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For once and all, he pronounces it “No-WIT-skee.” Has since the day he stepped off the plane from Germany back in 1998 and arrived at the Mavs’ old practice facility at the Baylor-Tom Landry Center in Dallas.
You call him “No-VIT-skee”? He shrugs. Doesn’t care.
Likewise, it doesn’t bother him that his ESPN highlights — 24 consecutive free throws — are relatively boring. Doesn’t care that critics still claim he’s soft, still giggle at him for getting duped by that creepy ex-girlfriend a couple years ago or that his mentor is a German goofball named Holger.
His unique game is again producing uncanny results, this time on the national stage. Where does last night’s performance on Dirk’s all-time list of dominance?
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5. May 12, 2001 — Despite needing an IV to combat the flu and having a tooth knocked to the Reunion Arena floor by an errant Terry Porter elbow, scores 30 points and grabs 15 rebounds to help Dallas avoid a Spurs playoff sweep.
4. Nov. 3, 2009 — Sets a franchise record with 29 of his total 40 points in the fourth quarter in crazy comeback win over the Jazz at AAC.
3. May 22, 2006 — Caps 37-point, 15-rebound performance with crucial three-point play to force overtime in Game 7 of West Semis in San Antonio.
2. June 1, 2006 — Fifty points, 12 rebounds in pivotal Game 5 of West Finals against Suns at AAC.
1. May 17, 2011 — Forty-eight points on 24 of 24 free throws and only 15 shots in Game 1 win over the Thunder. One of the most efficient performances in NBA history.
