Dallas mavericks dirk nowitzki biography movies

German basketball player (born )

"Nowitzki" redirects here. For others with the family name, see Nowitzki (surname).

Dirk Werner Nowitzki (German pronunciation:[ˈdɪʁknoˈvɪtski], audio^ⓘ; born June 19, ) is expert German former professional basketball player who is a special advisor for say publicly Dallas Mavericks of the National Sport Association (NBA).^[1] Listed at 7&#;ft 0&#;in (&#;m),^[2] he is widely regarded translation one of the greatest power in advance of all time and is estimated by many to be the focal point European player of all time.^[a] Suppose , he was selected to position NBA 75th Anniversary Team.^[3] In , Nowitzki was inducted into the Educator Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.^[4][5]

An grad of the DJK Würzburg basketball truncheon, Nowitzki was chosen as the one-ninth pick in the NBA draft rough the Milwaukee Bucks and was instantly traded to the Dallas Mavericks, he played his entire year NBA career. Nowitzki led the Mavericks give explanation 15 NBA playoff appearances (–; –), including the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance in and its only NBA championship in Known for his achieve ability, versatility, accurate outside shooting, captain trademark one-legged fadeaway jump shot, Nowitzki won the NBA Most Valuable Trouper Award in and the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award in

Nowitzki is the only player ever health check play for a single NBA authorization for 21 seasons. He is unadulterated time All-Star,^[6] a time All-NBA Gang member,^[7] the first European player bare start in an All-Star Game,^[7] gift the first European player to take the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.^[8] Nowitzki is the highest-scoring foreign-born athlete in NBA history.^[9] He is leadership first Maverick voted onto an All-NBA Team^[10] and holds several all-time Mavericks franchise records.^[2] On December 10, , he became the first non-American athlete to receive the Naismith Legacy Award.^[11] Following his retirement, Nowitzki stood ordinal on the NBA all-time scoring list.^[12][13]

In international play, Nowitzki led the Frg national team to a bronze colours in the FIBA World Championship perch silver in EuroBasket , and was the leading scorer and MVP tag on both tournaments. He is also description first German men's player to receive his number retired, receiving this accept in September

Early life

Born in Würzburg, Germany, Dirk Werner Nowitzki comes suffer the loss of an athletic family: his mother Helga Nowitzki (née Bredenbröcker) was a educated basketball player and his father Jörg-Werner was a handball player who token Germany at the highest international level.^[14] Helga was a member of distinction West Germany national team that participated at the EuroBasket Women.^[15] His superior sister Silke Nowitzki, a local winner in track and field, also became a basketball player and now entirety for the NBA in International TV.^[2][16]

Nowitzki was a very tall child; nigh of the time he stood prove his peers by a foot application more.^[14] He initially played handball person in charge tennis. He managed to become wonderful ranked junior tennis player in prestige German youth circuit, but soon grew tired of being called a "freak" for his height and eventually putrefacient to basketball.^[17] Watching the U.S. Athletics basketball "Dream Team" also caused Nowitzki to gravitate towards basketball.^[18] After connecting the local DJK Würzburg, the year-old attracted the attention of former European international basketball player Holger Geschwindner, who spotted his talent immediately and offered to coach him individually two appoint three times per week. After feat both the approval of Nowitzki unacceptable his parents, Geschwindner put his fan through an unorthodox training scheme: elegance emphasized shooting and passing exercises, illustrious shunned weight training and tactical drills, because he felt it was "unnecessary friction".^[19] Furthermore, Geschwindner encouraged Nowitzki have knowledge of play a musical instrument and study literature to make him a make more complicated complete personality.^[19]

After a year, the educator was so impressed with Nowitzki's govern that he advised him, "You rust now decide whether you want put on play against the best in picture world or just stay a go into liquidation hero in Germany. If you determine the latter, we will stop system immediately, because nobody can prevent turn anymore. But if you want close to play against the best, we imitate to train on a daily basis." After pondering this lifetime decision famine two days, Nowitzki agreed to compose the full-time training schedule, choosing dignity path to his eventual international life's work. Geschwindner let him train seven cycle a week with DJK Würzburg colouring and future German internationals Robert Garrett, Marvin Willoughby, and Demond Greene, become calm in the summer of , expand year-old Nowitzki made the DJK squad.^[20]

Professional career

DJK Würzburg (–)

When Nowitzki joined goodness team, DJK played in Germany's second-tier level league, the Second Bundesliga, Southbound Division. His first trainer was Mine-shaft Stahl, who played the tall boy as an outside-scoring forward rather more willingly than an inside-scoring center to utilise jurisdiction shooting skills.^[21] In the –95 Especially Bundesliga season, ambitious DJK finished slightly a disappointing sixth of 12 teams; the rookie Nowitzki was often benched and struggled with bad school grades, which forced him to study to some extent than work on his game.^[22] Guarantee the next –96 Second Bundesliga ready, Nowitzki established himself as a tyro next to Finnish star forward Martti Kuisma and soon became a accepted double-digit scorer: after German national hoops coach Dirk Bauermann saw him assess 24 points in a DJK distraction, he stated that "Dirk Nowitzki remains the greatest German basketball talent forestall the last 10, maybe 15 years."^[23]

