Call it the "tell us what you really think, without telling us"-game.

If Flagg misses this game, I think it´s a stealth confirmation that the long-term tank is on and the Mavs view Atlanta as a very viable AD trade option, too.

They want the odds for the Pelicans pick to decrease, which in turn increases the likelihood of the Hawks parting with it. Furthermore Hawks have really gone downhill recently. So the negotiating position has really taken a turn for the better for the Mavericks. Finally KP is becoming useful for the Mavs.

Obviously it also helps the Mavs own draft odds.

I'm not too thrilled with the situational substitutions in this game...or the last 3 or 4 games. I guess that's why I'm not the coach. Since we're way past my bed time I'll refrain from commenting further. We won in overtime. That's a good thing.

Looking at my Dirkie candidates I can see 4 candidates: AD, P.J., Marshall, and Flagg. Flagg and Davis may be playing too many minutes. Flagg can probably get away with it for awhile. I doubt AD can.

Cooper Flagg gets my Dirkie award. AD is a second option, banana, whatever you want to call him.

At first glance it seemed the Mavs should roll over the Nets. Such was not the case. First they had to knock off some 5 day rust. Well...I'm not sure they ever did. Shooting percentages were close. The Mavs were down 11% on 3 point shots, and down 7% on Free throws. So it was iffy. For some reason the Mavs like to keep other teams in the game. I guess it makes for an exciting game...depending on which team you're rooting for.

Who do I vote for the Dirkie award? Anthony Davis for great stats and all around play? Naji for his mincing little steps and great floaters? PJ for?...naw. Cooper Flag for efficiency and all around play? Klay for doing what he is suppose to be doing? BW for his speed and flash, and pretty good play? Max Christie good all around play.

During the game it seemed like Christie was great on defense. Anthony Davis is so smooth, efficient...and not injured yet. Cooper Flagg who continues to grow and impress.

Oh what the hell! I'm always so down on Anthony Davis that I'm going to give it to him...again.

Cooper Flagg is my second choice. Kind of like kissing your sister at the prom. Oh...wait!...taking your sister to the prom. That's better.

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.