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Dirk steps up as Mavericks go up 3-2 on the Suns

In Game 4, Dirk Nowitzki scored 11 points as the Mavericks lost to the Suns.

In Game 5, the Mavericks fell behind by 7 points in the second half, after owning a double-digit lead in the first half.

Apparently, enough was enough for Dirk.

“When we were down seven, I just saw the whole season swimming away,” he said.  And like a great player, he rose up and carried his team the rest of the way home.

Some people are giving Tim Thomas credit for awakening Dirk by calling him a p** (think cat) and blowing him a kiss.  Dirk’s a competitor and didn’t like it, I’m sure, but I don’t think that was the impetus for Dirk’s 2nd half explosion.  I think it came down to Dirk simply not being ready for the off-season yet.

Stories always float around the AAC about Dirk showing up at the practice court for some extra at all hours of the night.  He can’t sleep after an off night, and hits the gym to shoot his way back into it.  Word is Avery Johnson has fined him not for skipping practices but for refusing to listen to orders instructing him to practice less.

Dirk has matured into a splendid player with an even better attitude and work ethic — much of which can be credited to Holger Geschwindner, whose quiet demeanor and skinny frame has become a staple around the American Airlines Center.

This morning, the morning after Dirk’s 50 point performance, media accolades are abundant, to say the least.

It’s fun to read each and every one — great to see Dirk getting the national attention we locals have felt he’s deserved for quite a while.

Hopefully Dirk can help lead the way to the next round of articles — previews of the Mavericks vs. the Heat in the NBA Finals.

Fri June 2nd, 2006 9:08 pm

Filed under Dallas Mavericks