Kyrie Irving has 'unconditional' respect and love for Dirk Nowitzki / News - Basketnews.com

Kyrie Irving had nothing but high praises for Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con/Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con/Scanpix

The Dallas Mavericks officially secured a postseason berth after beating the Atlanta Hawks, 109-95, behind 26 points from Kyrie Irving.

Dirk Nowitzki

Position:PFAge:45Height:213 cmWeight:111 kgBirth place:Wurzburg, GermanyProfileNewsStatistics

As he headed to the locker room after the game, Irving ran into Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki in the tunnel, where they shared a hug and exchanged a few words.

Irving said in the post-game press conference that he has the utmost respect for Nowitzki and recognizes his contributions to the Mavericks franchise.

"I think for Dallas in general, [Dirk] created a culture of championship-winning and MVP-like performances. A lot of game-winners, playing with a lot of legends in the league…It helped build this franchise to be where it is today. Although it's only one championship, a lot of franchises can't say that," Irving told reporters.

Kyrie IrvingCredit USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix

"The respect I have for him as a peer and as a little brother, right? So, I look at Dirk as someone who I can always go to if I need some resources or advice. Just hearing about the quality of human being he is, how much he has influenced Luka [Doncic] and other guys that have come through here…The respect and the love that I have for him is unconditional. He set the standard here, and he's built a large legacy that other guys want to follow."

Nowitzki played 21 seasons with the Mavericks and had career averages of 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He led the Mavericks to the NBA title in 2011, won regular season MVP in 2007, and Finals MVP in 2011.

Nowitzki was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2023.

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