Nowitzki walked away from the NBA on Wednesday night after a glittering 21-season career.
The Mavericks legend was a key part of their 2011 NBA championship-winning team, and bowed out as a 14-time All-Star.
He only announced his retirement on Tuesday night, in the Mavericks’ final home game of the season, and was honoured on the court by a selection of basketball legends.
In his final home game, he scored 30 points with eight rebounds and three assists, and followed up in his grand finale in San Antonio by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds.
His final points, a jump shot from just inside the paint, led to a standing ovation inside AT&T Center, home of the Spurs.
Fans were quick to point out what Spurs head coach Popovich did in the build-up to that play, however.
As Nowitzki was passed the ball, the legendary coach appeared to gesture for Drew Eubanks, who was covering the German, to back off and allow him the shot.
After Nowitzki drained the effort, Popovich could be seen standing and applauding.
One fan wrote: “Pop was so happy”
“Pop’s applause!” another posted.
One fan tweeted: “Pop’s reaction is awesome”
Another asked: “Was Pop waving his player away to give Dirk a clean iso look for his last points ever? And then clapping once he made it? That’s amazing.”
One other fan joked: “Popovich MVP for that”
Speaking after the game, Popovich heaped praise on the outgoing Mavericks superstar.
“Everybody got to witness history, and watch him play his last game,” he said.
“He played a fine game, that’s not surprising as he’s such a special gig for so many reasons.
“He was having a lot of fun tonight, and I’m really happy for him.”