Dallas Mavericks Considering Filing Protest For No-Calls On Dirk Nowitzki

I read in one of the team's sites the Mavs are talking about filing a formal protest with the NBA.  It was confirmed by my personal source they are concerned about the no-calls on Dirk Nowitzki.

I know I'm not the only Mavs fan who is fed-up with seeing our star get beat up every game.  And seeing him endure a bloody nose for the refs to finally find their whistles.

I've long noticed Dirk seemed to get more no-calls than other star studs.  So I did a little research.  We know how the NBA stats everything, so the information I needed was easy to find.

As of today Dirk Nowitzki is ranked No. 3 in field goals made.  Making 9.7-20.3 fg, and is currently shooting at 26.2 ppg.  Last season Dirk shot for 23.6 ppg, a 2.6 ppg increase.  

So Dirk is taking over 20 shots a game at 20.3 apg.  Last season he took 17.1 shots, an increase of 3.2 apg.  Which means he's taking at least three more shots a game this season.

Now, you would logically think Dirk's charity stripe percentage should be up too, right?

It's Not!

Dirk's last season free-throw made/attempts were 6.2-7.1 for .879.  As of today, his free-throws made/ attempts are 5.8-6.4 for .900.   A decrease 0.7  appearances at the line.  Dirk is going to the line this season less than last season, even though he increased his shooting.  Why?

Because he's shooting more 3-pointers.

Dirk's actually shooting fewer 3's this season 2.6 att, compared to 2.9 att last season.  He's just making more of his shots, currently at .402 avg on 3's, compared to .359 avg for last season.

Everyone else's numbers are down too. 

Not so.  Go look at the stats for the top five shooters who Dirk is in company with.  You will find if the player's season over season stats are up, his is free-throw appearances are up too.  And only if his season over season stats are down will you find his free-throw appearances decreased.

Something is not equal in the NBA.

So Dirk is shooting more and going to the foul line less, does not make sense to me.   I hope the Mavs follow through with this protest, for what ever good it will do.  At least it will be on record about the poor officiating by NBA's referees.