"Rick Carlisle stressed again tonight before the Mavericks played Phoenix that Dirk Nowitzki is working harder in his weeklong rehab assignment than he would be if he were playing games.

And he also said the boot camp could last longer.

"To be clear, again, he had two workouts today and there are going to be multiple workouts on most days,'' said Carlisle, who also mentioned that strategic physical recovery periods will be utilized. "We'll see what's what after four games and if he's not ready after four games, then we may extend this thing.''"