Rockets Zoom Into Dallas, Face Dirk’s Mavs One Last Time
Game-Changers. Fairwell, Frenemy. Past, Present, Future.
Game-changers. Jordan. Magic. Bird. Wilt. Certain players are synonymous with their impact on the game of basketball. To an extent to where they become even bigger than the game itself. If your franchise gets a game-changing player, consider yourself lucky. They are few and far between. However, the Rockets and Mavericks are both fortunate enough to boast game-changing players. As one of Houston’s greatest rivals, I despise the Mavericks. On Sunday night, the Rockets travel to Dallas, a city they’ve been time and time again. To battle a Mavs team they’ve faced frequently over the years, and will see plenty of again in the future. Except this time, it’s feels different. Yes, Houston is rolling, going for 8 straight wins. The Rockets are playing atmospheric basketball, especially on defense. But, tonight marks the last time Houston faces Dirk Nowitzki.
Legend is an over-used word. Not in Dirk’s case. This man started basketball’s revolution of big men launching threes and kicking Dirty-Dirk step-backs. The German Race Car pioneered the European evolution of the game. And now, 21 years later, at age 40, he’s on his final lap. Dirk might not be as fast or effective as the showstopper he once was, but as a player and person, Nowitzki’s influence on the NBA cannot be overstated, nor dismissed. It would be remiss not to recognize the impact Dirk’s had on the game. Some players truly change the game for the better. Without Dirk, basketball wouldn’t be the same.
Since 1998, he’s been a thorn in Houston’s side. There are too many painful Rocket-memories involving Dirk-Destruction. But, Nowitzki made the game a better place. Sports need true, valiant competitors like Dirk. Even though the Rockets won’t miss having to face Dirk, the game will miss his face a lot more. I’m glad the days of Dirk wrecking destruction on Houston in the playoffs is over. But, part of me grieves what the game is losing. The NBA won’t be the same. Despite losing Dirk, Dallas got lucky again, of course. Well, they were smart. The Mavs traded for All-Star Kristaps Porzingis, but it’s what Dallas did before the season that was more impactful. They drafted Luka Doncic, the best rookie in this year’s class. The Slovenian sensation has the poise and potential to be a future game-changing talent in this league.
Houston is the hottest team in basketball. The Rockets look to even the season series in their final Dallas duel this season. Houston can’t take their foot off the gas. They’re only 3 games from claiming the second seed out West. Dallas is tougher at home, as opposed to the road. Dallas is a woeful 6-27 on the road but the Mavs are 21-11 at home, and a much more formidable opponent in American Airlines Center. However, Dallas has lost 4 straight and looks to be focusing on the race for Zion. Look for the Rockets to win their 8th straight game, and defeat Dirk in their final matchup. The Mavs are a team with a bright future, but they won’t be able to stop the NBA’s hottest team tonight. James Harden won’t let that happen. He’s a modern-day game-changer.
American Airlines Center: Dallas, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (40-25): White
Dallas Mavericks (27-38): Black
TV: 6 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW