Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki dominated on the block in the 2010s

Dallas Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki connected on the highest percentage from both the left and the right block in the 2010s. Find out more here.

Dallas Mavericks fans know Dirk Nowitzki dominated the mid-range. When he got the ball on the block, it was game over. The seven-footer would make the defense pay nearly every time. He was no stranger to pulling off his patented one-legged fadeaway. The shot is so iconic that the Mavs put a silhouette of Dirk shooting it on their home floor this season.

The analytics movement in today’s NBA may say that is not a high percentage shot. The emphasis is on dunks and 3-pointers. Having the ability to dominate the mid-range is a piece of every top scorer in NBA history, though.

ESPN did a fantastic breakdown of the best and worst shooter from every location on the floor in the 2010s. They have three players for every zone. The one who made the most shots, the man that shot the highest percentage, and the worst shooter from there.

Dirk owns the blocks

Dirk Nowitzki earned his way on the list in two different locations. He shot 48.4 percent from the left block which was the top mark. That was only topped by his 48.5 percent on shots from the right block which again made the rundown as the most efficient. LaMarcus Aldridge made the most shots from the left block, and Carmelo Anthony was that man on the right block.

For context, the relative league average connect rate on shots from the block this season is approximately 40 percent.

Nowitzki was unstoppable. He did not just hunt mismatches. Dirk would take on any defender on the block, and it usually ended up with two points on the board for the Dallas Mavericks.

It is crazy to say, but the 2010s were not Nowitzki’s best decade. He began his two decades of dominance in Dallas in 2000. Dirk actually shot a better field goal percentage in the first ten years (that excludes his rookie season which took place in 1999).

Mavericks fans can agree that Dirk Nowitzki was incredible. He brought us all so many memories. Many of which came from his dominating on the block. Thanks for everything Dirk.