a teams offense the one season they made it to the conf finals it was cassell and hudson taking the big shots. Boston it was pierce and allen. Kg can guard pgs and centers goh again. Funny how dirk doesn’t play d kg does and head to head dirk outscores him. Weird right?
May 18th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
dagwaller says:
It’s a little embarrassing, seeing some great posters going out of their way with the Bill Walton hyperbole haha.
Chicagorilla, I really expected better from you.
Dirk’s Finals teammates in 2006: Darrell Armstrong, Ericka Dampier, Dasagana Diop, Adrian Griffin, Keith Van Horn, Josh Powell, DJ Mbenga, Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, Josh Howard and Jason Terry.
THOSE GUYS were better than Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell? GTFOH hahahaha…honestly, when you were saying that KG’s teams were worse than Dirk’s when Dirk’s next best player was…who, exactly? I wasn’t sure if maybe your kid brother was on your Dime or something.
KG’s career seems better to many probably because he’s been through his prime already. Dirk still has a couple years left. It makes sense – KG was drafted a few years ahead of Dirk. Hence why Dirk is better NOW.
It’s USELESS to say things like, “KG in his prime was better than Dirk now” because A.) it’s probably not true to begin with, and B.) he didn’t have nearly the same success that Dirk has had throughout his career, save when he teamed up with 2 other all-time greats.
PLEASE take note of how many times KG was bounced from the playoffs early, and how few times his teams won 50 games relative to the Mavericks.
Not to mention that Dirk has stuck by his team, and continues to do so.
All of this “KG is better and it’s not even close” makes a lot of people here seem narrowminded. I definitely think it’s close, but if anything, Dirk is ahead by a little and he still has a few years left in his prime – a side effect of being a skilled player rather than an athletic beast.
May 18th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
JAY says:
I gotta say I agree with Chicarilla today also! WTF, I thought friday the 13th was last week. Some strange celestial event must be going on. Lol.
“Yeah ill say it again kg can’t carry a teams offense ”
So?? Nowitzki can’t anchor a defence.
May 18th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
dagwaller says:
As the leading men on their teams:
11 straight 50 win seasons, 7 times out of first round, 3 trips to Conference Finals, 1 trip to Finals, played with All-Stars Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Steve Nash, and Michael Finley.
4 nonconsecutive 50 win seasons, a single time past the first round (lost in Conference Finals), played with all-stars Tom Gugliotta, Sam Cassell (All-NBA third team), and Wally Szczrebiak.
YOU tell ME who had the better career. Now, if Dirk gets traded to the Heat next year and wins a title, then has another year in the Finals, I guess their career arcs will be a little more similar. Other than Dirk’s early success, that is.
May 18th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Ian says:
Funny you guys make it sound like kg protects the rim like d. Howard. Just look at that 06 squad?? It had no business being in the finals but dirk took em there. Honestly the only reason kg even made a conf finals was because he landed on a bracket without the spurs or lakers. Dirk has beaten the spurs twice and the lakers once.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
williehobbes says:
the refs killed the bulls’ momentum at the beginning of the second quarter with those bs foul calls….