Watch: Dirk Nowitzki receives ovation during season home debut
Dirk Nowitzki received a warm welcome when he took the court in Dallas for the first time this season.
During Sunday’s game between the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings, Nowitzki walked onto the floor at American Airlines Center for the first time since last season. Prior to entering the game, the future Hall of Famer received a standing ovation from nearly everyone in attendance.
@dallasmavs fans give Dirk Nowitzki a standing ovation as he enters for his season home debut! #MFFL #ThisIsWhyWePlay #Year21 pic.twitter.com/c3t0s9GvTI
— NBA (@NBA) December 17, 2018
The Mavs also played him a tribute video:
: @swish41 made his home debut & this tribute video was shown in arena! Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/rAgl0YFbfI
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 17, 2018
Nowitzki made his season debut last week against the Phoenix Suns. He finished that game with two points in six minutes of action.
Nowitzki has not ruled out playing beyond this season. While he may not be the player he once was, he still has plenty to provide as a mentor to Luka Doncic, the likely future of the franchise.