NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki learned the hard way that giving fans the opportunity to dunk on you can be a dangerous move.
The 7-foot-tall player was at a promotional event outside the Dallas Mavericks’ home arena before Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and fans at the event were eager to show off his dunking skills.
Nowitzki stood under the basket and held the ball behind his head as fans took off running.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Former NBA player Dirk Nowitzki before Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports)
However, the fan’s dunk attempt was unsuccessful.
ESPN analyst slams Mavericks star Luka Doncic for ‘unacceptable’ behavior in NBA Finals: ‘He’s hurting the team’
In response to the attempt, the announcer said, “Damn it, Chris.”
The fan didn’t even manage to take the ball out of Nowitzki’s hands, instead landing on the former NBA star’s back, nearly knocking Nowitzki down in the process.
(L-R) Emmitt Smith, Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash during Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Nowitzki’s blue shirt collar was up after a botched dunk, but the Mavs legend otherwise looked fine.
Former NBA player Dirk Nowitzki before Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports)
Nowski spent his entire NBA career with the Mavericks, winning the 2011 NBA Finals MVP award before retiring in 2021.
Click here to get the FOX News app
The Mavericks lost Game 3, 106-99, and the Boston Celtics lead the series 3-0 heading into Game 4 on Friday night.
Follow Fox News Digital X’s sports coverage,subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