In the –97 Second Bundesliga season, Nowitzki averaged points per game and diode DJK again to second place astern the regular season, but could party help his team gain promotion.^[24] Fence in the following –98 Second Bundesliga interval, Nowitzki finished his "Abitur" (German A-levels), but had to do compulsory soldierly service in the Bundeswehr which lasted from September 1, , to June 30, ;^[2] The year-old, who confidential grown to 6&#;ft 11&#;in (&#;m) appropriate, made progress, leading DJK to cool point total (in Germany, a make sorry gives points and a loss ) and ending as leading scorer tackle points per game. In the advance playoffs, DJK finally broke its jinx, finishing at first place with figures and earning promotion to the consequent higher league; Nowitzki was voted "German Basketballer of the Year" by justness German BASKET magazine.^[25]

Abroad, Nowitzki's progress was noticed. A year later, the young lady participated in the Nike "Hoop Heroes Tour", where he played against NBA stars like Charles Barkley and Terrier Pippen. In a minute show replica, Nowitzki outplayed Barkley and even wet on him, causing the latter call on exclaim: "The boy is a mastermind. If he wants to enter glory NBA, he can call me."^[26] Dispersal March 29, , Nowitzki was uncouth to play in the Nike Underframe Summit, one of the premier forte watches in U.S. men's basketball. Nickname a match between the U.S. wit and the international talents, Nowitzki scored 33 points on 6-of shooting, 14 rebounds and 3 steals for representation internationals^[2] and outplayed future US NBA players Rashard Lewis and Al Harrington. He impressed with a combination stand for quickness, ball handling, and shooting backlog, and from that moment a assemblage of European and NBA clubs desirable to recruit him.^[27]

Dallas Mavericks (–)

Difficult set off (–)

Projected to be the seventh agree on in the NBA draft, Nowitzki passed up many college offers and went directly into the NBA as a-ok prep-to-pro player.^[28] The Milwaukee Bucks chosen Nowitzki with the ninth pick infant the draft and traded him scolding the Dallas Mavericks in a multi-team deal; future star point guard Steve Nash came to Dallas in prestige same trade.^[29] Nowitzki and Nash rapidly became close friends.^[30] Nowitzki became the fourth German player in NBA history, following pivotsUwe Blab and Religionist Welp and All-Star swingmanDetlef Schrempf, who was a year-old veteran of rectitude Seattle SuperSonics when his young cock arrived. Nowitzki finished his DJK existence as the only Würzburg player improve have ever made the NBA.^[31]

In City, Nowitzki joined a franchise which challenging last made the playoffs in Grave guardMichael Finley captained the squad, spare by 7-footinch (&#;m) center Shawn Pol (once a number two draft pick) and team scoring leader Cedric Ceballos, an ex-Laker forward. The start leave undone the season was delayed by rank –99 NBA lockout, which put honourableness entire season in jeopardy. In forgetfulness, Nowitzki returned to DJK Würzburg jaunt played thirteen games before both sides worked out a late compromise bond that resulted in a shortened NBA schedule of only 50 games.^[32] Like that which the season finally started, Nowitzki struggled. Played as a power forward in and out of coach Don Nelson, the year-old mat overpowered by the more athletic NBA forwards, was intimidated by the holdings as a number nine pick, subject played bad defense; hecklers taunted him as "Irk Nowitzki", omitting the "D" which stands for "defense" in sport slang.^[33] He only averaged points beginning rebounds in minutes of playing time.^[34] Looking back, Nowitzki said: "I was so frustrated I even contemplated even-handed back to Germany.&#; [the jump put on the back burner Second Bundesliga to the NBA] was like jumping out of an plane hoping the parachute would somehow open." The Mavericks only won 19 forfeited their 50 games and missed grandeur playoffs.^[35]

"Big Three" era (–)

–00 season: Convalescent as a sophomore

On January 4, , team owner Ross Perot Jr. sell the Mavericks to Internet billionaire Strain Cuban for $&#;million. Cuban quickly endowed into the Mavericks and restructured magnanimity franchise, attending every game at ethics sidelines, buying the team a $46&#;million Boeing to travel in, and accelerating franchise revenues to over $&#;million. Nowitzki lauded Cuban, stating that he "created the perfect environment&#; we only take to go out and win."^[36] Chimp a result of Nelson's tutelage, Cuban's improvements and his own progress, Nowitzki significantly improved in his second time. Nowitzki averaged points, rebounds and assists per game in minutes.^[34] He was voted runner-up in the NBA Greatest Improved Player Award behind Jalen Wine, and made it into the NBA All-Star Sophomore squad.^[2] The 7-footinch (&#;m) Nowitzki also was chosen for birth Three-Point Contest, becoming the tallest actor ever to participate.^[37] While he more on an individual level, the Mavericks missed the playoffs after a ordinary 40–42 season.^[37]

–01 season: First All-NBA presentday playoff appearances

In the –01 NBA ready, Nowitzki further improved his averages, stick points, rebounds, and assists per game.^[34] As a sign of his immature importance, he joined team captain Finley as only one of two Mavericks to play and start in stand-up fight 82 games, and had 10 festival in which he scored at bottom 30 points.^[2] Nowitzki became the labour Maverick ever to be voted bump into the All-NBA squads, making the Base Team.^[2] In addition, his best boon companion Nash became a valuable point aide, and with Finley scoring more elude ever, pundits took to calling that trio the "Big Three" of influence Mavericks.^[38]

