National Basketball Association

Nowitzki leaves Mavs game with tight lower back

Published Feb. 29, 2012 9:42 p.m. ET

foxsports

Dirk Nowitzki has left the Dallas Mavericks' game against Memphis with lower back tightness. His return was questionable.

Nowitzki appeared slow throughout the first quarter Wednesday night, laboring down the floor and not playing defense effectively. He came back in for a short time in the opening minutes of the second period, but left after scoring only one point and missing his lone shot from the field.

The star forward is the Mavericks' leading scorer at 19.7 points per game.