Last night during Game 3 of the Mavericks’ and Thunder’s First Round playoff series, Russell Westbrook blocked Dirk Nowitzki. It was both sad and cool, because it was an incredible play by one of the league’s best players but reminded us of an aging superstar.
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However, Dirk responded to this play with his dry sense of humor, as only Dirk would.
Dirk on Russ rejection: "I was actually kind of glad he got there, because I probably woulda got hung on the rim." https://t.co/zeNUszzC79
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 22, 2016
Dirk has been known to take a fluke play and make a self-deprecating joke. Earlier this season in a game against the Portland Trailblazers, Dirk switched onto guard C.J. McCollum and was turned around by McCollum’s crossover. Afterward, Nowitzki claimed he told C.J. that it wasn’t kind to do such a thing to an old man.
While Dirk is one the greatest players to ever play in the NBA, his humility will be nearly as memorable as his achievements on the court. We really hope Dirk never, ever retires.