Mavs vs. Grizzlies review

The Mavericks rarely do things the easy way, but they definitely know how to find a way to win. You don't win at least 50 games in 10 straight seasons without knowing how to do that.

Down by 13 with 4:25 the Mavs rallied furiously to send the game into overtime where they beat Memphis by a score of 106-102. Dirk Nowitzki ,who had been cold all night, caught fire hitting 2 threes late to tie it, and after Mike Conley hit a shot to put the Grizzlies up two, Dirk hit another shot to tie it again. Jason Kidd then forced O.J. Mayo into a terrible miss to send the game into the extra session. Dirk than hit a jumper and 4 three throws to ice the win.

Some might call it luck(John Hollinger), but if something happens again and again it has to be considered a trend. This Maverick team even when things look dire know how to grab victories from the clutches of defeat and the greatest reason why is number 41.

When people bring up the most clutch performer in the league they will almost universally say it is Kobe Bryant. Certainly one can understand that viewpoint, but for my money give me Dirk. Whether hitting clutch shot after clutch shot or being automatic from the line no one steps up their play late like Nowitzki. It goes way beyond luck and more into the hours upon hours of practice time, a unstoppable work ethic and drive, and resolve that refuses to gives in. That is what makes Dirk so clutch and that is why he has made the Maverickls the consistently elite team it has been for the past decade. He might not have a championship ring yet, but no one will work harder and leave more on the line in their quest for that ultimate glory.

Only three other teams have won at least 50 for at least ten straight years. The Celtics of the 50s and 60s had Russell, the Lakers of the 80s had Magic, and the Spurs of the 2000s have Duncan. The Mavericks have Dirk, and unlike those other superstars he has not been surrounded by future hall of famers and perennial all-stars. He just gets the job done night after night. It might not be flashy but it wins basketball games. Tonight was further proof of that.