Posting a 53–29 record in character regular season,^[39] the Mavericks reached grandeur playoffs for the first time owing to ^[40] As the fifth seed, they were paired against the Utah Frou-frou, who were led by point clue John Stockton and power forward Karl Malone. The Mavericks won the pile in five games, setting up unblended meeting with their Texas rivals, nobility San Antonio Spurs.^[41] The Mavericks departed the first three games of birth series, and Nowitzki fell ill business partner the flu and later lost regular tooth after a collision with Spurs guard Terry Porter. After a Effort 4 win, Nowitzki scored 42 result and grabbed 18 rebounds in Diversion 5, but could not prevent top-hole deciding –87 loss.^[42]

–02 season: First All-Star selection

Prior to the –02 NBA term, Nowitzki signed a six-year, $90&#;million commitment extension, which made him the second-highest-paid German athlete after Formula One defender Michael Schumacher.^[43] He continued to underpin, averaging points, rebounds and assists lagging game. Nowitzki was voted into birth All-NBA Second Team and into jurisdiction first All-Star Game.^[34] After making grandeur playoffs with a 57–25 record,^[44] decency Mavericks swept Kevin Garnett and honourableness Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round; Nowitzki averaged points per game.^[45] Clasp the second round, the Mavericks trip over the Sacramento Kings and rival stretch forward Chris Webber. After splitting justness first two games, Kings coach Snack Adelman changed his defensive scheme, distribution Hedo Türkoğlu to cover Nowitzki. Türkoğlu would use his agility to marker Nowitzki tightly, and if the taller Maverick tried to post up Türkoğlu, Webber would double team Nowitzki.^[46] Cut down Game 3 in Dallas, the Mavericks lost, –; Nowitzki scored only 19 points and said: "I simply could not pass Türkoğlu, and if Rabid did, I ran into a reserve team and committed too many turnovers."^[46] In Game 4, Nowitzki missed glimmer potentially game-deciding jump shots, and high-mindedness Mavericks lost, –, at home. Profit Game 5, the Mavericks were debarred, –^[47] However, Nowitzki received a comfort award: the Gazzetta dello Sport progressing him as "European Basketballer of excellence Year", his votes lifting him cause second-placed Dejan Bodiroga (54) and Stojakovic (50).^[48]

–03 season: First Western Conference Finals appearance

Before the –03 NBA season, Have on Nelson and Mark Cuban put modernize emphasis on defense, specializing in unornamented zone anchored by prolific shotblockers Raef LaFrentz and Shawn Bradley. The Mavericks won their first fourteen games, snowball Finley, Nash and Nowitzki were number one "Western Conference Players of the Month" in November ^[49] In that stint, Nowitzki lifted his averages again, at this very moment scoring points, rebounds and assists outlandish game.^[34] He led the Mavericks disparagement a franchise-high 60–22 record, which appropriate them the third seed: as expert result, the Mavericks had to be head and shoulders above sixth seed Portland Trail Blazers require the NBA Playoffs.^[50] Now playing swindle a best-of-seven series instead of primacy former best-of-five, the Mavericks quickly won the first three games, but followed by completely lost their rhythm and representation next three. In Game 7, Nowitzki hit a clutch three to build it –94 with left and ethics Mavericks won – "This was decency most important basket of my career", he later said, "I was jumble prepared to go on vacation become absent-minded early."^[51] In the next round, justness Mavericks met the Kings again, jaunt the series went seven games. Nowitzki delivered a clutch performance in Sport 7; he scored 30 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, and played strong accumulation, leading the Mavericks to a series-deciding –99 win.^[51] In the Western Seminar Finals, the Mavericks met the Spurs again. In Game 3, Nowitzki went up for a rebound and Spurs guard Manu Ginóbili collided with surmount knee, forcing him out of nobility series. Without their top scorer, justness Mavericks ultimately lost in six games.^[52]

–04 season: Playoff disappointment

After Dallas traded eccentric center Raef LaFrentz to Boston famine forward Antoine Walker, Nelson decided come together start Nowitzki at center.^[53] To subsist with his more physical role, Nowitzki put on 20&#;lb (&#;kg) of forcefulness mass over summer, sacrificed part cherished his agility, and put more fervency on defense rather than scoring.^[54] Nowitzki's averages fell for the first hold your fire in his career, dropping to entrance, rebounds and assists per game,^[34] on the other hand he still led the Mavericks personal scoring, rebounding, steals ( spg) nearby blocks ( bpg).^[2] These figures fitting him nominations for the All-Star Recreation and the All-NBA Third Team.^[34] Aggregation a 52–30 record, the Mavericks reduction their familiar rivals the Sacramento Kings in the playoffs once again, however were eliminated in five games.^[55]

Franchise contestant (–)

–05 season: First All-NBA First Crew selection

Before the –05 NBA season, rank Mavericks were re-tooled again. Center Erick Dampier was acquired from the Fortunate State Warriors in an eight-player trade.^[56] Also, Nowitzki's close friend and duplicate international teammate Steve Nash left City and returned to the Phoenix Suns as a free agent,^[57] going limb to win two Most Valuable Thespian awards with the Suns.^[58] During leadership season, long-time head coach Don Admiral resigned, and his assistant Avery Lbj took on head coaching duties.^[59] Assume the midst of these changes, Nowitzki stepped up his game and averaged points a game (a career high) and rebounds; and his blocks attend to assists were also career-high numbers.^[34] Perpendicular December 2, , Nowitzki scored 53 points in an overtime win admit the Houston Rockets, a career best.^[2] Nowitzki was voted to the All-NBA First Team for the first time.^[34] He also placed third in depiction league's MVP voting, behind Nash service Shaquille O'Neal.

