Game 29 Dirkie Thread: The Landlord Gafford!

[ballsrchr]

I'm as guilty as anyone about letting points slant my Dirkie vote. In reality it's often the defense, which is rarely quantifiable, that turns the tale. I'm not saying that this game was a defensive clinic, but it had it's moments.

I've often mentioned how much I like to see the deep bench get to play minutes. In this game I could have almost said "quarters"...almost. Deep bench play gets more experience for the bench. This can only help in the future. It also usually means the Mavs are way ahead in points. I like that...

So what did we see in this game? Just a solid, workman like game. That's all. I'll admit here that I missed a minute or two of the game while I was fixing supper, so I might have missed why Lively didn't play more. It also might be because this was a game tailor fit for Gafford. In my mind just getting your name on the poll is already a win for most players. Omax and Powell played about even, if you look at the stats. Even the eye test is pretty even--in different ways. Yet I only put Powell on the poll. I would not vote for Omax even if I did put him on the poll, nor will I vote for Powell. However...Powell is the kind of guy you want as a deep bench player. He is always ready and will play his heart out. He's a great team mate.

You might wonder why I'm being so philosophical about all this. Maybe I'm just remembering back in the day...

It might also be because my wife has been on my case all day about snaking the washing machine drain line. But I'm not such a shallow person to feel sorry for myself.

Well...on to my Dirkie award. Daniel Gafford.

[SleepingHero]

It's been a tough week for me work wise so watching the Mavs decimate the Blazers really helped lift my spirits.

Not much to say as this one really was just a decimation of the Blazers. Felt like the Mavs played this at half speed the entire game and it still was a blowout. Blazers scored 31 points in the 1st quarter on 10/22 shooting from the field. They would go on to score 77 points for the rest of the game on 33/71 from the field. Not crazy bad efficiency, but they just could not keep up with the Mavs at all.

It felt like Luka had a poor game solely because of his 3pt shooting, and yet he still dropped 27/7/7 on 53% from the field. Honestly he had a great game all things considered and he was definitely finding his rhythm tonight. Plus it was great to see him just keep hounding/jawing at Toumani Camara all night and taught him a lesson time after time.

Kyrie was just flat out incredible with the ball tonight. He had so many razzle dazzle moves that I lost track. He could've had like 8 highlights this game alone. Yet, what gets me going the most is seeing him rally the guys at the end of every possession to make sure they're locked in. Great stuff.

Klay was definitely going for his all time 3pt record tonight and it was fun to see him count down it as each 3 went in. Wish he made a few more but he still had a solid game. What made me more hyped was his defense. He had countless great closeouts and 2 steals!

Finally my Dirkie had to be none other than Mount Gafford. The Landlord just could not be denied tonight. Perfect 100% from the field and the Blazers only answer was wrapping him up. It still didn't matter tonight as Gafford went 9/14 from the line. Games like this just reminds everyone (myself included) just how good Gafford is and how much of a luxury it is that we have him apart as our center tandem. He's a bonafide starter level player (and a top 15 one at that) and we can have both him and Lively at all times.

Great game from Gafford. Glad basically everyone could stay under 30 minutes and rest up before the Christmas day game. Lets go Mavs!!!

[SleepingHero]

@NationMffl

Kyrie Irving after the win tonight:

“We are trying to build a dynasty.”

[ThisIStheYear]

Powell 1 for 1 from three. Making a play for the stretch big role. Dirkie for Gafford of course.