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Number 41 is now officially timeless for Dallas Mavericks fans. The franchise celebrated the retirement of the mythical number ofDirk Nowitzki taking advantage of the game against Golden State Warriors. Several members of the team that lifted the title in 2011, including Peja Stojakovic, Caron Butler, Tyson Chandler, JJ Barea and current Mavs coach Jason Kidd, joined Dirk on one of his most special nights.
The team, led by Luka Doncic, did not miss the appointment and closed the evening with victory (99-82). The Mavs managed to leave the bay with the lowest score for them this season, 82 points. Stephen Curry once again had an uninspired night, staying at 14 points on 5-of-24 shooting from the field, and this time, no one was able to come to the rescue. Meanwhile, Jason Kidd’s pupils were very committed on defense and an overwhelming final quarter, in which they outscored their rival by more than ten points (29-15), was enough to win.
The brightest player of the game was Luka Doncic, who led in points and assists (26 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds). Beside him, Finney-Smith (17 points and 9 rebounds) and Brunson (15 points) were the ideal complements to knock down an unknown league leader. With this victory, the Mavs overtook the Lakers and placed fifth in the Western Conference, sporting a positive record of 20-18.
A tribute to the height of Dirk
“You have set the standards for what it means to work and earn,” said Jason Kidd in his speech. His former partner wanted to round off his speech with some nice words:«We want to thank you on behalf of the team that was champion. Being yourself you have changed the game. Now all (tall players) shoot 3s. But the most important thing is that you have always been a champion, from day one. And Dallas has watched you grow to become the man you are today».
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Mavs owner Mark Cuban were also part of the ceremony. The latter revealed special recognition for Nowitzki by presenting for the first time a small-scale model of the statue that will be outside the pavilion. The work captures the characteristic movement fadeaway by Nowitzki.
«We don’t do this because you won the championship for us“Declared Cuban. This is because of who you are and what you have done. We always want to acknowledge eternal greatness». Later, Luka Doncic would also dedicate a few words to him:«He was one of the best. But one thing that stands out about him is the great person he is. He was one of the most humble stars in history. He deserves everything that happens to him ”, affirmed the Slovenian.
Nowitzki was a 14-time All-Star over 21 seasons with the Mavs and led the franchise to its only title. He played his entire career for Dallas, from 1998 to 2019. The game against Golden State was also not randomly selected, as Dirk is also linked to the Warriors through his relationship with Don Nelson, the legendary coach of both franchises, who orchestrated the choice of German through the Draft.
Nowitzki also spoke to his family members, former teammates, coaches and fans to thank them for the extraordinary support he received from all of them.“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for making this trip amazing. Thank you for taking in a lanky and lanky boy over 20 years ago and making him one of your own. I will always be grateful», Promised the now legendary player.
(Photo by Tom Pennington / Getty Images)
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