"As it turns out, Dirk Nowitzki's start to the season - his scoring average of 17.9 points is the lowest since his second season - has happened for a reason.

Nowitzki said after Wednesday's 91-89 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers that he's been battling a sore right knee that has limited his mobility.

The good news, he said, was that the worst appears to be behind him."