The Jamaica Star :: Sport :: Mavericks' Nowitzki out indefinitely

Injured Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki talks with the media after Mavericks practice yesterday in Dallas, Texas. A magnetic resonance imaging comfirmed that Nowitzki suffered a moderate left-ankle sprain and a mild left-knee sprain during Sunday's loss to San Antonio. No timetable has been set for Nowitzki's return. - AP

DALLAS (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks was ruled out indefinitely yesterday with an ankle sprain and a mildly sprained knee.

It's a blow to the Mavericks' NBA title hopes - and perhaps their chances of making the playoffs. The team announced the diagnosis following a magnetic resonance imaging exam the day after the reigning league MVP 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 for only one or two weeks. The regular season ends three weeks from tomorrow.

"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.''

Reduce swelling

He said he's trying to reduce swelling by putting the ankle and knee in ice every two hours, even when he sleeps. Doctors will set a rehabilitation plan today.

"Hopefully, I can 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.

"Usually I'm good with recovering from injuries. I know I'm not 20 anymore, but I still feel young, my body feels young. So hopefully, I can recover pretty quick.''

Nowitzki has had ankle problems throughout his career, but he's never missed more than six games in a season. His durability is a big reason why he recently became the leading scorer in team history.

He was 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.

The Mavericks have lost three straight, continuing a spiral since adding Jason Kidd. They are only 9-8 with the all-star point guard and hold a half-game lead over Golden State for the number seven seed in the Western Conference.

The Mavericks have 12 games left, starting today at home against the Los Angeles Clippers. They'll play at Denver on Thursday and at Golden State on Sunday.

Dallas has won at least 52 games and made the playoffs every season since 2000-01, when Nowitzki became the focal point. He led the club in scoring for the first time that season and has done so every year since, including two years ago when the Mavericks made the NBA finals and last year when they won 67 games.

Nowitzki's injury could also have international ramifications: Germany is among 12 teams vying for the three remaining spots in the Olympics. The qualifying tournament is in July.