However, the Mavericks challenging a subpar NBA Playoffs campaign. Persuasively the first round, Dallas met Politician Rockets scoring champion Tracy McGrady turf 7&#;ft 6&#;in (&#;m) center Yao Exhausted. The Rockets took a 2–0 periodical lead before the Mavericks won match up games in a row. After misfortune Game 6, Dallas won Game 7 convincingly and won the series all the more though Nowitzki struggled with his shooting.^[60] In the Western Conference Semi-finals, influence Mavericks met the Phoenix Suns, righteousness new club of Nash. They duct the first four games before excellence Suns won the last two merriment. In Game 6, which the Mavericks lost in overtime, Nowitzki was put together at his best: he scored 28 points, but also sank only 9 of his 25 field goal attempts^[61] and missed all five of government shots in overtime.^[62]

–06 season: First NBA Finals appearance

Prior to the –06 NBA season, veteran Mavericks captain Michael Finley was waived,^[63] leaving Nowitzki as goodness last player remaining from the Mavericks' "Big Three" of Nash, Finley, challenging himself. Nowitzki averaged points, rebounds, scold assists during the season. Not inimitable was this his third 2,point stretch, but his scoring average of outcome was highest ever by a European.^[34] He improved his shooting percentage, time personal season records in field goals (%), three-point shots (%) and at ease throws (%).^[34] During the All-Star Weekend in Houston, Nowitzki scored 18 record to defeat Seattle SuperSonics guard Misinform Allen and Washington Wizards guard Physician Arenas in the Three-Point Contest.^[64]

Nowitzki systematic Dallas to a win season. Blue blood the gentry team finished with the third-best wave in the league behind the beat champion San Antonio Spurs and nobility defending Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons.^[65] As in the –05 season, purify finished third in the league's Player voting, this time behind Nash playing field LeBron James. He was again picked out to the first team All-NBA squad.^[34] Nowitzki averaged points, rebounds, and assists in the playoffs.^[34] In the block round, the Mavericks swept the Metropolis Grizzlies, 4–0, with Nowitzki making a- clutch three-pointer in the closing hurriedly of Game 3 which tied probity game and forced overtime. In leadership Western Conference Semi-finals, the Mavericks pretentious against the San Antonio Spurs re-evaluate. After splitting the first six rejoicing, the Mavericks took a point steer in Game 7 before Spur Manu Ginóbili broke a tie at through hitting a 3 with 30 alternatives left. On the next play, Nowitzki completed a three-point play, which clumsy the game at In the swear, the Mavericks won, –, and Nowitzki ended the game with 37 figures and 15 rebounds.^[66] Nowitzki commented: "I don't know how the ball went in. Manu hit my hand. Instant was a lucky bounce."^[66] The Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they again met the Suns. Nowitzki scored a playoff career towering absurd 50 points to lead the Mavericks to a victory in the predominant Game 5 with the series even at 2;^[67] the Mavericks won depiction series in six games and unashamed the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. A content Nowitzki commented: "We've been a good road team conclude season long, we believed in scolding other. We went through some vacillations and downs this season, but prestige playoffs are all about showing dishonorable and playing together."^[68] Of Nowitzki's tv show, ESPN columnist Bill Simmons wrote, "Dirk is playing at a higher soothing than any forward since [Larry] Bird."^[69]

The Mavericks took an early 2–0 Finals lead, but then gave away undiluted late point lead in a Pastime 3 loss.^[70] Nowitzki only made 20 of his last 55 shots forecast the final three games as representation Mavericks lost the Finals series, 4–2, to the Heat. The German was criticized by ESPN as "clearly&#; howl as his best this series" current remarked: "That was a tough reverse (in Game 3) and that de facto changed the whole momentum of distinction series."^[71]

–07 season: NBA MVP and ballot record in wins

In the –07 bout, Nowitzki shot a career-best % outsider the field, recorded averages of in a row, rebounds, and assists,^[34] and led primacy Mavericks to a franchise-high 67 kills and the No. 1 seed temporary secretary the Western Conference in the NBA Playoffs.^[72] He averaged 50% from illustriousness field, 40% for three-pointers, and 90% from the free-throw line, becoming (at the time) only the fifth thespian in NBA history to join say publicly 50–40–90 club. Nowitzki was touted monkey the overwhelming favorite for the Bossy Valuable Player award and was forfeit to lead the Mavericks to brainchild easy win against the eighth-seed Aureate State Warriors, despite the Warriors acceptance won all three regular-season meetings wreck Dallas. However, the Mavericks ended vegetable patch losing to the Warriors in appal games, marking the first time far-out No. 8 seed had beaten high-mindedness No. 1 seed in a best-of-seven series in NBA history.^[73] In glory clinching Game 6, Nowitzki shot steady 2–13 from the field for lone eight points.^[73] Defended by Stephen Politician, Nowitzki averaged nearly five points banish than his regular-season average in go off series and shot % from glory field as compared to % by the regular season.^[34] He described put off loss as a low point train in his career: "This series, I couldn't put my stamp on it interpretation way I wanted to. That's ground I'm very disappointed."^[74] In spite selected this historic playoffs loss, Nowitzki was named the NBA's regular-season Most Semiprecious Player and beat his friend predominant back-to-back NBA MVP Nash with bonus than votes. He also became influence first European player in NBA depiction to receive the honor.^[75]

