The professionalDirk Nowitzki, however, is unconcerned with the young Frenchman's exploits.
Ol' reliable has turned the last month of basketball into some of his best. It's not been gigantic point totals and double-doubles out the wazoo. However, it's been probably his most efficient collection of games despite a wrist injury.
Last night: 13-18 FG -- 3-3 3PT -- 6-6 FTs -- 35 points.
I would contend that this has been some of the best offensive basketball Nowitzki's had in his career because of the efficiency and seeming lack of effort he's had to exude to get what he's getting.
Frankly, he's been amazing. Understatement.
If I can critique the guy, I think we have a real issue with rebounding. I realize that Nowitzki is a scorer first. However, you need your power forward to rebound.
He's gone from 8.4 RPG in 2008 to 7.7 in 2009 and, now, 6.6 RPG in 2010. In February, he's averaged 5.8 RPG. He had one rebound last night.
I think rebounding is 98 percent effort. It's why undersized guys like Dennis Rodman or Charles Barkley had such awesome numbers. A small body that wants the board will get it over the bigger guy that could care less. Part also could be age and injuries. Would you rather have Nowitzki's 25 points a game for another four years or 15 rebounds a game for two?
Beaubois wasn't so bad, either. He played 19 minutes and scored nine points. However, he collected more personal fouls (5) than rebounds and assists (3). Shawn Marion filled up the box score (12 points, eight rebounds, two blocks). The Mavs shot 52 percent with only Jason Kidd and Peja Stojakovic doing poorly.
Notes:
1. Remember when the Mavs almost overpaid Marcin Gortat before Orlando overpaid him for us? He played 16 minutes and a -10.
2. Phoenix stinks. They've got awful contracts, old stars and awful players. I would, however, take Jared Dudley and Mickael Pietrus off their bench. Those two are exactly what the Mavs could use.
