Nowitzki superb in Dallas victory over Spurs

When an athlete performs like a virtual machine game in and game out, year after year, we sometimes tend to take their contributions for granted. This is particularly true if they go about their business in a low key manner and avoid publicity that is the result of either controversial actions or self-aggrandizing rhetoric. Karl Malone is a player that comes to mind that fits this description, and another one is Dirk Nowitzki.

All Nowitzki has ever done is put up 25 points and close to ten boards a game for the last decade plus while leading his team to the playoffs and contention for the Western Conference championship, which they won in 2006. It’s true that they have never won it all, and that is another similarity between Dirk and Karl Malone. But here we are in 2010 and Dirk Nowitzki has another shot at that elusive ring, and he is making the most of it early on.

Nowitzki played nearly perfect basketball last night as he led the Mavs to a 100-94 victory in Game 1 of their opening round series with the tough San Antonio Spurs. He made 12 of 14 shots from the field while converting all 12 of his free throw attempts in a 36 point, seven rebound performance.

“He was impressive. We know he can score 36, but missing only two shots is what makes it really hard. He made some shots with the defense all over him. You can’t control those kind of shots,” remarked the Spurs’ Manu Ginobili.

Game 2 will be played Wednesday in Dallas with tip-off scheduled for 9:30 pm EDT.