–08 season: Greatest triple-double

The –08 campaign saw another first-round playoff exit for Nowitzki and integrity Mavericks. Despite a mid-season trade stray brought veteran NBA All-Star Jason Captain to Dallas, the Mavericks finished 7th in a highly competitive Western Speech. Nowitzki averaged points, rebounds, and smart career-high assists for the season.^[76] Unplanned the playoffs, they faced rising tolerance Chris Paul's New Orleans Hornets, focus on were eliminated in five games.^[76] Leadership playoff loss led to the notice of Avery Johnson as head tutor and the eventual hiring of Clamp Carlisle. The few positive highlights guarantee season for Nowitzki were his twig career triple-double against the Milwaukee Wherewithal on February 6, , with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 12 assists, and on March 8, (34 points against the New Milcher Nets), when he surpassed Rolando Blackman with his 16,th point to step the Mavericks' all-time career points leader.^[77]

–09 season: Playoff upset

The –09 NBA course saw Nowitzki finish with averages enjoy yourself points, rebounds, and assists. He was fourth in the league in score, and garnered his fourth All-NBA Cardinal Team selection. He also made high-mindedness All-Star game, his eighth appearance. Nowitzki led Dallas to a tight disconnect towards the playoffs, finishing 50–32 fail to distinguish the season (6th in the West), after a slow 2–7 start. Subordinate the playoffs, the German led City to an upset win over long-time rival San Antonio (the third seed), winning the first-round series, 4–1. Influence Mavericks, however, fell short against glory Denver Nuggets, 4–1, in the in no time at all round, with Nowitzki averaging points, rebounds, and 4 assists in the keep fit.

–10 season: 20, points

The Mavericks done the –10 NBA season as say publicly second seed for the NBA Playoffs. Notable additions to the squad were multiple All-Stars Shawn Marion and Caron Butler, with the latter coming skull the second half of the ready. On January 13, , Nowitzki became the 34th player in NBA history—and the first European—to hit the 20,point milestone, while ending the regular opportunity ripe with averages of 25 points, rebounds, assists, and 1 block. He was selected to the All-Star Game, realm ninth appearance. The Mavericks faced have a nap against San Antonio once more collective the first round of the playoffs, but for the third time infringe four seasons, they failed to education to the next round. Nowitzki became a free agent after the course, but signed a four-year, $80&#;million allot to remain in Dallas.^[78]

Championship season (–)

Prior to the –11 season, the Mavericks traded for center Tyson Chandler.^[79] Nowitzki was injured in the middle pointer the season, but finished the habitual season with averages of 23 result, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Regardless of missing nine games, Nowitzki was elite to the All-Star Game for grandeur tenth time. The Mavericks defeated Metropolis in the first round of loftiness playoffs and swept the two-time keep guard champion Lakers in the Conference Semifinals. In the Conference Finals, they deliberate the Oklahoma City Thunder and their All-NBA duo of Kevin Durant pointer Russell Westbrook. In Game 1, Nowitzki scored 48 points and set brainstorm NBA record of 24 consecutive provide throws made in a game since well as a record for nearly free throws in a game out a miss. In Game 4, fit Dallas leading the series 2–1, Nowitzki scored 40 points to rally cap team from a 99–84 fourth-quarter shortage to a – overtime victory. City won the Western Conference title conduct yourself Game Five.

In the NBA Finals, Dallas once again faced the Algonquian Heat, which had acquired All-Stars LeBron James and Chris Bosh before nobility season began. During a Game 1 loss in Miami, Nowitzki tore well-organized tendon in his left middle finger; however, MRIs were negative, and Nowitzki vowed that the injury would mewl be a factor. In Game 2, he led a Dallas rally vary an 88–73 fourth-quarter deficit, making spiffy tidy up driving left-handed layup over Bosh cling on to tie the series at 1. City took a 2–1 series lead funds Nowitzki missed a potential game-tying cannonball at the end of Game 3. Despite carrying a &#;°F (38&#;°C) symptom in Game 4, he hit prestige winning basket to tie the stack yet again at 2, evoking comparisons to Michael Jordan's "Flu Game" destroy Utah in the NBA Finals. City went on to win the subsequent two games, with Nowitzki scoring 10 fourth-quarter points in the series-clinching pastime in Miami. The championship was representation first in the history of excellence franchise.^[80] Nowitzki was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.^[81]

Post-championship and final seniority (–)

–12 season: Naismith Legacy Award

As Metropolis celebrated their title, the NBA was in a lockout that ended deny December 8, The defending champions misplaced core players, such as DeShawn Author, J. J. Barea, Peja Stojaković, come to rest Tyson Chandler, while adding Lamar Odom, Delonte West, and veteran all-star Selfpossession Carter in free agency. The Mavericks played only two preseason games, which led to a slow start transport Nowitzki. Nowitzki made his 11th useful All-Star game appearance in Orlando. Nowitzki led his team in scoring 45 times during the season. Nowitzki's current of 11 seasons with 1, evidence came to an end after score 1, in the shortened NBA term. Dallas clinched the seventh spot elation the West, and were matched wreck the Oklahoma City Thunder in position NBA Playoffs. The Thunder swept picture Mavericks in four games.

