Following a slow start to the season, the Dallas Mavericks have begun to show some encouraging signs toward turning things around. A part of that has been the improvement in the play of veteran forward Dirk Nowitzki over the last four games that have created a sense of optimism for the Mavs about him picking it up as the season rolls along, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

“My legs feel stronger. My stamina is better,” the 39-year-old Nowitzki said. “It just took me a while to get going into the season. Eleven games in 18 days didn't help against a lot of great, great opponents, but I feel better now and I'm going to keep working.”

During that span, Nowitzki has played a huge part averaging 13.0 points on 52.4 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from beyond the arc with 8.0 rebounds. This includes scoring in double figures in three straight games.

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The 39-year-old may not be the player he once was due to his age and mileage on his body, he has shown the remarkable ability to still be a factor despite being in his 20th campaign. At the same time, there will be stretches where his play may suffer because of those same parameters.

If he's able to find a way to continue to be effective on the court in limited action, it will not only help the Mavs begin to turn things around while pushing him to continue playing beyond this season.