Mavericks Spurs Basketball

Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki (41) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Rudy Gay, center, and Marco Belinelli during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 105-94.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Dirk Nowitzki said goodbye to the NBA the same way he came into the league, smoothly draining a jumper over a defender to punctuate a passionate performance.

It was only fitting that Nowitzki’s final shot came against the San Antonio Spurs, a team he terrorized in the regular season and postseason. This time, however, the tears it stirred were tears of joy.