–13 season: Surgery and missing playoffs

Before the bout, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry not completed the Mavericks in free agency. Nowitzki underwent knee surgery in October discipline missed the first 27 games method the season.^[82] He returned on Dec 23, , in a game harm San Antonio.^[83] In January , Nowitzki and some of his teammates energetic a pact not to shave their beards until the team reached They were often called "The Beard Bros."^[84] On April 14, , after neat fadeaway jumper in a game break the rules the New Orleans Hornets, Nowitzki became the 17th player in NBA version to score 25, points. The Mavs went on to win the diversion and climbed back to with top-hole 40–40 record, and Nowitzki shaved realm beard.^[85] However the Mavericks missed rank playoffs for the first time on account of Nowitzki's second season, ending their day playoff streak.

–14 season: Magic President Award

On January 29, , Nowitzki scored his 26,th point in a – loss to the Houston Rockets. Remark 35 minutes of play, he transcribed 38 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 assists.^[86] On March 12, , adjoin a – victory over the Utah Jazz, Nowitzki finished the game unwanted items 31 points and passed John Havlicek on the NBA scoring list adhere to 26, points.^[87] On April 8, , Nowitzki scored his 26,th point, ephemeral Oscar Robertson to move to honourableness 10th position on the all-time grading list.^[88] Nowitzki led the Mavericks attest to to the playoffs where they transparent their in-state rival San Antonio Spurs in the first round. Dallas misplaced the series in seven games, limit the Spurs went on to catch the NBA championship.

–15 season: 10, rebounds

On July 15, , Nowitzki re-signed with the Mavericks^[89] to a contemporary three-year, $25&#;million contract. He was besides reunited with former championship teammate Gladiator Chandler, who was traded to City after a three-year stint with Novel York. However, longtime teammate Shawn Marion signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers already the season.^[90]

On November 11, , Nowitzki scored 23 points to surpass Moslem Olajuwon as the highest-scoring player natural outside the United States, as high-mindedness Mavericks came from 24 points blue to defeat Sacramento, – Nowitzki gibe a jumper from just inside greatness three-point line early in the ordinal quarter to pass Olajuwon at Pollex all thumbs butte. 9, and he finished the murky at 26, career points.^[91][92] Six age later, Nowitzki became the fourth entertainer in NBA history to eclipse 27, career points with the same dealership, joining Michael Jordan, Karl Malone become more intense Kobe Bryant.^[93] On December 26 antagonistic the Los Angeles Lakers, Nowitzki passed Elvin Hayes for eighth place autograph the NBA's all-time scoring list.^[94] Let go went on to pass Moses Student for seventh place on the NBA's all-time scoring list on January 5, , in a 96–88 overtime overcome over the Brooklyn Nets.^[95] He historical his 10,th career rebound on Parade 24 against the San Antonio Spurs,^[96] and scored his 28,th career come together on April 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.^[97]

The Mavericks finished the routine season as the No. 7 weakening in the Western Conference with far-out record of 50– They faced decency Houston Rockets in the first pop in of the playoffs and lost distinction series in five games.

–16 season: Final playoff appearance

On November 11, , Nowitzki scored a season-high 31 admission in a – win over prestige Los Angeles Clippers. He also grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds and passed former teammate Shawn Marion for Ordinal on the all-time career rebounding list.^[98] On December 23, Nowitzki moved ago Shaquille O'Neal into sixth place finding the NBA's career scoring list, abuse made the go-ahead basket with curtly left in overtime to help picture Mavericks defeat the Brooklyn Nets, –^[99][] On February 21, he scored 18 points against the Philadelphia 76ers, smooth the sixth player in NBA description to reach 29, career points.^[] Vagueness March 20, he set a different season high with 40 points mud a – overtime win over rendering Portland Trail Blazers. His 20th calling point game was his first in that January , and the first unhelpful a year-old since Karl Malone joke –^[]

In Game 4 of the Mavericks' first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nowitzki passed Elgin Baylor (3, points) for 15th on birth NBA's career playoff scoring list.^[] Justness Mavericks lost the series four party to one.^[]

–17 season: NBA Teammate read the Year and 30, points

On July 27, , Nowitzki re-signed with rectitude Mavericks.^[] Nowitzki missed several games obvious in the season with Achilles sinew problems.^[][] On March 7, , awarding a – win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Nowitzki became the 6th player in NBA history to quantity 30, regular-season points. He also became the first international player to hole the milestone and one of lone three to score all 30,plus bend one team—the others being Karl Scholar (Utah Jazz) and Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers).^[] The Mavericks finished the patch with a 33–49 record and incomprehensible the NBA Playoffs.^[]

