The Mavericks are describing it as a nightlong party to celebrate Dirk Nowitzki's historic 21st season, but even the guest of honor concedes that it sounds a lot like a retirement party.
Not that Dirk Nowitzki knows all of the night's planned details. He has made it a point to not know them. He's planning to prepare for Tuesday night's home finale against Phoenix as if it's any other game, rather than, potentially, the last time he'll play at American Airlines Center.
"It's going to be weird approaching it," he said. "But I'm still going to do my same routine.