Game 23 Dirkie Thread: A Tie!!! Ryan Nembhard and Anthony Davis

[ballsrchr]

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.

[ThisIStheYear]

AD gets my vote. I’m just really pleased at how intentional he’s been since he returned from his injury at making sure Flagg is involved in the game. Those two have some real chemistry.

[KillerLeft]

Nembhard for me. He got over 33 minutes as an undrafted rookie, while the other two guys only played about 15 minutes each. He is the catalyst for all of this improved play from everyone, imho.

Davis and Flagg were also good.

[SleepingHero]

I actually cannot believe how good Nemby is playing.

He appears like a 5 year vet playing out there. It's the little things. I counted 4 possessions where Nemby was yelling at someone to pickup a matchup on D and it resulted in a missed shot or a turnover. One that stood out was him directing Flagg to the right spot and Flagg forced Wiggins into a long contested 2 because of it.

That is ABNORMAL! Rookies aren't the ones calling out which defensive assignments in transition and look like a master while doing it! Pair that with his ability to just set the table SHEESH. 13 assists tonight on a single turnover. Genuinely reminds me of Steve Nash back in the day the way he pokes and prods the defense.

Cooper Flagg is incredible. He's starting to look comfortable out there and it's showing. 22 points on nearly 70% FG'% is a great game by any measure. But like Nemby, there were so many times last night where I saw Flagg directing and telling others what to do. Most importantly in the 2nd quarter he kept slapping his hands and gearing everyone up to get stops. Its not just that he is finding ways to score despite the defense trying to take away his drives, but its the little things he does possession by possession.

AD looked ok. I mean 17 pts, 17rbds, and 3 blocks is nothing to scoff at. Its a fantastic game for anyone. But its hard to look past how slow he looked out there. 4 airballed jumpers tells me his legs still arent under him. But thats understandable after being out for a good amount of time.