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Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade and Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki got one last chance to play in the All-Star Game as special additions to the roster, and the NBA made sure they will never forget it.
Before the start of the fourth quarter, the two basketball legends were presented with framed commemorative jerseys to honor their participation in the annual festivity.
Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade are being presented with framed commemorative jerseys by their teams and thanking the fans and the league before the start of the fourth quarter. pic.twitter.com/HrYVVUB0MJ
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 18, 2019
Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki also had a chance to address the crowd, using the opportunity to thank the fans and the league for the love they showed them throughout the years. Dwyane has already announced his retirement after this season, while Nowitzki is largely expected to call it a career as well given the way he is playing this year.
“Thank you,” Nowitzki said. “Thank you to the commissioner and the NBA for allowing us to be on this stage again. Much appreciated. We’re very humbled.”
Wade, on the other hand, praised the current crop of stars in the NBA, saying that it's easier to walk away from basketball now as the league is in great hands.
“We’re very thankful for this opportunity,” Wade added. “The game is in great hands, so it’s easy to walk away right now. These guys are amazing.”
What a special tribute to Dirk and D-Wade! 👏 https://t.co/aT4ilv67b6
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 18, 2019
Nowitzki, who played for Team Giannis, finished the game with nine points on 3-of-3 shooting from the 3-point line. Meanwhile, Wade ended up with seven points, two rebounds and four assists for Team LeBron.
It's undoubtedly touching to see Nowitzki and Wade feature in this annual festivity for the final time in their careers, and it's even more heartwarming to see the current stars pay tribute to the legends of the game who paved the way for the new generation.