Following the –17 bout, Nowitzki exercised his player option have knowledge of become a free agent; this trade allowed the Mavericks to re-sign him with less money and be norm to pursue other free agents.^[]

–18 season: Season-ending surgery

On July 6, , Nowitzki re-signed with the Mavericks on copperplate two-year, $10&#;million contract (with a uniform option on the second year).^[][] Cheer on February 5, , in a – loss to the Los Angeles Shears, Nowitzki became the sixth player transparent NBA history to reach 50, being minutes.^[] On February 28, , elaborate a – overtime loss to distinction Oklahoma City Thunder, Nowitzki reached 31, career points.^[] On March 17, , in a – loss to depiction Brooklyn Nets, Nowitzki played in consummate 1,rd game, moving past Kevin Garnett into fifth place in the NBA career list.^[] He had season-ending ankle surgery on April 5 after attending in 77 of the first 78 games.^[] The Mavericks finished the patch with a 24–58 record and misplaced the NBA Playoffs.^[]

–19 season: Final season

On July 23, , Nowitzki re-signed accomplice the Mavericks for the –19 season.^[][] With his season debut on Dec 13, , he set the NBA record for the most seasons stiff with the same team (21), heartrending a tie with Kobe Bryant, who spent 20 seasons with the Lakers. He also became the fifth contestant in NBA history to play 21 seasons, tying an NBA record.^[] Nowitzki was named to his 14th All-Star game as a special team schedule addition.^[][] On March 18, , Nowitzki became the sixth-highest scoring player have available all time, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's 31, points in a loss to glory New Orleans Pelicans.^[] In his team's final home game of the period, a – victory over the Constellation Suns on April 9, Nowitzki scored 30 points, and announced his retreat in an emotional ceremony during which Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Shawn Kemp, Scottie Pippen, and Detlef Schrempf emerged on the court to give commendatory speeches for Nowitzki.^[][] One day consequent, he played his final NBA endeavour, recording a double-double with 20 in order and 10 rebounds in a –94 loss to the Spurs.^[]

National team career

Nowitzki began playing for the German state-owned basketball team in In his initiation tournament, the EuroBasket , the year-old rookie emerged as the main Germanic scorer, but Germany finished seventh most recent failed to qualify for the Athletics Games.^[] In the EuroBasket , Nowitzki was top scorer with points planned game, and narrowly lost the Participant vote to Serbian player Peja Stojaković. Germany reached the semi-finals and were close to beating host nation Flop, but Hedo Türkoğlu hit a three-point buzzer beater to tie it, beam the Turks eventually won in overtime.^[] Germany then lost, 99–90, against Espana, and did not win a garter. However, with averages of points at an earlier time rebounds, Nowitzki led the tournament donation both statistics, and was voted abut the All-Star team.^[] Back home, goodness German basketball team attracted up unexpected &#;million television viewers, a German sport record at the time.^[]

Nowitzki earned her highness first medal when he led Deutschland to a bronze medal in magnanimity FIBA World Championship. In the quarter-finals against the Pau Gasol-led Spain, Espana was up 52–46 after three-quarters, on the contrary then Nowitzki scored 10 points sight the last quarter and led Deutschland to a 70–62 win.^[] In authority semi-finals, his team played against character Argentinian team led by Manu Ginóbili, but despite leading, 74–69, four transcript from the end and despite Argentina losing Ginobili to a foot damage, the South Americans won, 86–^[] Even, the Germans won –94 against Another Zealand in the consolation finals ray won bronze, and Nowitzki, as authority tournament's top scorer, ( points cosset game),^[] was elected the tournament Player. Back in Germany, over four brand-new television viewers followed the games, block all-time record in German basketball history.^[]

In a preparation game for EuroBasket , Nowitzki suffered a foot injury rearguard a collision with French player Florent Piétrus; as a result, Nowitzki stricken inconsistently and was also often gravel of hard fouls.^[] In the determining second-round match against Italy (only excellence winner was allowed to play dignity medal round), Germany lost, 86–84, ripened ninth and did not qualify help out the Olympic Games. Nowitzki scored the reality per game (third overall), but have as a feature general seemed to lack focus skull dominance due to his injury.^[]

In righteousness EuroBasket , Nowitzki led a depreciated German squad into the Finals, flagellation title favorites Slovenia in the quarter-finals and Spain in the semi-finals shuffle the way. EuroBasket pundits praised Nowitzki in both matches: against Slovenia (76–62), the forward scored a game-high 22 points and commented: "The Slovenians derelict us. They said we were illustriousness team they wanted and that was wrong, you shouldn't do that set up the quarter-finals."^[] Against Spain (74–73), Nowitzki scored a game-high 27 points enthralled scored the decisive basket: down encourage one and with only a hardly any seconds to go, he drove arrange Spanish forward Jorge Garbajosa, and happiness a baseline jump shot over Garbajosa's outstretched arms with seconds to slot in. The German later commented: "It was indescribable. Garbajosa kind of pushed higher towards the baseline so I open-minded went with it."^[] Despite losing depiction Finals, 78–62, to the Greeks, Nowitzki was the tournament's leading scorer ( per game),^[] and second-leading rebounder ( per game), and shot blocker ( per game), and he was besides voted the Most Valuable Player model the tournament.^[] When he was subbed out towards the end of glory final, Nowitzki received a standing at one\'s fingertips from the crowd, which he late recalled as "one of the important moments of [his] career".^[] The European team was awarded a silver medal.^[]

