Dirk Nowitzki got a lot more than he likely bargained for during an event prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.
Nowitzki was present for a pregame event at PNC Plaza outside of American Airlines Center prior to Game 3, where some fans took part in a pregame dunk contest. One fan named Chris enlisted Nowitzki for help, with Nowitzki playing the classic role of holding the basketball while the dunker leaps over him.
There was just one problem: Chris did not have the hops. He was unable to clear Nowitzki and sent both of them careening into a nearby barrier.
Almost took Dirk out last night 😳 pic.twitter.com/z5efnU4UtO
— Dallas Texas TV (@DallasTexasTV) June 13, 2024
Safe to say nobody will be letting Chris near Nowitzki for dunking purposes ever again.
Mac McClung essentially made himself famous with dunks like this at the actual Slam Dunk Contest in 2023. It turns out it is even harder than it looks, and it’s not like it looks easy. Nowitzki might want to stick to working with professionals if he does this sort of thing again.
