The Mavericks were so distraught about Dirk Nowitzki's off-court situation that they had what one player described as the best practice of the season Thursday.
Nowitzki's private life may be in flux, but the Mavericks' star, his teammates and coaches insist it will not be a distraction to a team whose bigger problem is staying focused on Carmelo Anthony, Nene and the rest of the Denver Nuggets. A source said Nowitzki had known long before Game 2 that there were suspicions about his former fianc?e, Cristal Taylor. He then went out and scored 35 points, so his focus should not be an issue. And his teammates echoed that sentiment.
"That's personal,'' J.J. Barea said. "He's part of the family. We support him, and he's got it all under control.
"Basketball is his life, so he'll be ready.''
Jason Terry said any off-court problems are no concern.
"He [Nowitzki] was in here at practice going hard,'' Terry said. "Everybody's focus is on Game 3 and getting that first W. Whatever it is, I don't know. We got to get this win. Whatever else is going on doesn't matter. Come to play, strap it up and leave it all out there on the floor.''
Nowitzki was adamant that he will not let his personal life impact his job.
The Mavericks lost the first two games in Denver because they wilted in the fourth quarter. But Nowitzki played well in both games, and the Mavericks remained ultra-confident that returning home for Game 3 on Saturday and Game 4 on Monday will make a huge difference for them.
"We're down 0-2, and I'm trying to focus on Basketball as much as I can,'' Nowitzki said. "I'll be ready."
DMN
4 p.m. Saturday (ESPN)
