Dallas Mavericks: Fans in Shenzhen cheer loudly for Dirk Nowitzki

Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki sat out their preseason game in Shenzhen, but fans roared every chance they got for the legend.

The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up their trip to China as part of NBA Global Games on Oct. 8. They earned a split of their two-game set against the Philadelphia 76ers with a 115-112 victory on Monday morning.

The Mavs did not have the services of Dirk Nowitzki. He made the trip to China but did not play as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery in April. Dirk was scrimmaging before training camp opened, but a setback has kept the 40-year-old from practicing this preseason.

Nowitzki is going to miss regular season action at this point. The Mavs are releasing another update on Dirk’s status on Oct. 12.

Related Story. 4 Mavs who impressed in victory over the Sixers

Showered with cheers in Shenzhen

Fans in China love Dirk, but the game in Shenzhen on Monday took it to another level. Below is the reception Nowitzki received pregame when he took the court courtesy of the Mavs official Twitter account.

Quite a warm welcome for @swish41 as he enters the arena In Shenzhen! We’ve got about 2 minutes left in the 1Q as the Mavs lead 25-17!

?https://t.co/YlV5Q0C4qj https://t.co/mvgzuL5krh
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) October 8, 2018

It did not stop there, though. Dirk gave a pregame thank you to the fans that was met with a large ovation. Then, he was shown on the video board multiple times throughout the game, and each time the fans got quite loud for the German legend. The fans showed a ton of love to the future first-ballot Hall of Famer and it was awesome to witness.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki was showered with love throughout their China trip. He received a guitar during the first game in Shanghai. Dirk was also met by large crowds of people all over looking for pictures and autographs. He was clearly the most popular Maverick in China. That is a well-deserved honor of the legend.

Next. 5 predictions for Wesley Matthews this season

The storyline to follow on Nowitzki after he returns to the court is his adjustment to a new role. Dirk is expected to come off the bench for the first time since 1999. Expect the legend to dominate some reserve big men, but can he share the court with DeAndre Jordan for limited stretches to keep his minutes over 20? Only time will tell, so stay tuned.

Home/Mavs News