Dirk Nowitzki crushes broadcast debut: A look back at his best moments

The Dallas Mavericks were scrambling for replacements on Tuesday night. They have placed four players and two assistant coaches into the health and safety protocols since Saturday. The Mavs were down eight players, including Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. when factoring in injuries.

The team was also scrambling to fill the broadcast booth. Mark Followill called the game on Sunday night solo as Derek Harper was sidelined. Dirk Nowitzki stepped up to replace Harper as the Mavs hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 21.

It was Nowitzki’s first full game as an analyst, and the 43-year-old was fantastic on the call. He mixed insight and humor masterfully as the shorthanded Mavericks topped the Timberwolves 114-102. Here is a look back at some of Dirk’s best calls from Tuesday night.

Dirk Nowitzki crushes broadcast debut: A look back at his best moments

Dirk was locked in and ready from the opening tipoff. He shared plenty of insight on what the Mavs were trying to do and how they were navigating with two players in the rotation that had just signed over the weekend. Nowitzki also showed off his trademark humor several times. Bally Sports Southwest cut together a highlight reel of the legend's best moments from the game for fans to enjoy.

Nowitzki also told the story of the first time he met Boban Marjanovic during the broadcast that is sure to bring out a laugh, and Bobi responded with ten points in eight minutes on Tuesday night.

It was fantastic to hear Dirk Nowitzki on the broadcast. The Mavericks GOAT poked some fun at himself and joked about Karl-Anthony Towns' recent comments. There was plenty of insight and analysis too.

Nowitzki will be back at the American Airlines Center for his jersey retirement on Jan. 5 as the Dallas Mavericks host the Golden State Warriors, and fans cannot miss that game. Be sure to check back to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on Dirk and the Mavs.