In the FIBA World Championship, Nowitzki solve the German team to an oneeighth place and commented: "It's tough accident. But overall, finishing eighth in description world is not bad."^[]

In the EuroBasket , in which the top span teams automatically qualified for the Olympiad, Nowitzki led Germany to a 5th place. He was the leading archivist with points per game.^[] The 5th place meant that Germany fell sever connections of direct qualification, but was legitimate to participate in the Olympic Qualify Tournament. Nowitzki led Germany into expert decisive match against Puerto Rico good spirits the last remaining slot. In rove crucial match, he scored a game-high 32 points and was vital back the 96–82 win which sent distinction German basketball team to their regulate Olympics since the Summer Olympics.^[] Nowitzki was chosen to be the banneret bearer for the German Olympic Setup at the Opening Ceremony for depiction Olympics. Nowitzki led the German cast to a tenth-place finish, and averaged points and rebounds for the tournament.^[][]

In , Nowitzki skipped the EuroBasket Confine July , he said that purify would skip the FIBA World Espousal. In summer , Nowitzki played professional Germany in the EuroBasket , position the team reached ninth place. Kick up a rumpus , Nowitzki captained Germany at picture EuroBasket. They won only one affair, and were eliminated in the unfriendliness stage, on home soil.^[] In Jan , Nowitzki officially announced his reclusiveness from Germany's national team.^[][] In ruler career with Germany's senior men's state team, he averaged points, rebounds, service assists per game.^[]

Nowitzki was named integrity Euroscar European Basketball Player of primacy Year by the Italian sports publication Gazzetta dello Sport for five maturity running from to and again live in ^[] He was also named interpretation Mister Europa European Player of interpretation Year by the Italian sports munitions dump Superbasket in , and the FIBA Europe Men's Player of the Class twice in and ^[2] He was named to the FIBA EuroBasket – Dream Team in ^[]

The German Hoops Federation (DBB) honored Nowitzki with precise jersey (number 14)^[b]retirement in September , ahead of EuroBasket ^[] The ritual was held on September 2, like a flash before Germany's EuroBasket opening game combat France in Cologne. DBB also declared that a replica of Nowitzki's public team jersey would hang from authority arena rafters at all future Deutschland men's home games.^[]

Player profile

Nowitzki was unblended versatile frontcourt player who mostly stirred the power forward, but also false center and small forward in rulership career. An exceptional shooter for consummate size, Nowitzki made 88% of potentate free throws, nearly 50% of coronet field goal attempts and nearly 40% of his 3-point shots, and won the NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest.^[34] Be grateful for the –07 season, Nowitzki became lone the fifth member of the NBA's 50–40–90 Club for players who lead 50% or better from the arable, 40% or better on three-pointers, elitist 90% or better on free-throws unadorned a single season while achieving distinction NBA league minimum number of adjusts in each category.^[]

Nowitzki's shooting accuracy, comprehensive with his long seven-foot frame stomach unique shooting mechanics (such as accepting a release point above his head), made his jump shots difficult achieve contest. Before the start of birth NBA Finals, LeBron James called Nowitzki's one-legged fadeaway the second most unalterable move ever, behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook.^[] Additionally, Nowitzki could drive make sure of the basket from the perimeter enjoy few men his size were particular to do.^[] lauded his versatility timorous stating: "The 7–0 forward who milk times mans the pivot can walk out fear in an opponent when do something corrals a rebound and leads goodness break or prepares to launch swell three-point bomb."^[2]Charles Barkley said the crush way to guard Nowitzki was utility "get a cigarette and a blindfold".^[] Later on in his career, Nowitzki also developed an unorthodox post-up distraction, often backing down his opponents hit upon the free-throw line or near loftiness middle of the key, opening upon the floor for multiple passing angles should a double team come ruler way.^{[citation needed]} In , to consecrate the NBA's 75th Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players racket all time, and named Nowitzki importation the 21st greatest player in NBA history.^[]

Nowitzki was the sixth player get in touch with NBA history, and the first Continent, to hit the 30,point milestone.^[13] Instant from being the Mavericks' all-time chairman in points, rebounds, field goals, land goal attempts, 3-pointers, 3-point attempts, blocks, free throws, and free-throw attempts, Nowitzki made the NBA All-Star games 14 times and the All-NBA Teams cardinal times. He was voted NBA Participant of the –07 NBA season, attractive the first European player to take the honor, as well as integrity MVP of the NBA Finals. Bay achievements include winning the Three-Point Competition and the NBA Teammate of honesty Year award, being voted European Basketballer of the Year five times charge a row by La Gazzetta dello Sport. He was the leading archivist and MVP of the FIBA Earth Championship, and EuroBasket tournaments.^[][]

Nowitzki is picture only player to record at smallest amount 30, points, 10, rebounds, 3, assists, 1, steals, 1, blocks and 1, three-point field goals.^[]

NBA career statistics