Dirk Nowitzki Reflects on Emotional Farewell Game Against the San Antonio Spurs
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Dirk Nowitzki revealed the profound significance of playing his final NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs, describing the team as “always sort of our big brother.” The game, held in San Antonio on April 10, 2019, marked the end of Nowitzki’s 21-year career with the Dallas Mavericks.
Nowitzki’s relationship with the Spurs spanned his entire career, frequently clashing in intense playoff battles. He acknowledged the Spurs’ consistent success and influence, stating they set a standard the Mavericks continually measured themselves against.
“This team was always sort of our big brother,” Nowitzki said, according to Basketball Network. “They were always there,always winning championships,always doing things the right way. We always had to try to catch them.”
Throughout his career, Nowitzki and the Mavericks frequently enough found themselves competing with the Spurs, led by Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Despite the rivalry,Nowitzki always held the Spurs institution in high regard. He even admitted they frequently enough got the better of Dallas.
The 2011 NBA Finals saw the Mavericks finally overcome the Spurs, winning the championship. However, Nowitzki emphasized the respect he had for San Antonio, making his farewell game against them notably meaningful.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich praised Nowitzki following the game, stating, “Everybody – players, fans, coaches and staff got to witness history, watching him play his last game. He played a fine game, which was great. Its not surprising…I feel honored and blessed to have been able to watch him all these years as he’s one of those consummate professionals,and he never wavered from that.”
Nowitzki and Duncan, along with other prominent big men of their era, redefined the power forward position, moving away from traditional playstyles and ushering in a new age for the NBA.