Mavericks’ Nowitzki out with sprained ankle, knee
Published 12:57 pm Monday, March 24, 2008
DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks is out indefinitely with a moderate high ankle sprain and a mildly sprained knee.
It’s a blow to the Mavericks’ title hopes — and perhaps their chances of making the playoffs. The team announced the diagnosis after the reigning MVP underwent an MRI exam Monday, the day after he was injured during a game against San Antonio.
He landed awkwardly on his left leg after running to block a shot.
Nowitzki said he’s hoping to be out only one or two weeks. The regular season ends three weeks from Wednesday.
“I’m trying to see the positive and it could’ve been a lot worse,” Nowitzki said, wearing a protective boot on his left ankle. “It could’ve been a season-ending injury or even career-ending.”
He said the ankle and knee are both still stiff. He’s trying to reduce swelling by putting them in ice every two hours, even when he sleeps. Doctors will check him out again Tuesday, then set a rehabilitation plan.
“Hopefully I can move where I can already go on the underwater treadmill a little bit in the next couple of days, so at least I can put some pressure on it and see how it feels,” Nowitzki said.
Nowitzki is seventh in the league at 23.6 points per game this season. He’s also the team leader in rebounds (8.8) and averaging a career-best 3.6 assists.
Dallas’ playoff chances have been slipping even with Nowitzki.
The Mavs (44-26) have lost three straight and are only 9-8 since adding point guard Jason Kidd. They have a half-game lead over Golden State for the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. The Warriors play the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. The top eight teams make the playoffs.
Dallas also must keep an eye on Denver (42-28), which is closing in on a playoff spot. The Nuggets play at Memphis on Monday night.
“Everybody just has to pick up his game,” Kidd said. “We have to do it as a team. That’s the beauty of this right now. We’re confident that we can do it without Dirk until he gets better.”
