Dallas Mavericks: How the thrust of Dirk Nowitzki against Spurs reminds fans of Mavs what remains to be enjoyed this season

When the announcer of the American Airlines Center shouted the name of Dirk Nowitzki as a starter before the Mavericks were facing the Spurs on Tuesday night, fans have let the cheers of the most exciting entries. pre-game, feeling a special occasion.

After all, every appearance of the Nowitzki in the arena is now important, since it remains 40 years to less than a month in what could be his last NBA season.

But in the moments that followed, Mavericks fans had to wonder if the appearance of Tuesday night could be particularly important. Nowitzki scored eight points in the first six minutes, leaving him 27 points ahead of Wilt Chamberlain to finish sixth on the NBA leader list.

The 21-year-old did not score again, but the anticipated break-up sparked enthusiasm for what eventually became the 112-105 loss, the Mavericks' sixth consecutive loss and the 12th in their last 14 games.

While the Mavericks are looking to the future since the beginning of February, when the franchise traded all the starters, with the exception of rookie Luka Doncic, against Kristaps Porzingis, several players should hope to form a nucleus opposing the series and the championships. Continuation of another milestone, reminded us once again of what remained to aim and enjoy this season.

Before the match, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich praised the impact of Nowitzki, especially as a pioneer for international players, including teammates Doncic and Porzingis.

"Dirk is a spectacular example of a competitor on the field, but to be a great human being at the same time," said Popovich. "He competed fiercely, he loved winning, he hated losing, but he's smart in that he knew how to do both."

By the time Nowitzki again faces Popovich in the April 10th San Antonio final – perhaps the last game of Nowitzki's career – the German superstar will probably have surpassed Chamberlain's mark (31,419 points).

Although his average score of 5.7 starting Tuesday is well below his career standard, Nowitzki said his level of mobility and comfort has improved in recent weeks.

In addition, he scored 29 points in his last three outings, a rate that motivates him to complete the March 18 feat at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Another treat for fans of Mavericks in Dallas.

Popovich intervenes in the Westbrook controversy: Before training against the Mavericks, Popovich gave his opinion on a controversy surrounding the NBA.

Thunder's Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook and a Utah Jazz fan faced a verbal altercation on Monday night when Westbrook said Shane Keisel, a Jazz fan, had told him, "Get down on your knees as you habit. " Westbrook responded with blasphemy and said that after the match, he considered the comment as "racial".

While the NBA fined Westbrook $ 25,000 for its role in the exchange and the Jazz banned the support, Popovich said on Tuesday that he understands the difficulties that sometimes face. players to represent the league, but also for their difficult relationship with the spectators.

Carlisle said that he had not paid attention to the fallout and declined to comment.

"I've heard a lot of things that have been thrown out there," said Popovich, "that are irrelevant and inappropriate, and under normal circumstances, on the street would require some kind of response."

Twitter: @CallieCaplan