Dirk Nowitzki playoff collapse now imminent with weak support system

With the Mavericks in the heat of the Western Conference playoff race, their captain and top-scorer Dirk Nowitzki has been sidelined for roughly two weeks with a sprained knee and ankle. The reason for the injury was a collision with Spurs G Ime Udoka, leaving Nowitzki lying on the floor helplessly. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacted to the injury Tuesday afternoon from one of his seven homes in Dallas.           “We’re pretty much screwed. I mean, Dirk can barely keep us afloat in the postseason when he’s healthy, and now this? Ask Miami and Golden State if I’m joking. One push or shove and a playoff collapse for my Mavericks and Dirk is about as full-proof as my wearing a t-shirt and imitating charge calls from my seat behind the basket next game,” noted Cuban as he flexed his pectoral muscles for all to see.          Nowitzki, last season’s Most Valuable Player, was virtually ... [link]