Whether is was because of the stellar play of rookie Luka Doncic or people wanting to watch Dirk Nowitzki play for the final time, basketball fans around the world watched a lot of Dallas Mavericks game this season.

The Mavs had the largest regional TV ratings spike in the NBA this season. Thanks to Doncic, Dallas' international viewership increased as well.

Via Brad Townsend of the Dallas News:

According to Nielsen, the Mavericks enjoyed the highest regional TV ratings surge in the NBA this season. Dallas' 86-percent increases in viewership and ratings from last season to this season on Fox Sports Southwest surpassed No. 2 Denver's 77-percent increases.

The average rating of Mavericks games on FSSW increased from 0.7 to 1.3. The numbers no doubt are a reflection of local excitement generated by the addition and play of rookie Luka Doncic, as well as late-season interest in the final games of Dirk Nowitzki's illustrious 21-season career.

The Mavs only won 33 games this season, but Doncic was must-see TV and everyone wanted to watch Nowitzki play. Nowitzki retired from the NBA, ending his legendary career with the Mavs.

Many believe Doncic will win the 2019 Rookie of the Year award. He averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game in 2018-19. With Nowitzki gone now, Doncic is the new franchise player in Dallas.