Single-team him, double-team him, even triple-team him the Spurs have no answer for Dirk Nowitzki, as was once again proven Sunday night.
Nowtizki was remarkably efficient going 12-14 from the field and 12-12 from the line as he led the Mavs to a 100-94 game one victory over the Spurs as Dallas took a 1-0 lead in the best of seven first round series.
For most of the first three quarters Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who doubled Dirk during last year's playoff matchup, covered him with only one defender and Nowitzki repeatedly took advantage either by driving to the basket or shooting over the top over the many San Antonio defenders who feebly tried to cover him. It got so bad for the Spurs that they tried a hack-a-Damp strategy late in the 3rd quarter, but even that backfired as Erick Dampier made 4-6 free throws. Nowitzki saw more double-teams and even some triple-teams in the fourth but he was able to locate the open man. Dirk's 12 made throws add to a total of 86 straight makes counting the end of the regular season.
Dirk was not alone however as Caron Butler had 22 points in his first playoff game as a Mav and Jason Kidd contributed 13 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds and 4 steals. Dallas was able to overcome an off-night for Jason Terry as he only went 2-9 from the field.
The Spurs were only able to get contributions from its three big stars as Tim Duncan had 27, points, Manu Ginobili 26 and Tony Parker 18. The futility of the rest of the Spurs roster which only had 23 points was probably best exemplified by off-season acquisition bust Richard Jefferson who only had four point.
Other keys to the Mavs victory was a +13 differential at the free throw line and 17 Spurs turnovers. Dallas also won the rebound battle by a 45-37 count.
It was though most of all a Dirk night as he once again showed that come playoff time, and especially against the Spurs there just is no stopping #41.
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