Watch: Doc Rivers Calls on Clippers Crowd to Give Dirk Nowitzki Standing Ovation

Rivers called on the Staples Center crowd for an ovation with nine seconds remaining.
Watch: Doc Rivers Calls on Clippers Crowd to Give Dirk Nowitzki Standing Ovation
Watch: Doc Rivers Calls on Clippers Crowd to Give Dirk Nowitzki Standing Ovation /

Dirk Nowitzki made likely his final trip to the Staples Center as a player on Monday night, and Clippers coach Doc Rivers made sure Nowitzki wouldn't leave without the proper recognition. Rivers grabbed the microphone at center court with nine seconds remaining in Los Angeles' 121-112 win, imploring the crowd to give the 21-year veteran a standing ovation before time expired. 

Content is unavailable

“I didn’t really understand much, but that was really humbling," Nowitzki said postgame. "That was an emotional moment. I’m really appreciative.”

Nowitzki hasn't said he will retire at the end of 2018-19, telling reporters he will "wait and see" on Feb. 16. The 14-time All-Star and 2006-07 MVP is averaging a career-low five points and 11.8 minutes per game this season. Nowitzki is No. 7 on the NBA's all-time scoring list and is on pace to pass Wilt Chamberlain before the end of the year.

Dallas is 13th in the West at 26–34 following Monday's defeat. Los Angeles is 7th in the West at 34–28.


Published
Michael Shapiro
MICHAEL SHAPIRO

Michael Shapiro is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated. He is a Denver native and 2018 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin.