Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki said he is “proud” of the effort his former team showed in their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers have long been considered one of the favorites to win the NBA title, but the Mavs played them tight throughout the series before bowing out in Game 6 on Sunday.
Nowitzki noted that Mavs fans have plenty to “look forward to” in the future.
Lots to be proud of and lots to look forward to!!! #mffl
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) August 30, 2020
The fact the Mavs pushed one of the leading title contenders to six games is especially impressive considering they did not have Kristaps Porzingis for the majority of the series.
Porzingis was having a fantastic game for the Mavs as Dallas took the Clippers by surprise in Game 1, but he was ejected following a scuffle with Marcus Morris and L.A. stormed back to win the contest.
However, the Mavs rallied to win Game 2. Porzingis had a magnificent performance in Game 3, though Dallas came up just short. He would not play the remainder of the series.
Not to be denied, Luka Doncic and Co. put on a phenomenal show during the Mavs' win in Game 4. However, the Clippers simply proved to be too much without Porzingis on the floor, winning each of the next two games to close out the series.
Still, there were encouraging signs for the Mavs. Doncic's stardom is obvious, but Dallas also got excellent production from the likes of Trey Burke and Seth Curry, and they battled the whole way.
The Mavs might not be ready to compete for a title just yet. Nonetheless, Dirk Nowitzki knows as well as anyone the road to a championship can be a long one, and he is encouraged by what he sees in this team.
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