GER - Nowitzki shaved off his flowing locks

DALLAS (NBA) - Germany international Dirk Nowitzki is trying to throw off the disappointment of losing in the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat.

It is for that reason the Dallas Mavericks star has shaved off his familiar flowing locks and goatee beard.

Call it an end-of-season clear out.

"After our defeat I stayed at home, disappointed and frustrated, and I had to do something," Nowitzki said, reflecting on a Finals series in which the Mavs blew a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 to the Heat.

However, there were still plenty of positives in the season for Dallas.

"We've changed our reputation this year, we've become a more defensive and harder team," he added. "Our season has still been satisfying."

Nowitzki has also confirmed his intention to play for Germany at the FIBA World Championship in Japan.

PA Sport