Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki might have faced the Indiana Pacers for the final time on Wednesday. Prior to the game, Pacers head coach Nate McMillan reflected on how much of a “matchup nightmare” the Mavs legend was back in his prime.
Per Fox Sports, McMillan, who's been coaching since 2000, shared his thoughts on Nowitzki.
According to the 54-year-old — who has coached the Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) and the Portland Trail Blazers –, Nowitzki is just a great basketball player for the Mavs.
“He was a matchup nightmare. Just a guy that could put up big numbers. The best defense was not to allow him to get the ball. Unbelievable career.”
Nate McMillan on Dirk Nowitzki, who is likely facing the @Pacers for the final time tonight: "He was a matchup nightmare. Just a guy that could put up big numbers. The best defense was not to allow him to get the ball. Unbelievable career." #Pacers pic.twitter.com/xX0zTODD7h
— Bally Sports Indiana (@BallySportsIN) February 28, 2019
McMillan added that when he put a big guy to guard Nowitzki, the German easily beat him in the perimeter. When he puts a smaller man on him, Nowitzki can beat the defender in the post. And this ability has given Mavs opponents all sorts of problems.
Nowitzki, 40-years-old, hasn't confirmed if this will be his final season in the NBA or not. He shared that his decision of whether to retire or not will be based on how he adapts to the strenuous NBA lifestyle this year.
Whether this is his last year or not, Nowitzki will go down as one of the best to ever do it.
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