Many said his time had passed, he was done, his health and productivity were deteriorating in tandem. Dirk Nowitzki, former MVP and NBA champion is playing with a chip on his shoulder like an undrafted rookie. By doing so, he's had a Tim Duncan-esque revival and has spurred the Dallas Mavericks into the Western Conference playoff picture in an extremely competitive Western Conference.
Last season Nowitzki played 53 games last season and averaged his lowest point per game total since his rookie season at 17.3 points per game. He's started all 52 contests thus far and upped his scoring 21.8 points per contest and is shooting his 2nd best field goal percentage at 49.1% on the year. Nowitzki contributed 18 points and 6 rebounds while holding David West to only 12 points as the Mavericks topped the Indiana Pacers (81-73) in Indianapolis becoming only the third team to snag a W in Bankers Life Field House this season.
Dirk's performance this year is very similar to that of the 2010-2011 season in which he lead his Dallas Mavericks to their first NBA title. A series in which the German took home the Finals MVP award as well. Mark Cuban has made it clear he wants to get aging shooting guard Vince Carter a ring as bad as he wanted Nowitzki to get one, so let's not rule out the Mavericks making a big move before the deadline or in free agency this summer and make either this year or next Dirk's last playoff run.
Like Hakim with the dream shake, or Karim with the sky hook, Dirt Nowitzki's fadeaway jumper is one of those moves that when seen can be instantly identified with the player coined it. Never known as a great athlete, Dirk at 35 has continued to improve his already fantastic fines in order to keep his production up and the results have been fantastic. Nowitzki competed in his twelfth All Star game last night, once again reminding us why he will be a first ballot hall of famer and his performance this year at his age might be the most impressive part of his legacy.
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