Dirk Nowitzki announced on an evening full of emotions the end of his unique basketball career. "This was my last home game, as you expected," said the superstar of the Dallas Mavericks after the 120: 109 against the Phoenix Suns over the indoor microphone. Contrary to his announcement, to make a decision about his future only on vacation, made the 40-year-old already now.

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Two decades in Dallas: The eternal Dirk

Nowitzki has in 2011 as the only German brought the NBA title. The Würzburger received after the 2006/07 season as the first Europeans the prize for the most valuable player (MVP) of the season, it brought 14 times to the Allstar and is currently with 31,540 points, the number six scorers ever list. Nowitzki, flag bearer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has won bronze medals with the 2002 national team and European silver in 2005.

In his last game at the American Airlines Center, Nowitzki showed the best season performance with 30 points and was extensively celebrated by the 19,200 fans at the end of his 21st NBA season in the franchise jersey. Mavs top scorer Nowitzki came to tears because of the great atmosphere.

Viewers called "We want Dirk"

Hundreds of Mavericks had given Nowitzki a great reception upon his arrival in the belly of the arena. The 40-year-old ran through a trellis, visibly enjoyed the loud "Dirk" calls and clapped in gratitude with as many as possible. All wore the black T-shirt with the imprint "41.21.1", which means: The number 41 plays season number 21 for this one club.

Also Rick Carlisle had dressed like so many in the hall the special shirt, the coach ordered Nowitzki course in the starting line-up of the Mavericks, with loud cheers of the fans the Klubidol was presented as the last player. First, all attacks on him ran, Nowitzki met after 33 seconds his first throw and made in just over three minutes single-handedly for the first ten points of the hosts. In the middle of the first quarter he was replaced by his compatriot Maximilian Kleber.

Nowitzki showed in the 1521st main round game of his career once again the whole range of his qualities. Against the worst team from the west, he hit four of six attempts at the break until the break, scoring 19 points and scoring four rebounds and finishing at eight. Whenever Nowitzki started to throw, the fans rose from their seats.

When the veteran dunked the ball into the ring after the break for the second time this season, "MVP" shouts rang through the arena. Also, "one more year", so called the audience in the hope that it might go on.

Nowitzki received as advertised by Carlisle much playing time, was repeatedly demanded by the audience ("we want Dirk") and came to 32:42 minutes in the end. On average, it was only 14.9 this season. Nowitzki stood on the floor when his last game in Dallas came to an end.