The fear of Wednesday night’s visit by the paltry Orlando Magic? A trap game.
But unless Dirk Nowitki awakens from the worst shooting slump of his career, every Mavs’ game from here on out will be tricky.
Since last week’s embarrassing home loss to the Cavaliers, the Mavs have suddenly found their offensive rhythm. Point totals of 129 and 119 in crucial wins over Western Conference contenders Oklahoma City and Los Angeles have muted the doomsdayers at least temporarily. And, yes, Nowitzki even looked like he was on the verge of re-discovering his legendary stroke.
The Mavs should win tonight. Orlando has 21 wins in the horrific Eastern Conference. Even with J.J. Barea and Devin Harris feeling flu-ish, Dallas needs a win. If they need a reminder of what could happen, the Spurs lost last night to the lowly Knicks.
But for the Mavs to make a deep run in the playoffs, Dirk has to be Dirk. And, unless you’re in denial, Dirk is in decline.
In the last two wins he made 13 of 27 shots for a combined 36 points. But it belies the undercurrent that – along with co-ThirtySomethings like Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning and Roger Federer – Father Time is slowly starting to bolt his feet to the floor.
It’s not just statistics, though those are a bit unnerving. Dirk’s minutes and shooting percentage (45) are at their lowest since his rookie season 17 years ago. He managed 22 against the Thunder, just his second 20-point game since the All-Star break. Cripes, he made less than 30 percent of his 3-pointers for over a full month. This from a guy who annually flirts with 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3s and 90 percent at the line.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
But Dirk has a lot of minutes and miles on those 36-year-old legs, All-Star Game alley-oop dunk be damned. To me the most alarming sight is him more and more frequently front-rimming open mid-range jumpers. He once made those in his sleep. Back when his legs were fresh.
If he doesn’t start doing it again, Dallas’ playoff run will be little more than a brisk walk.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
