GER - Nowitzki may face Warriors tactics at EuroBasket

FRANKFURT (EuroBasket 2007) - Golden State put the clamps on Dirk Nowitzki in their first-round upset of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA play-offs and the Germany talisman knows he may face similar defenses at this summer's EuroBasket in Spain.

Don Nelson's Warriors gave the power forward fits with double-teams, and by running at him from behind in their 4-2 series victory.

They held Nowitzki to 38.3% shooting from the floor, including 21.1% from three-point range - down from 50.2% and 41.6%, respectively, from the regular season.

When asked at his annual Nike premiere in Frankfurt what he'd do if Germany's opponents at EuroBasket 2007 employed the Warriors' strategy, Nowitzki said: "We'll have to see.

"If teams in Europe double me, too, and attack me from behind, then I'll have to find a way to still be effective."

Nowitzki was the first European to be voted as NBA MVP after firing the Mavs to 67 wins during the regular campaign, but his post-season performance has led to a lot of criticism.

"In nine years in the NBA you learn that you're the best when you win and the ass when you lose," he said.

"I don't need any journalists who have never held a ball in his hand and never experienced a similar pressure that I have to tell me that I played poorly.

"Criticism is part of it all, and it can also motivate you."

Nowitzki will take some time off to rest before returning to the court for workouts with his long-time friend and personal coach, Holger Geschwinder.

Ask what areas in his game he would like to get better in, he said: "Once you reach a certain level, you don't really make any big leaps.

"It's more about small improvements. My defense can be better, but also my center (low post) game."

Nowitzki has maintained a sense of humour despite his tough end to the season.

When asked what he's planning to do with his MVP trophy he said: "Actually I wanted to bring the thing to Germany, but it didn't make it through customs.

"And it was too heavy for my carry-on. I would have liked to have presented it - even though it's really ugly."

From Martin Fuenkele, Frankfurt
FIBA