I like it when the team plays a well rounded game. The entire starting starting lineup was in double figures. This puts a lot of pressure on the opposing team. The second quarter showed just how much. I was afraid the Mavs would come out flat after the beat down in Miami, but such was not the case. Happy to see P.J. back in the saddle.

I still question the substitution schedule, but I don't write the checks. I really don't like to see Cuban sitting back with, or close, to the team. Nothing good can come from that.

With 6 people in the poll I find that we have 6 people to consider for the Dirkie. In some ways they all deserve some notice. I'll condense the list to 4 good men.
Anthony Davis is a victim of expectations. Cooper Flagg is getting close to the same expectations...for an 18 year old! P.J. Washington played a good game after being out for a few games. And then there is Brandon Williams. Also a good game--and he's got the flash.

I'm going with P.J. Washington for My Dirkie.

It's always been my contention that a team needs at least 4 players in double figures to win. Miami had 5. Fortunately the Mavs had 7. Despite this the Mavs didn't really have a lights out offensive night. Defense was good though. I'm wondering if some of these teams are looking past the Mavs. Probably not for much longer. A legitimate point guard makes a lot of difference!

I have 3 candidates on my Dirkie List.

Anthony Davis, who didn't have a stellar offensive night, but his defense was good.
Cooper Flagg, who does good all around play, and seems to thrive in clutch situations.
Ryan Nembhard, who does nothing but play the unflappable point guard.

I could also add Naji Marshall to the list because he just seems to be--there--when we need him.

I want to give my Dirkie to Nembhard, but I'm not. Anthony Davis gets the Dirkie tonight.

Is Ryan Nembhard going to be the next Jose Barea for Jason Kidd?

This is what Kidd needed all along for HIS OFFENSE.

Now if the Mavericks somehow add that point guard from Arizona next year Jaden Jason Kidd might be able to make this work and i might change my mind about this team going forward with the pieces.

Well...the Mavs got off to a horrible start--and the Nuggets got off to a great start. I figured the game was over, but decided to watch a few players I'm interested in. The Mavs are a plucky team, they play hard. Suddenly they started creeping up on the Nuggets and tied the game. After that it was a dogfight. True...the Nuggets didn't play there best game. I think they overlooked the Mavs and it cost them.

Anthony Davis got on track after a little while. He plays smoothly and seemingly with little effort, but he gets the job done. Unfortunately he got his finger(s) caught between the ball and basket rim. I instantly thought he may have got injured. Sure enough. The medical staff taped the fingers and he came back in. Surely they will do Xrays later. We'll see what happens.

Naji Marshall is a Jack of All Trades. Not the best, but pretty damn good sometimes. Maybe hel'll uncork and doozy of a game one of these days.

Cooper Flagg is our man! He's good even when he struggles. An 18 year old rookie--playing like a stud veteran. Wow! No, no. I'm not getting out the annointing oil yet.

Max Christie had an off game, but he still contributes. Turns out he is a pretty good second banana in THE worst trade in history.

Ryan Nembhard is an NBA rookie point guard. He's playing pretty good. The Nuggets left him open and he took advantage of it. He kept the Mavs in the game for a good portion of the game. I really hope they continue to play him. Point guards don't usually shine until they get on a team with a little structure. If you can...think back to Brunson in the summer league. He was lost...and looked bad. Summer league is filled with ball hogs desperately playing for a spot in the NBA. Point guard?...We don't need no stinkin' point guard. Where am I? I got lost. Naw...point is Nembhard is a point guard and he's showing it. I hope he keeps getting the opportunity. No, no, I'm not getting out the annointing oil. I'm just moving it to the front of the shelf...

How about Dwight Powell! He's like that little old energizer bunny. Give him a beating and he keeps on ticking. Oh...wait...that's another thing. I think Powell has earned his position on the team. I've never been as down on him as some people. Now we need him.

Klay Thompson has also earned his position...for the last 2 games or so. If he can keep it up, I'll be happy.

D'Angelo Russel. He was there! I expected more out of him--for the year. We still have some time.

My Dirkie candidates are Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Ryan Nembhard.

I think I'll go with Ryan Nembhard.

The Mavs have been playing teams close for quite awhile. It was only a matter of time before they won a game. I noticed that somebody jumped the gun before the game by posting a "tank is on" thread. Ooops. Not yet. Regardless of what you think about tanking or playing to win, the Dirkie thread is for the player who did the most to win this particular game. We have several people who contributed.

Dwight Powell did just what he always does. He played hard and did a lot of stuff. Just take a look at his stat line and you'll see this. Usually he doesn't get enough playing time to mount any stats, but he is certainly a good veteran to have on the bench.

Naji Marshall is also another person who seems to just go out there and do what he needs to do. He's not flashy, but he produces.

Cooper Flagg is an 18 year old man!...on the court. Or is he 19 now? Doesn't matter. He's there...and he's a Mav. With proper guidance, training, medical staff, and intangibles, CF is going to be good. I'm hoping he will be the second coming of--Dirk? Come on! I'm jumping the gun now, but what the hell!

Ryan Nembhard didn't do anything that changes my opinion about him. He needs to play more and get acclimated to the NBA game. He will be a good bench piece. Possibly even a starter, but that's a reach. He would have a lot more assists if his counterparts would just make the basket.

Klay Thompson? I think he's better coming off the bench than as a starter. He's not cooked, but...

Brandon Williams is proving that he belongs on an NBA team. It took him awhile, but here he is. He's quick and flashy. At this point we need him starting.

My Dirkie candidates are:

Dwight Powell, Cooper Flagg.
Naji, Klay, and Branden are all honorable mentions.

My Dirkie goes to Cooper Flagg.

Damn. This is the first clear white flagg of the season. They knew the old-ass Clippers were there for the taking on a B2B, so barely fielded five players.