Warriors-Mavericks: Only Dallas Looks Like a Playoff Team

With Dallas 0-10 with Jason Kidd against winning teams and Golden State getting lambasted the night before in San Antonio, Wednesday’s Mavs-Warriors game was a must win for both teams. Despite the context only one team bothered showing up, and the Mavericks disintegrated the Warriors 111-86. Dallas: Dirk Nowitzki put on his best Willis Reed impersonation and gimped onto the court well ahead of his expected recovery time for his high ankle sprain. While his jumpers were flat and his mobility was compromised, Nowitzki efforted his way to 18 tough points on 6-15 shooting. And though slow and ginger, Nowitzki nonetheless plead steadfast defense in the paint and hustled determinedly when making several defensive rotations. Even though Dirk wasn’t a huge factor on the court, his heroic presence inspired his teammates to play with confidence abounding. Could it have been Dirk’s most courageous performance of his career? Jason Kidd (1-6 FG, 11 REB, 17 AST, 4 STL, 5 TO, 5 PTS) was ... [link]