Dirk out???

Nowitzki helped off court with left ankle injury

December 21, 2006

SEATTLE (AP) -- Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki was helped off the court with 2:05 left in the first quarter on Wednesday night after spraining his left ankle against the Seattle SuperSonics.

X-rays on Nowitzki's ankle were negative and the team said he would be re-evaluated when the Mavericks return to Dallas. The Mavericks host the Clippers on Friday night.

Nowitzki was hurt following a missed free throw by teammate Jerry Stackhouse.

Seattle's Chris Wilcox jumped for the rebound and was bumped by DeSagana Diop of the Mavericks. Wilcox fell to the ground, his legs spreading and his left foot hitting Nowitzki just above his left foot, causing the All-Star's ankle to roll.

Nowitzki was down on the floor for a few minutes before being carried back to the locker room by two teammates.

Nowitzki had six points in the first quarter

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Seattle was lamenting yet another major injury. Rashard Lewis injured a tendon on the back of his right hand after his fingers got caught in the net while he was trying to block Dampier's shot in the opening minute of the game.

Lewis immediately ran to the locker room and had X-rays taken. He was to be re-examined on Thursday.

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