Popovich discusses Nowitzki's legacy, says it was honor to watch Dirk play

SAN ANTONIO – UPDATE: Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich spoke to the media ahead of the regular season finale against the Mavericks and spoke at length about Dirk Nowitzki, who is retiring after 21 seasons in the NBA.

Popovich described Nowitzki as a skillful player who paved the way for several European and international players.

Popovich added Nowitzki was a "fierce competitor that never wavered at any time in his career."

The Spurs-Mavericks rivalry in the early to mid-2000s was one of the most intense in the league.

Popovich spoke about those heated playoff series and said despite the wins and losses, Nowitzki won with class and it was an honor to watch him play.

When asked to describe Nowitzki in one word, Popovich took a momet to think and asked for two words: "Skillful ferocity."

The Spurs also honored Nowitzki prior to tipoff with tribute video.v

Nowitzki became emotional during a standing ovation by the AT&T Center crowd.

Check out some of the clips below: 

Nowitzki officially announced his retirement on Tuesday after the Mavericks home finale.

GAME PREVIEW STORY:

After 81 games, the regular season for the San Antonio Spurs ends Wednesday night when they host the Dallas Mavericks.

But there is one major question mark: Who will they play in the first round of the playoffs? 

One thing is certain: The Golden State Warriors are the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, but the playoff matchups won't be known until the games end Wednesday night.

The choices for the Spurs have been narrowed down to three teams: Golden State, Denver or Houston. 

One thing is for sure, regardless of who their opponent will be, the Spurs will open the playoffs on the road.

"We don't know who we are going to play, what seed, doesn't even matter, I guess. With a win, it can be any team out of those three," Spurs forward Davis Bertans said. "So, we have to think about ourselves, we have to improve and be consistent tonight and play defense. That is what is going to help us in the future."

The opponent may not matter as much as getting themselves ready, something the Spurs seemingly have been working on for a few weeks.

"I feel like everybody's focus went up a little bit because we understand what's right around the corner. Just trying to build on things we need to work on, so we can be the best team we can be," said Spurs point guard Derrick White.

Even with the focus up through the last game, White thinks there is more the team needs to work on.

"We just have to win and start playing at a high level, trying to build for something," White said.

There is one possible matchup he may like over the others: If the Spurs play the Denver Nuggets in round one, it would hit close to home for White.

"Wherever we go, I'll be fine. That's obviously my hometown, but it doesn't really matter," White said. 

Not only will Wednesday be the final game of the regular season, it will also be the final game of Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki's career.

Nowitzki got a huge sendoff Tuesday night in his final home game, and Wednesday night, the curtain will finally fall on his career.

"Incredible player -- had a great career; to stay with the same team. I think a lot of people can relate to that, here, Bertans said.

"Dirk is going to have a lot of people there. I think a lot of people will understand the history and his impact on the game," White said.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the AT&T Center.