Gregg Popovich applauds Dirk Nowitzki's last career basket in San Antonio Spurs win over Dallas Mavericks
Thursday 11 April 2019 09:37, UK
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich led the applause as Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki scored the final basket of his 21-year career.
Nowitzki, who said his goodbyes to Mavericks fans in Dallas' home win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, finished off his NBA journey with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double, but could not prevent the Mavericks from falling to a 105-94 road loss to the playoff-bound San Antonio Spurs.
Nowitzki enjoyed numerous playoff battles with the Spurs in the prime of his career, and it was no surprise to see him receive a warm welcome at San Antonio's AT&T Center.
But the 7ft German probably did not expect the final basket of his career to be so warmly applauded by Spurs coach Popovich.
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With less than a minute left in the game and the Spurs leading by 15 points, Nowitzki held possession at the top of the Spurs' key. As the shot clock ran down, Popovich appeared to gesture for San Antonio defender Drew Eubanks to lower the intensity of his defense to allow Nowitzki to round off his career in style.
Dirk needed no second invitation, firing a trademark fadeaway jumper that rattled home. On the Spurs sideline, Popovich led the Spurs crowd in applause for the Mavericks star, which drew a smile from Nowitzki as he trotted back on defense.
With 47 seconds left, Nowitzki walked off the court for the final time. He received a standing ovation from the Spurs fans.
San Antonio's victory enabled Popovich to tie Lenny Wilkens for the most total wins (regular season and playoffs) by any coach in NBA history (1,412).
Speaking after the game, Nowitzki said: "It has been physically and emotionally draining, but I left it all out there again, representing the franchise and the city that I love. I had a blast.
"If I don't end at home, it's kind of fitting that I finish in San Antonio. The battles we had... they were always our big brother beating up on us. I have the utmost respect for 'Pop'. The pre-game [tribute] video got me really emotional before the game. I'd like to thank the Spurs for pushing me every year and making me a better player."
Click the video at the top of the page to watch Nowitzki's final NBA basket and Popovich's reaction.
