101 Quotes by Dirk Nowitzki

My whole first season was surreal. My first game was against Detlef Schrempf. There was German media everywhere. It was probably my worst NBA game. It was all a blur.

I came into this league when I was 20, and I didn't know if I was going to make it.

I've never faked an injury or an illness before.

When the media's around, I try to be careful. I don't want to make a mistake or use bad language, and I have to really concentrate because of the language barrier.

Obviously, sometimes in the summer, when you're by yourself in the gym, you lift, you run... it gets hard sometimes. It gets hard sometimes; I'm not going to lie.

Top of the key is my shot.

I felt, when I was 20, I wasn't quite ready for the physical contact of 82 games. Mentally, it was tough. I forgot what city we were in most of the time. I can't even imagine going through it at 18 or 19.

When you're older and get more experience, the game slows down for you. I know exactly what spot to get to where I can always get my shot off no matter who's guarding me.

I love to play, and I love the sport, but I don't play it to gain popularity.