Mavs unveil Nowitzki statue before Christmas game vs. Lakers

Outside the Dallas Mavericks’ arena, Dirk Nowitzki and his son Max were waiting to lift the lever that would reveal the monument of the former Mavericks great.

The one-legged fadeaway jumper that is Nowitzki’s trademark was already out in the open. There was never any doubt about it.

After Nowitzki’s ceremony on Christmas Day, the Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 124-115. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham stated, “That jump shot, just shooting up to the heavens, producing all sort of rain.”

Near the American Airlines Center, where his jersey hangs from the rafters, lies Nowitzki Street, named for the former Mavericks star. And on a chilly but bright morning, a roughly 24-foot monument was presented on the plaza south of the arena.

Nowitzki, the first NBA player to spend all 21 of his seasons with the same organization, said that the moment was “emotional.” It seemed like the sun was perfectly aligned with the structure as it climbed up.

In a series of events commemorating Nowitzki’s career, the 11th anniversary of the Mavericks’ only other Christmas home game stood out as the most memorable.

Nowitzki was the face of the organization as it began its lockout-delayed 2011-12 season defending its lone NBA championship.