Dirk Nowitzki's injury on his left ring finger has led many to declare that it won't make a huge difference because Nowitzki is right-handed and the left hand merely acts as a guide hand on his jump shot. But as Nowitzki himself says it, there is much more to the game than just shooting. In a media session before Game 2 of the 2011 NBA Finals, Nowitzki admitted that he will probably feel the effects of his torn tendon in many areas of the game.
Dirk Nowitzki Injury To Affect Dribbling, Passing, Catching
“I don’t think it’s going to be necessarily bothering me on the shot,” Nowitzki said prior to Wednesday’s practice. “It’s not like you do anything crazy with it.
“It’s going to be other stuff -- dribbling, passing, catching, swiping down -- stuff like that. I think it will be OK.”
Nowitzki did say he is not worried, and he should still be close to himself no matter what. But his admission that there are certain areas where his injury could affect him should be a reality check. So much of Nowitzki’s game is setting himself up to take good shots, and the finger injury will make that task more difficult.
For more on Nowitzki's injury, stay with this StoryStream. For the perspective from Dallas, head over to Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation Dallas.
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